Over the years they’ve raised many thousands for charity and given to many worthy causes.  

This week, they continued that tradition by sponsoring sessions at Step and Learn for Hallie, a four year old girl from Gillingham with cerebral palsy.  

Hallie and her mum, Rachael, met the members of the lodge at Franklin Road Masonic hall shortly before the start of their meeting.  Hallie was an immediate hit with the brethren and was treated to a tour of the building including the lodge room.  She tried out all the principal chairs for size and seemed very comfortable taking charge.  

 After the tour and a drink at the bar, Step and Learn trustee and treasurer, Karen Parsler, presented a sponsorship pack to acting Master, Peter Lacey.  Among other things, the pack includes a detailed plan of Hallie’s progress and targets at Step and Learn, so the lodge can see a direct link between their charity and a positive outcome for Hallie.  

Taking the Master’s Chair

Lodge Secretary Paul Hooker said, “We’re so pleased to be playing a part in Hallie’s journey at Step and Learn.  We’re looking forward to receiving future updates as well as welcoming her and her family to our summer BBQ in July”.  

 Step and Learn chairman Patrick Barden said, “Our work depends solely on charitable donations.  Sponsorship plans like this really do help to ensure that children like Hallie continue to receive this vital therapy (which is not available on the NHS), free of charge”.  

Step and Learn

A Charity Driven By Passion

Step and Learn is a charity dedicated to assist the physical and educational improvements of children with Cerebral Palsy and associated motor difficulties. Our aim, like Andras Peto the Hungarian founder of Conductive Education, is to view the child holistically, educating and motivating the child through play to become active participants throughout their daily lives.

​Step and Learn provides the building blocks to children who have to learn how to control their body, a skill that is second nature to a child with no neurological impairments. We teach them to sit, stand, feed themselves etc. Tasks that will make them depend less on others when they are older as they equipped with the tools that enable them to be more independent.

Below is a photo of:  Racheal holding Hallie, with Karen Parsler, treasurer of Step and Learn,  WBro Peter Lacy and WBro Paul Hooker, both from Gillingham Lodge of Benevolence No 184

Written by Mark Lawson. 
For more information on the Charitable work in East Kent, take a look at our Charity page, 

Charity – East Kent Freemasons

For more information about the Step and Learn Charity, here is a link to their website. 

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