Baines Masons Hands-On Support Transforms Vital Charity Shop for Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre
Brethren of Baines Lodge have once again demonstrated the enduring spirit of Freemasonry—not just through generous donations, but by rolling up their sleeves and getting to work for a fantastic cause right here in our local community.
We are delighted to announce the commencement of a major refurbishment of the Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre charity shop, a project spearheaded by our Worshipful Master, Ade May, who also serves as the Chair of the charity’s Board of Trustees.
This initiative perfectly embodies the Masonic principle of 'relief'—the active practice of charity and benevolence—providing both financial and practical assistance to those in need.
The Lifeline of Home-Start
Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre is a charity that offers a vital lifeline to families across our area. Their mission is simple yet profound: to give children the best possible start in life. They achieve this by supporting parents who are struggling to cope with a range of challenges, including post-natal depression, isolation, physical health problems, bereavement, and the general stresses of raising young children.
Home-Start's approach is unique and highly effective: trained volunteers, many of whom are parents themselves, offer compassionate, confidential, and non-judgemental support. They visit families in their own homes for a couple of hours a week, working alongside parents to help them build confidence, strengthen their relationship with their children, and connect with their local community. In short, they offer parents a crucial friend and mentor during their most challenging times.
The Importance of the Charity Shop
The charity shop is not just a place to find a bargain; it is a critical source of sustainable, self-generated income for Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Every pound raised through the sale of donated goods goes directly back into delivering their essential services—recruiting and training volunteers, running family groups, and providing the resources needed to keep their home-visiting support active.
After years of hard use, the shop was in desperate need of an update to make it a more welcoming and efficient space for both customers and volunteers. A refreshed, modern, and inviting shop floor encourages more donations, attracts more shoppers, and ultimately, generates more income to support vulnerable local families.
The Square and Compasses Meet the Paint Brush
A team of dedicated Brethren from Baines Lodge volunteered their time and practical skills for the refurbishment. In a true demonstration of hands-on commitment, our small team, including wives and partners, spent numerous hours over the last few weeks stripping out the old fittings, undertaking repairs, painting, decorating, and installing new fixtures to bring the shop to life.
"Seeing the Baines Lads and their families work side-by-side, sharing a laugh and a few aches and pains, all for the benefit of the community, was truly inspiring," said WM Ade May. "This is what Freemasonry is all about—taking the values we practice in the Lodge and applying them to make a tangible difference outside of it. It’s fantastic to be able to use our skills and our collective effort to support a charity that is so close to my heart."
A Huge Debt of Gratitude to Our Funders
None of this work would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our funders. The initial seed funding was raised through a JustGiving page set up by Ade, and the appeal was met with exceptional kindness from our Brethren.
Crucially, this project was also supported by significant donations from sister Lodges across the Province. This collective effort highlights the spirit of unity and benevolence that binds our entire Masonic community. We extend our deepest thanks to every Lodge and every individual who contributed. Your financial support will ensure the shop now has the fixtures and finish it needs to operate effectively for years to come.
The refurbished shop will stand ready to serve the community, looking brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming than ever, ready to generate the vital funds Home-Start needs to continue its essential work: helping local children to have a safe, stable, and happy childhood.
On the date of the official opening, which is to be confirmed in the near future, we encourage all our Brethren, their families, and friends to visit the new-look Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre charity shop, support the charity, and see the incredible result of your Masonic support in action!
