L-R: W. Bro Mike Ross PPrGSec, Mr Mike Tinsley of the Centre and W. Bro David North
On the 6thDecember 2023 December two members of the Royal Hanover Lodge No 1777, W. Bro Mike Ross PPrGSec and W. Bro David North paid a visit to the Heathrow Special Needs Centre. It was the Christmas Party Open Day which held promise for a time of joy and fun. This particular visit had a special purpose, one that would leave a meaningful impact on the Centre.
The Heathrow Special Needs Centre, a beacon of hope and compassion, has been nurturing lives for over 30 years. It was a place where magic happened every day, where individuals with special needs found solace and joy in the company of over 45 different farm animals. The Centre’s ethos revolved around the belief that interaction with animals and nature could profoundly improve the mental and physical health of those with disabilities and special needs.
W Bro David and W Bro Michael were there to represent the Royal Hanover Lodge’s commitment to this noble cause. They presented a cheque for £1305 to Ken Tinslay, one of the centre’s dedicated Board of Trustees. This donation, raised during Brother David North’s year in office as the Worshipful Master, symbolized more than just financial support; it was a testament to the community’s solidarity and belief in the Centre’s mission.
The guests were then treated to a tour of the facilities. Every corner of the centre was a testament to the loving care and hard work that went into maintaining such a special place. The impressive range of facilities included areas for animal interaction and well thought out horticultural spaces, each designed to provide therapeutic experiences for the visitors.
The visit was a poignant reminder of the importance of community support in sustaining such vital operations. The centre, solely reliant on donations and charitable giving, demonstrated how every contribution directly impacted the lives of those it served, from maintaining the centre to ensuring the well-being of the animals and enjoyment of its guests.
As the visit drew to a close, David and Michael left the Heathrow Special Needs Centre with heartfelt thanks from the centre’s staff and deep admiration for their work. The visit was not just about the act of giving; it was a celebration of the incredible work done by the centre, a place where every day, lives were being transformed through the gentle touch of nature and the unwavering support of the community.
