With society starting to open up more freely United Response’s Community Network in Folkestone, who support adults and young people with disabilities to live the life they choose at home and in the community, received a formal visit from our Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance and others to present a cheque for £3,980 on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund (MBF).
The Community Network in Folkestone offers a place for people with physical disabilities, special needs or mental health issues to meet and integrate with a large cross section of the community. One of the special and popular meeting areas of the venue is a decked area with wooden walkways suitable for wheelchairs leading to a garden with raised beds where herbs and other produce are grown for the good of the community. It also serves as a place for quiet reflection for many of the visitors.
Sadly, over time the decking and pathways had deteriorated to such an extent that the area was no longer usable.
In August 2020 the MBF kindly approved a grant of £3,980 in favour of the Community Network in Folkestone to refurbish this quiet reflective garden space.
On Friday 24th July R.W.Bro. Archie accompanied by Peter Hayler, Steve Hyland, Brian Ward and Peter Lapage were warmly welcomed to the Community Network by Joanne Sidders to a grand opening of the newly refurbished garden area. The Prov.G.M. gave a brief history of the MBF before presenting a symbolic cheque to the Centre on behalf of the MBF.
Joanne responded by thanking everyone for taking the time to come along to the grand opening and asked especially that we pass on her thanks on behalf of everyone who uses the centre to the MBF for their very generous donation.