Freemasons help fund city school’s field trip to North Wales

Local Freemasons have generously donated £1800 to a school in the city, funding a residential visit to North Wales. The Peterborough and Counties Lodge, who meet at The Ellindon Centre in Bretton, raised the funds through donations from members during 2022.

Last month, NeneGate School welcomed two senior members of The Lodge to meet staff and pupils and find out more about how the money will be used.

Last year’s Master, Rogerio Antunes, and David Hilton presented the cheque to headteacher Catherine Wilson and teacher Tania Scutt, who will be the Visit Leader on the trip to North Wales

NeneGate caters for children, often from challenging backgrounds, across Peterborough who have had to deal with behavioural and mental health issues, making it difficult for them to cope in what can be a daunting world. Through their curriculum of activities, the school provides an opportunity to re-engage in education and offers a springboard to integrate them into adult society.

Their vision is to offer a nurturing school environment, enabling all their learners to feel safe and thrive. It prepares their students to move on to the next stage of their education as successful, confident, resilient young people, who can make a positive difference to society. This donation will fund a resi- dential visit to Aberdovey for 10students in Key Stages 3 and 4.

Rogerio and David met a number of pupils who will be going on the visit, including Archie (age 14) and Brandon (age 13), pictured.

The Head said: "A cornerstone of our school's unique curriculum is providing our students with new experiences and the opportunity to challenge themselves and develop their resilience in a safe and supported way. Without a donation like this, a residential visit would have been out of the reach of many of our families and our young people have had their lives enriched by this."

•To find out more about Freemasonry in the community, call the Ellindon Masonic Centre on 01733 331948 or email pmo@northants-huntsmasons.org.uk or visit www. northants-huntsmasons.org. uk and www.mcf.org.uk

(LR) David and Rogerio with Head teacher Catherine, plus Archie and Brandon