Five prominent members of the Freemasons Fund of Bermuda, led by their president Cup Match legend Colin Blades, were at their genial best this week making the latest disbursement to various charities.

Beneficiaries this time around were the Society for the Blind, The Family Centre, Hands of Love and The Eliza DoLittle organisation.

The presentations took place at the Freemasons Hall on Reid Street. Officiants were lawyer Michael Smith, former presidents John Dale and Norman Pogson, fund treasurer Dudley Cottingham and Ivan Swan.

The Freemasons Fund For Bermuda (FFFB) is a charity that has been functioning most effectively since 1981 and has donated over $220,000 to charities, explained Mr Dale. He added: “Our purpose is to assist the community of Bermuda by making donations which are generated solely from Freemasons. We do not make appeals to the general public or sections of the general public.”

The Freemasons Fund of Bermuda is not, in itself, a Masonic lodge, but represents all 13 Masonic lodges in Bermuda and is the local fundraising arm. Essentially every Freemason contributes and is a member.

Mr Dale went on to explain how Bermuda is quite unique in the worldwide spectrum of Freemasonry. Being such a small island we have lodges representative of The Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland each with their own particular history in Bermuda. Each of the these lodges are members of the FFFB and contribute accordingly. Additionally the Fund itself holds fundraising events.

One hundred percent of funds generated go to charities in Bermuda. But donations are not made to religious, political or Masonic bodies, individual Freemasons or their families.

Mr Cottingham explained how The Bermuda Society For The Blind provides Beacon House in Hamilton, a place where the blind can meet, socialise, work and enjoy companionship and a hot lunch. At Beacon House material is provided for the blind to produce products in a warm, safe environment. A free lunch is given for the blind every Monday to Friday except holidays.

The Family Centre, represented by Sarah Dunstan, provides early intervention services to children who are suffering family-based problems such as abuse, neglect and other emotional challenges. It provides families with the skills they need to be successful and to sustain that success for future generations. The services are available to any Bermuda resident who meets the criteria and has the need.

Hands of Love Ministry, explained Fern Wade, is a service that highlights feeding, clothing, and prison programmes, including the ‘Never Again’ prison programme. It provides funds to single parents and their children and assists ex-prisoners with employment and housing.

Terry Battersby, representing Eliza DoLittle, commented on the organisation’s objective being to reduce hunger and food wastage in Bermuda by collecting and distributing food to agencies that feed Bermuda’s hungry.

KING AND QUEENS EMERGE WITH IMPACT

A talented, highly motivated band styled as King and Queen Productions (KQP) has emerged on the local social and cultural scene with almost magical impact.

Their latest effort was hosting the monthly seniors’ luncheon at the BIU. It was intended to be a “luncheon with a twist,” and several of the 100-plus seniors in attendance were not hesitant about describing the event as ‘super’. They were speaking fellowship-wise, food-wise and the attendant fun. It was all free.

What this writer found to be most intriguing, was how KQP came into being. Its prime mover was public bus operator Gregory Darrell. He was overwhelmed by a spirit to do something out of the ordinary to bring families in the Island together. A Whitney Institute alumnus, he passed his sentiments on to two of his former Whitney classmates Helene Benjamin and Dawnette Bean, who were easily captivated.

Their first big effort was to hold a father and daughter dinner dance at the Hamilton Princess Hotel. Each daughter in attendance would be feted as a ‘princess.’ Then it was realised a king was essential overall, and Gregory became king. Being such a lucky fellow, he made Helene and Dawnette the queens. And thus KQP was launched, with no fuss or bother, but high energy and overflowing talents, supported first and foremost by their own family and friends circles,

A regular highlight of the social action schedule at the BIU has been its free seniors’ luncheon proceeded in recent months by a movie in the union’s Liberty Theatre. BIU education officer Colin Simmons, under whose purview falls seniors’ programmes, had no hesitation in allowing KQP to host the November luncheon.

KQP engaged popular deejay Nadunja Bailey to MC the luncheon. The big ‘twist’ was the distribution of the door prizes and raffle winners. The fancy bags each contained such items as a loaf of homemade bread, a gingerbread, fruit, frozen fish and personal items. Some were presented with a bouquet of flowers. It was interesting noting seniors who did not avail themselves of the movie, began forming at the entrance to the beautifully decorated luncheon hall nearly two hours before the scheduled start.

KQP were overwhelmed by the kudos that have been flowing their way, along with queries about “What’s happening next.” Incidentally, the menu for the day comprised Princess Season Rice, Kings Macaroni ‘N’ Cheese, Benji’s Baked Chicken, Beanie Fried Fish, All of Us Mix Veggies. Also for dessert, there was Queen’s Lemon Cake, Spring Gardens Bread and Butter Pudding; Tom’s Gingerbread, Colin’s Fruit Punch and Union Tea.

All were served by KQP friends who took time out from their jobs, and Whitney Institute students.