Barbara receives a new powered wheelchair, with thanks to East Kent Freemasons
On Sunday 14th June 2026, W.Bro Alex Coppin, representing the Septem Lodge, L7788 based in Dover W.Bro David Bragg, representing the Royal Military Lodge L1449 based in Canterbury, W.Bro Kevin Kemp, Representing the Millennium Lodge L9730 based out of Tovil Maidstone as well as Military Jubilee Chapter C2195 based out of Dover& Bro Chris Eason also of the Septem Lodge L7788 and father of Jerra Eason, met up with Jerra and ‘Barbara’ her newly purchased Powerchair, funded by the successful Match funding application of the three Lodges and Chapter, to the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, bringing together the basics of the 3 Pillar Strategy by making a difference to people in our local communities.
Figure 1- Pictured with Jerra & ‘Barbara’ L to R are:
W.Bro Kevin, W.Bro Alex, Bro Chris & W.Bro David
The story starts with a conversation between Bro Chris and the Septem Lodge Almoner Alex, about whether Jerra could be helped to purchase a Powerchair to help Jerra be able to get out of her house and get back to her work with the Girl Guide movement amongst other things.
The request was made to the General Purpose Committe (GPC) of Septem and Kevin said, why not look at getting some Lodges together and apply for a Match Funding Grant form our own Charity, the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, (CEKFC).
In addition to the Septem Lodge, Kevin approached, Royal Military Lodge in Canterbury, Millennium Lodge of Charity in Tovil (as a member) and James Wright approached the Military Jubilee Chapter, all four agreeing to support an application.
Application made online very easily,
- decision made by the CEKFC Trustees,
- cheques collected from the 4 units paid to CEKFC,
- CEKFC makes payment to Jerra’s bank account,
- ‘Barbara’ purchased the wheelchair
Very shortly after the purchase of the Chair, we received the following letter and photographs from Jerra;
Dear Kevin, Alex, David, and James,
I can’t thank you enough for funding my wheelchair. The difference it has made and will make to my life is incredible. I can do things for myself for the first time, things I thought I would never be able to do. From day-to-day things to big things, for example I was able to go and get some milk when I had run out, which may seem small but it’s the first time in years I’ve been able to just go and get it. It usually involves asking someone else to either get it for me or take me there. I’m sure I had a silly grin on my face the whole way there and back!
Jerra continues, “I am Tawny Owl at Brownies, I’ve volunteered at Girlguiding on and off since I was in my early 20’s. I had an accident at 21, a brain virus at 33 and I turned 43 in April.
For the first time ever I was able to go on a trip to London with my fellow leaders. To say it was emotional would be an understatement, I don’t think any of the leaders had dry eyes”
Left to right
Jerra & ‘Barbara’ Out and About in London
Jerra & ‘Barbara’ in Girl Guiding HQ
Jerra & ‘Barbara’ Travelling to London’
“We went on a badge quest which involved seeing several landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square”,
“We also visited Girlguiding HQ. This is a huge deal to me, being able to join in with my friends around London and really enjoy it with them.
“I have popped a photo below of us in The Foundling Museum”
Jerra finishes her letter saying “The improvement to my family has been amazing, I can go out for a ‘walk’ with my boyfriend and our dogs, something I haven’t been able to do for around 20 years. I can finally go birdwatching again with my Dad, a passion we’ve shared since I was little but had been taken away from us by my mobility issues. I can go out with my sister Georgia and my nieces Ada and Betsy and enjoy day trips with them. There are too many things for me to list, just small everyday things that people take for granted have been given back to me through your generosity.
There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am. To you it may just be a wheelchair, but to me it’s a whole new way of life. I hope you enjoyed the photos of me out and about on ‘Barbara’ as I have affectionately named her!
Thank you,
Jerra Eason
The brethren present all agreed that together as a Fraternity we can make a huge difference to members of our local community, enhancing lives and building lasting relationships.
We would like to thank those Lodges and Chapter that took part in this initiative and to all at the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity for their kindness, professionalism and help to make this possible for Jerra, without your help Jerra would have continued to struggle.
