Islington children and families can connect with nature thanks to London Freemasons

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

500 young children in Islington will be getting a special introduction to the natural world thanks to a grant from London Freemasons to The Garden Classroom charity.

The £59,000 grant will fund Little Seedlings, a special programme of year-round sessions for children under five years together with their parents and carers.

Islington is one of the UK’s most nature-deprived boroughs, where 71 per cent of residents lack access to a private garden. Across the UK, children are increasingly disconnected from nature, with research showing that 50 per cent of children cannot identify stinging nettles, 24 per cent do not recognise a conker and 83 per cent do not know what a bumblebee looks like.

An estimated 38 per cent of Islington children live in poverty and free-to-attend regular activities which benefit physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills are much needed. Children and adults alike will enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outside, connecting with each other and the natural world around them. Sessions will also build social networks and friendships, so crucial for new parents and carers at risk of loneliness and isolation.

Each week at Little Seedings, child-led play and sensory activities such as mud kitchens are combined with ‘greening activity’ designed to increase biodiversity and improve the greenspace, such as planting, making seedballs, building log piles and even improving ponds. There are also regular activities linking food growing and healthy eating to develop an understanding of nature's journey from field to fork. Each week, heathy snacks, stories and songs build community and a sense of belonging.

Amy Haworth, The Garden Classroom’s Director of Community Programmes, said: “We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant which allows us to introduce hundreds of local children to the natural world. Little Seedlings will give Islington children the chance to explore the natural world in a way that’s often impossible for those who live in this highly urbanised environment.”

Paul King from London Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help The Garden Classroom with their hugely important programme that gives Islington children the same experience of nature that kids from more rural parts of the country enjoy as a matter of course. Access to green spaces is vitally important for every child.”