West Lancashire Freemasons donate ₤40,540 and deliver 82,653 items to 29 local food banks in Christmas appeal

THE Freemasons across the North West, unable to meet due to Covid19 restrictions, rallied round to donate ₤40,540 in cash and 82,653 food items to assist local food banks. It is a sad fact that because of the Pandemic, the demands on food banks have soared, and many disadvantaged and vulnerable adults and children faced the prospect of a Christmas with little to smile about. Throughout the North West, individual Freemasons wanted to help out, so it was decided to pull things together across the region to co-ordinate a more structured response.

Time was tight if a pre-Christmas deadline was to be met. Leader of West Lancashire Freemasons, Tony Harrison, put out a call just a few weeks ago challenging members from across the Province (which covers an area from Barrow and South Lakeland in the north to Liverpool and the Manchester suburbs further south) to join in an effort to help out by donating items of food, and identifying local food banks that would benefit. The call was answered, and the response has been outstanding. In the run up to Christmas, Freemasons across the Province have been collecting food, Christmas treats, toiletries and toys to donate to local food banks. It has been a co-ordinated effort, with the 19 groups within the Province utilising the local Freemasons Halls as collection and storage points. Many members, self isolating or shielding, or just too nervous to go shopping, made monetary donations totalling ₤40,540, and 82,653 items of food and Christmas treats have been delivered to 29 food banks in Towns and Cities the length and breadth of West Lancashire, leaving plenty of time to ensure that they get to the needy in time for the festive season. Thousands of toys have also been distributed. All this to the thanks and appreciation of community volunteers across the region who give of so much of their time and effort running food banks and supporting communities.

Tony Harrison, West Lancashire Freemasons, said:- "Even though these are difficult and unprecedented times, no one should have to go hungry, especially at Christmas. We are so glad that we are able to provide help and support to so many families across the whole of West Lancashire. Local freemasons have achieved all of this in just a few weeks and I hope the food, treats and toys that have been delivered will spread a little joy. We will continue to raise money and donate our time to serve the community."

More classics back on the big screen at Vue Southport over the festive break

FILM fanatics in Southport are already able to enjoy a selection of fan favourite festive flicks Back on the Big Screen, at Vue this Christmas, with many more classics returning since Boxing Day.

To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, Total Recall, the classic sci-fi / action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been newly restored in 4K. Follow the tale of Quaid on his rampage of Mars and beyond as he visits the Recall laboratories which claim can help make his dream a reality. Packed with explosive action and classic lines, the revamped version means it will be shown in its best ever quality on the big screen.

The films on offer include:- Golden Globe Winner The Greatest Showman, featuring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Zendaya. Directed by Michael Gracey, this feel good film celebrates the birth of show business telling the story of PT Barnum, a visionary with little more than ambition to his name. This American musical drama follows Barnum's family's journey as they rise from nothing to create a spectacular worldwide theatrical sensation.

For those in the mood for a classic romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally is returning to the big screen this month. Thirty years on from its release in 1989, this touching film remains ever-popular. Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the story follows the title characters' long standing friendship and how they are forced to deal with how they feel about each other.

Families will be excited to see the return of live action version of The Lion King to Vue. Lions rule the African Savanna in this recreated animation, which welcomes Donald Glover as future king Simba and Beyonce Knowles Carter as Simba's friend turned love interest Nala.

Leigh Loudon, General Manager at Vue Southport, said:- "We're thrilled to welcome the return of some fan favourite films to the big screen this month, and with the variety on offer we are sure there will be something for everyone. With the Christmas period looking different to usual for many, we're glad to be able to offer the chance to sit back, relax and escape to the world of great stories."

Tickets are available now at:- MyVue.Com.