Broad Arrow Members Help Paint St John HQ
Members of the Broad Arrow Masonic Lodge pitched in to help a charity St John Ambulance at the weekend.
Lodge members picked up paintbrushes to give the St John HQ on Point Finger Road in Paget an interior makeover as part of the charity’s drive to renovate its offices.
Broad Arrow Worshipful Master Ben Beasley, a full-time Major in the Bermuda Regiment, said: “We want to assist people, especially when everybody is struggling with reduced budgets. We’re in a position to go out and help, so we do.”
The crew of eight spent Saturday painting meeting rooms and the kitchen area of the St John HQ.
St John Ambulance Commissioner Mike Murdoch-Smith and Broad Arrow Lodge members Martin Weekes and Ben Beasley as they paint the charity’s HQ
St John Ambulance Assistant Commissioner Mike Murdoch-Smith, also a Broad Arrow member, said: “We’ve had a big push to get the building renovated back to standard by our acting chairman Justin Williams.
“The outside has already been painted and we also need roof repairs – it’s quite a big job and the lodge is happy to do what it can and provide labour and the cost of materials.”
Mr Murdoch-Smith added that the charity depends wholly on donations and sends volunteer first-aiders to every public event on the island – around 750 a year.
He added: “Any help we receive from the community is gratefully received by the board and the members.”
Maj. Beasley said lodge members had donated cash, materials orlabour and food for the painting crew, while Bermuda Paint had given a discount on the paint used.
He added, “A little bit of time here and there makes a difference to valuable charities like St John.”
The Broad Arrow painting crew take a break from working the interior of the St John Ambulance HQ
Maj. Beasley added that Broad Arrow Lodge would also be hosting a gala quiz night at the Docksider pub and restaurant on Saturday, March 21, starting at 7pm for dinner and drinks.
Proceeds will go to three charities – the Women’s Resource Centre, Summerhaven residential home for the physically challenged and the Outward Bound youth adventure programme.
Docksider owner Reid Young will make a donation to the charities on every drink and three-course meal sold on the night.
Maj Beasley said: “Every year we look for ways to help the wider community – it’s a way everybody in the lodge can contribute.”
Tickets for the quiz night are $50 for a team of five and the night will include raffles, an auction and prizes for the top teams.
Teams can register for the quiz at www.ptix.bm and more information can be obtained from broadarrow1890@gmail.com.
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