Streetwise Opera helped by grant from London Masons

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

Founded in 2002 in response to a quote from an MP in the newspaper – “The homeless are the people you step over coming out the Royal Opera House” – Streetwise Opera is an award-winning performing arts charity that uses music to help people who are or have been homeless make positive changes in their lives. They run a year-round programme, providing weekly singing and acting workshops, theatre trips and public performances in five regions across England: London, Nottingham, Manchester, Teesside and Newcastle Gateshead. Every two years they produce a major opera, featuring their regular workshop participants performing alongside world-class, professional artists.

Streetwise Opera participant told us ‘I would never have gone across the door, I wouldn’t lift my head off the ground, I was that terrified. Now I am able to lift my head up and think I’m proud of who I am.’

Involvement with Streetwise Opera can be the first rung on a ladder of self-confidence for people who are or have been homeless. Through working in a safe and supportive group and participating in opera, an art form that many perceive as elitist, people’s beliefs about their capabilities are fundamentally challenged and changed. By being creative, developing new skills, meeting people and simply having fun, people feel better about themselves and feel more able to take on life’s other challenges – such as engaging with services, living independently, getting involved with community life and securing employment.

Emily Hurrell, Development Manager at Streetwise Opera says: ‘We are very grateful to have been supported by London Masons the Metropolitan Masonic Charity. Our pioneering and impactful work is made possible thanks to the support of philanthropists and grant-making organisations across the country, and your contribution towards our London Workshop Programme has enabled some of the capital’s most vulnerable and isolated citizens to achieve so much in the past year. Thank you.’

Adrian Fox from London Freemasons, added: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Streetwise Opera with their excellent London Workshop Programme to giving a safe space for the homeless to be able to be creative and develop new skills.”
This is another example of Freemasons supporting the London community. This donation follows on from a £1,250,000 donation, of a £2.5 million funding pledge from London Freemasons to London Fire Brigade. The funding will provide London Fire Brigade with two extended height aerial vehicles.”