Text size
Contrast

Cash crop for Elm Tree Farm

Steve Manning presents cheque to Elm Tree Farm manager Keily ElvinOur social enterprise Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, Bristol, is a thriving working care farm, providing support and training to adults with learning disabilities and autism.

Over the last year, local Freemasons have been supporting the Farm and recently Steve Manning, from the nearby Lodge of St Christopher, presented them with a cheque for £4,775.

Farm manager Keily Elvin said "This outstanding contribution will help fund the first phase of our new community space which will be used by school groups, a holiday club, and for private events."

300 years of Freemasonry

"2017 is the 300th anniversary of Freemasons forming Grand Lodge in London", explained Steve. "Throughout the year and all over the country, masons are engaging with local charities and the community as a whole. At Stapleton, where we are in the Masonic Province of Gloucestershire, we were aware that this very worthy charity was on our doorstep and we grabbed at the opportunity to help out."

Keily added "Back in May, the local Freemasons organised a family fun day at the Farm which attracted lots of visitors. We had a terrific day! Not only did they help prepare the site ready for the event, but they also swept the yards, tidied up the woodpile, and cleared some undergrowth next to the market garden. They really put their backs into it! The event raised over £1,000 but they didn't stop there.

"I believe it will be the largest single donation we've ever had - thank you so much!"

Steve explained that each of the lodges which meet at Stapleton also dug into their charity chests and Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action also added a further £1,200 to the final fantastic total of £4,775.