The Lodge Meeting of 3rd March saw David Seggie, Immediate Past Master of Lodge Cadder Argyle No. 147, pictured here (far right) carrying out one last duty after having completed his term of office in December, presenting a cheque for £1000.00 to Colin McPhail, Recreation Manager at Erskine Hospital, accompanied by two of the residents, John McDermott and William Carruthers. Also present in the photograph are Finlay Campbell, Secretary; Charles Blades, Junior Warden; John Mackie, Master; Jim Cowan, Senior Warden; and Jim Anderson, Treasurer. This cheque represents the sum raised during 2004 for the ‘Master’s Charity’. Since 1984 the Master has nominated a charity or special cause to receive additional funding, over and above the normal donations.

Erskine Hospital, now known as Erskine Home, has previously been nominated by the Masters in 1991 and 1997. Other regular recipients have included Merkland School, Kirkintilloch, in 1988 and 1995; CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) in 1994 and 1996; and Yorkhill Hospital in 1993, 1997 and 1999. Other recipients over the years have been: Princess Louise Hospital; Noonan’s Syndrome; Zimbabwe Ambulance Appeal, Kidney Research, Myalgic Encephelomyelitis; Leaukaemia Research; Scottish Cot Death Trust; Jean Armour Homes, Paul O’Gorman Foundation, Jigsaw Community Nursery; Multiple Sclerosis; Meningitis Scotland. The biggest single donation was presented in 2003 to the CHAS Appeal. A sum of £2250 was presented, representing £10 for each year of the Lodge’s existence. Overall over £20,000 has been raised in addition to some two to three hundred pounds donated each year to local causes which have included; Chryston Senior Citizens; Local Playgroups; Chryston Boys’ Brigade Pipe Band, Moodiesburn Pipe Band; Griffin Burns Club; Chryston Bowling Club Cancer Whist; Chryston District Horticultural Society; Northern Corridor Befriending Project. In addition to local organisations, annual donations are given to the Earl Haig Fund and the Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. The Master this year, John Mackie, has nominated Rett’s Syndrome to be his chosen charity. It is hoped that a donation similar to the one above can be presented next year.