Mark Master Masons ceremonial celebration on Star Appeal development site

The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, who donated an amazing £123,165 to the National Star College’s Star Appeal development, visited the College on Friday to celebrate the next milestone in the development and saw the foundations of the new student residence being laid.

The money that the Masons donated is being used to fund two independent living studio flats for the severely disabled students at the College, preparing them for running their own homes and managing their own care. The important life skills they will develop will include managing money, cooking a meal, washing up, shopping, and directing their carers.

Jim Green, on behalf of Mark Masons of Gloucestershire & Herefordshire, said,

“I am delighted the Mark Benevolent Fund has been able to assist the Star Appeal. Our members look forward to working closely with the College to bring the scheme to fruition.”

Stuart Edwards, speaking for Mark Grand Lodge said:

“This is one of the major donations the Fund has made this year. Freemasonry in general is one of the largest donors to Charities in the U.K. The Mark Benevolent Fund has existed for 140 years and generates its funds from Annual Festivals organized by its Provinces, from our own brethren and families.”

Kate Green from the National Star College said:

“We are absolutely delighted that the Mark Master Masons are joining us to celebrate this important and exciting next step in the development. It is thanks to such a generous donation from the Mark Master Masons Fund of Benevolence that these essential studio flats can be built. The flats are so important for our students to allow them to practice the independent living skills they need, in readiness for when they leave College.  We are grateful to the Mark Master Masons for this tremendous support, which will have a huge impact on the lives of our students, enabling more of them to learn the skills they need to lead independent lives in the future.”