West London River Boat Charity developing critical thinking, communication, and conflict-resolution skills with support from 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

A generous £8,000 grant from London Freemasons enables The Thames Boat Project to run three full day and one half day School on the River education sessions for children and young people across London to learn about the riverways environment through engaging, interactive activities in an outdoor setting.

The grant will also fund two full day and one half day therapeutic cruises for London-based individuals who may have difficulty accessing the Thames due to physical and mental health challenges and other adverse circumstances.

Using two fully wheelchair-accessible community boats the charity delivers educational programmes for children and young people across London and the South East, and therapeutic cruises for people of all ages who have limited access to the Thames due to health issues, disabilities, isolation or social exclusion.

The work carried out by the charity improves wellbeing, encourages learning, and brings people together through two main programmes: Education and Therapeutic Cruise.

Too many children grow up without meaningful access to nature. Research shows:

85% of young people say being in nature makes them feel happy (Natural England, 2021).
76% of children want to spend more time outdoors, yet 63% of parents take them only once a week or less, citing accessibility as the biggest barrier (National Trust & First News, 2024).
92% of people agree nature supports mental health, yet 22% can't access it due to poor health (Natural England).

The generous grant from London Freemasons will address these needs directly, directly benefitting 141 individuals, offering inclusive access to meaningful outdoor experiences that inspire learning, reduce loneliness, and promote equality.

Dennis van Wonderen, Chair of Trustees said: “This generous grant from LFC will support even more Londoners in accessing the River Thames, one of this country’s most iconic natural landmarks. Your contribution will give inclusive, meaningful outdoor experiences to all Londoners that inspire learning, reduce loneliness, and promote equality.”

Paul King, London Freemasons said: “The River Thames is a key feature of London and to see it being used to support the community in the way that Thames Boat Project are doing is something that brings benefit to all communities in London. We are pleased to be able to support this project.”