London Freemasons help Suited and Booted

Parachute
Regiment
Lodge
9315

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals…

The lodge has held several social events such as witnessing the Tower of London Keys ceremony a lady’s festival at a hotel usually outside of London that provides opportunity for our families to enjoy the company that these types of events provide. Importantly we maintain links with the regiment and serving soldiers.

EVENTS

Delve into the rich traditions of Freemasonry as we gather to celebrate our shared values and principles

WHERE WE MEET

Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September and December, at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. they usually start at 11am thus providing members ample time to travel to London to join the meetings. The June meeting is the installation meeting.

ABOUT

The Parachute Regiment Lodge was consecrated on 5th June 1989. Though named for our Regiment the decision was taken not to restrict membership to serving or former members, though the majority do fit that criteria. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of military, security and civilian backgrounds who all adopt our ethos, to be the best in all that we do…

ARENA

Engage in enlightening discussions, partake in meaningful rituals, and forge lasting connections with fellow brethren

Suited & Booted is a charity that helps vulnerable men make the most of their abilities in finding suitable employment. The charity has received £5000 from London Freemasons. Over 1400 men passed through the fitting room doors last year having been referred by over 200 agencies. They come from all walks of life; ex-military chaps finding it difficult to adapt to civilian life, ex-prisoners, recovering alcoholics and some with mental health issues.

Graeme is a 44 year old ex-Royal Marine with 24 years’ service. He explained how through a series of misfortunes, he ended up homeless and on the streets. He was referred to the charity and expressed how his life had been turned around with their support, interview advice, guidance and most of all a smartly fitted suit. With his military and IT experience, Graeme went on to secure a job and now helps the charity when he can.

Appearance and presentation are vital in today’s interview market. 16 year old Reece was referred by his local authority. Once he was fitted out with his Saville Row suit he left with a beaming smile and full of confidence. He was ready to take on the challenge of his interview with a leading sports retailer.

Dr Maria Lenn claimed “We have had an increased demand from the agencies we work with for help dealing with young people and ex-offenders. So we wanted to set up a project targeted at these specific groups, and the funding we have received from the Masonic Charitable Fund will help us do this. The problems facing young persons (i.e. 16 – 24 years) often arise from family poverty or issues with gangs. We shall be working with agencies such as Resurgo Spear, The Prince’s Trust, Key4LIfe and social services, to help these young men get jobs.”

Dr Lenn went on to say “It is difficult to exaggerate how the help we give transforms not just the appearance, but also the morale and self-confidence of the clients we see. From feedback we estimate that nearly three quarters of those we see succeed in getting the job for which they are being interviewed.”