Inspiring the young – West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity give £25,000 to science and technology project
West Lancashire Freemasons have made a donation of £25,000 to support a project at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes who are currently undergoing an exciting programme of regeneration. The project, partially funded by the Wellcome Trust and UKRI will not only see the redevelopment of some of the physical spaces within the building but it will also enable Catalyst to undertake more local community engagement. The generous donation from the West Lancashire Freemasons will fund a brand new interactive exhibit as the ground floor, science gallery is completely refurbished.
Dr Diana Leitch MBE, Chair of Trustees at Catalyst said: “I am delighted that the West Lancashire Freemasons have agreed to support Catalyst in such a generous way with this donation. Having new interactive exhibits will enhance Catalyst’s educational offer and draw new visitors, particularly families. It was particularly pleasing that the Freemasons branch in Widnes is involved as Catalyst is set at the heart of community life in Widnes and the main building which dates back to 1855 has been so since that date when it was Gossage’s soap works. My own family were part of that community and its history. Local and regional support from organisations like the Freemasons is particularly welcome in Catalyst’s efforts to raise funds to undertake and maintain their educational and heritage work.”
Freemasons from across the Province of West Lancashire, which includes parts of Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Cumbria, have contributed to the grant that comes through the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. The charity is funded entirely from donations by Freemasons.
Tony Harrison, leader of West Lancashire Freemasons, said: “This project will be of great benefit to the community, inspiring young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to learn, enquire and think, creating hope and opportunity for the future. I’m very pleased that West Lancashire Freemasons are able to support the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in their mission.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The above photographs show (left to right) Kevin Poynton, Martin Pearson (CEO of Catalyst), Steve Kayne ( CEO West Lancashire Freemasons Charity), Dr Diana Leitch MBE (Chair of Catalyst Trustees), Tony Harrison( leader of West Lancashire Freemasons), David Briggs (Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire), Mark Mathews (Chairman West Lancashire Freemasons Charity) and directly above David Briggs and Tony Harrison making sparks fly in the lab at Catalyst.
About Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre is the only science centre and museum in the UK which explores the science and technology behind the chemical industry and its impact on our lives past and present through a host of hands-on exhibits, activities and demonstrations. Catalyst is an independent charitable trust operated by Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum Trust Ltd.
Website www.catalyst.org.uk
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CatalystScienceDiscoveryCentre/
Twitter: @Catalyst SDC
Contact: Meryl Jameson, Marketing Manager meryl@catalyst.org.uk or telephone 0151 420 1121
About West Lancashire Freemasons
The Province of West Lancashire has around 8,000 members and its Lodges serve an area from the Manchester suburbs in the south to the Lake District in the north. Its members come from all walks of life and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals who share values based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. The Province practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate, and help for those in need. The Province and its lodges engage in a wide range of social and charitable activities and events, and its members enjoy their Freemasonry to the full. The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity is the charity of the Province. Its funds are raised entirely from donations by Freemasons and does not receive money from the general public.
Contact: Barry Dickinson (Provincial Publicity and Communications Officer) barry.dickinson@westlancsfreemasons.org.uk
