Hinckley Masons from the Knights of Malta Lodge No.50 set themselves a goal of raising money for Guide Dogs through donations from their members, families and friends.
Pictured: ’far left Jeff Stevens Hon. Sec. of EWR; middle Jim Driver, far right Helen Driver with Guide Dogs delegates / Russell and Anne with their dogs ‘Sean’ and ‘Poppy’, and Ambassador Guide Dog ‘Tango’ in the middle.
The main fundraising event was held at the Steam Railway Fun Day in Kingsbury Waterpark in Warwickshire.
The money raised came from the members of the lodge, family and friends, as well as a donation from the Echills Wood Railway (EWR) who donated all the income received that day from tickets sold. Further donations from the public were received by a delegation of representatives from Guide Dogs.
The train rides were open to everyone who visited on the day, and tickets purchased from the railway company were used for fun rides.
A total of £4,000 was raised on the day. The Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons’ Charity doubled this sum, bringing the total to £8,000, which will be used locally by Guide Dogs.
Left: Another happy group departs the station
Right: Jim & Helen Driver aboard No. 50 locomotive ‘Douglas
About:
Guide Dogs is one of the UK’s leading sight loss charities. Our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing guide dogs help people with sight loss live the life they choose. We couldn’t continue our vital work without your generous donations and our amazing volunteers. https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/
The Echills Wood Railway in Kingsbury Water Park is one of the region's most popular visitor attractions and carried over 32,000 passengers last year. It is a seven and a quarter inch gauge (gap between the rails) miniature railway built and operated by a group of enthusiasts and dedicated volunteers. https://www.ewr.org.uk/
