Following our very successful appeal (or ‘Festival’ as it is called in freemasonry) for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, our then Provincial Grand Master, Ian H. Lay, announced that until our next masonic Festival he would like Sussex freemasons to support an initiative which he named 'Sussex 4 Sussex'.

The idea was that Lodges and Chapters throughout the Province donate to a central fund which is administered by the trustees of Sussex Masonic Charities. Lodges and Chapters then nominate local charities which they would like to see benefit from this fund.

'Sussex 4 Sussex' has turned out to be a huge success, and masons throughout the Province have already donated over £1,000,000 from their own pockets.

This very popular appeal will continue until our next Festival which will be in aid of The Grand Charity, a national masonic fund which provides assistance for masons and their family who are experiencing hardship, including the provision of mobility equipment. The Grand Charity also supports the important work of national charities of all sizes, including a special program of support for hospices and disaster relief work worldwide.

Sussex freemasons show their support for the Sussex Air Ambulance

The photograph above shows (front row from left to right) Ian H. Lay (our Past Provincial Grand Master) and The Most Honourable the Marquess of Northampton (the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master) presenting a cheque for £50,000 to Jill Playle (Head of Fundraising) and Tony Monteuuis (Chairman of the Air Ambulance Appeal). The presentation was made at Shoreham Airport on Monday 5th June 2006.

'Sussex 4 Sussex' has promised £150,000 to the Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal and this was the first payment. Since this photograph was taken another £50,000 has been presented and a further £50,000 will be presented in the very near future.

Click here to see a complete list of Sussex 4 Sussex beneficiaries

Total Presented To Sussex Charities So Far - £983,140 - With A Lot More To Follow

Thank you to all who have supported this appeal which is set to continue for some time to come.