Worshipful Brother Jeff Tiley and his wife Stacey welcomed over 62 Brethren and guests to the 10th Annual Union Lodge Burns Night Charity event held at the Margate Masonic Centre on 25th January.
As ever there was traditional bag pipe renditions from Pipe Major Tony Daniel, who has been a supporter of the even from the very beginning.
Based on a traditional Burns Night with traditional fare provided by our resident catering staff a superb night of Burns poetry and entertainment was had. The address to the Lassies was entertaining and responded to by our Worshipful Masters Lady – Stacey.

The evening raised a very respectable £549.00 for the chosen Charity, which is the Pilgrims Hospice. I asked WBro Jeff why the Hospice?
“Both Stacey and I have in recent years had parents that were struck down with an uncurable disease, namely Cancer. The Pilgrims Hospice offered impeccable end of life care for them both. They were treated with respect and patience; nothing was too much to ask. The staff were attentive to our parents and the families as a whole, and during these upsetting and difficult times, made every effort to ensure that the time we had left to share was hassle free and of a high quality. Time to make some lasting memories and say our final goodbyes”

He went on to say “The work done at Pilgrims does not stop with the passing of the afflicted, they offer support to those who are left behind in many forms, should it be needed. Sadly, many will not understand the amazing work done at the Pilgrims Hospice until the unfortunate circumstance of a loved one needing their services”.

Karen Kenward – Community Fundraising Manager of the Pilgrims Hospice in Margate explained how the much needed funds are put to good use.

“We take great pride in the fact that all our services are provided completely free of charge. Approximately 80% of the funding comes from our local community and it is entirely due to the kindness of people like you that we are able to provide the care we do. Your support is ensuring people living with a terminal illness in east Kent can access the quality care and comfort they deserve. As always, we are only able to provide our services, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our family of supporters, which you are an important part of.
Together we can, and will, continue to make a difference. To give you an idea of funding, £25 will pay for an hour of nursing care in a patients home or at one of our hospices in Thanet, Canterbury & Ashford throughout east Kent.

Pilgrims Hospice

Pilgrims helps people facing a terminal diagnosis, and their families, to live well in every moment.

Our work began 35 years ago, with the vision of one village nurse – now our President Ann Robertson. Ann wanted to make a difference for the people in her community facing terminal illness.

Thanks to her devotion, and the help of countless others, today we have over 200 Pilgrims nurses and therapists. Together they support thousands of people in east Kent each year.

Find out more on their website by clicking this link. https://www.pilgrimshospices.org/