Over 50 local young people from across Herefordshire who have learning disabilities or more complex needs will receive tailored help and support thanks to a grant from Herefordshire Freemasons to ECHO for Extra Choices in Herefordshire.

The £60,000 grant will support ECHO’s Transition and Taster Day Programme over the next three years. The project will support young people through their transition from Children’s Support Services into Adult Services, which can be a very challenging and confusing time for those with learning and other disabilities. The focus will be to provide a smooth and stress-free transition process that starts whilst they are still at school and is tailored to each individual’s needs. Whilst in their familiar school environment, each young person and their family will get to know ECHO staff members who will provide all the information they need, taking them through the changes that will happen and the choices they need to make.

ECHO’s experts will provide specialist support to help each person to navigate the systems and gently introduce them to the adult services that ECHO provides through attending taster days. Once an individual has completed their transition and is an ECHO participant they will continue to receive as much support as they need as they progress.

The funding will make a significant difference to the lives of young people with disabilities across Herefordshire and will also promote ECHO’s services and raise awareness. The impact on young people who do not receive ample support at this stage in their lives is significant. Without a support network and direction from service providers it is very easy for young people to lose confidence and to choose to stay at home – shrinking their world. The effects of this isolation and potentially slipping through the system can be detrimental to their general wellbeing and mental health.

Alongside supporting young people through their transition, this project will encourage them to join social and sports activities and to make new friends. They will benefit from independent skills training and support to become active in their community – utilising local shops and cafes and joining local groups and events. This in turn will support the families and carers who will gain essential respite time whilst the young people are attending services.

There were 1,050 people registered as having a learning disability at GP practices in Herefordshire in 2020/21 (0.6 per cent of the population). Modelled estimates suggest that GP registers reflect less than a quarter of all adults with learning disabilities, and that the true number in Herefordshire is likely to be around 3,800 people (2.3 per cent of the adult population). This is predicted to increase by around 8 per cent by 2035.

People with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to physical, emotional and financial abuse, coercion, hate crime and harassment. In supporting young people as they progress into adulthood, these issues are talked about openly to provide the skills they need to recognise when they may be being targeted and when they should reach out for support. Other areas of ECHO’s work in the community is focussed on educating children in local schools about hate crime and talking through how everyone can be part of changing this corrosive impact on communities.

The grant from Herefordshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

ECHO’s Chief Officer, Mike Cook said:

“We’re very grateful to Herefordshire Freemasons for their generous grant. Our programme will support many young disabled people to move into adulthood with confidence and the skills they need to lead an active and fulfilling life.”

Michael Holland the Head of Freemasons in Herefordshire, said:

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help ECHO with their vital project. It can be such a difficult time trying to navigate the many changes and can be far more challenging for those with learning disabilities. ECHO’s work will reduce stress and anxiety, providing comfort, support and direction for young people in our county. It’s hugely important for those with learning disabilities that this vital project is supported.”

Herefordshire Freemasons have recently received feedback on two of the donations made in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Howle Hill Memorial Garden

Vitruvian Lodge from Ross on Wye recently donated funds to help maintain and upgrade the Howle Hill Memorial Garden near Ross. This included water butts to enable the plants and foliage to be watered regularly Pictured here is the Lodge Charity Steward Craig Morgan with the Project Lead Yolande Watson at the Royal British Legion AGM where the cheque was presented.  This was followed by a presentation on the local soldiers who sadly lost their lives during the World Wars.

124 (Hereford City) Squadron RAFAC visit to the Normandy Battlefields

The second donation was to 124 (Hereford City) Squadron RAFAC in support of a trip to see the Normandy Battlefields. In July 2025, 4 adults and 11 cadets from 124 (Hereford City) Squadron RAFAC undertook a trip to the Normandy Battlefields.

The objectives were to:

• introduce the cadets to the history and scale of the D Day landings
• reflect on the impact of the campaign to society and the individuals involved
• to build unit esprit de corps and contribute to cadet personal development  

For a few it was their first overseas visit, for more it was their first trip on a ferry. Time in the minibus enabled everyone to get know each other, exchange stories, tell some awful jokes, sing songs and listen to an eclectic music catalogue.

Flying Officer Andy Taylor OBE DL | 124 (Hereford City) Squadron wrote:

“I have two lasting memories of the visit:

Firstly ,the visit to Omaha Beach, the cadets almost skipped onto the sand probably thinking of previous visit to the seaside. Then, as the story of ‘Bloody Omaha’ unfolded the mood palpably changed, they became quiet, attentive and contemplative, clearly thinking of the time 81 years previously when the sand had been stained by the blood of so many men, some not many years older than they were.

Secondly everyone sat around a picnic table outside the hotel on a lovely summer’s evening, playing simple card and numbers games, everyone joining in, laughing and clearly enjoying ‘the moment’.

The cadets have all drawn something from the trip and learnt something about the enormity of the operation and the commitment and sacrifice of the individuals involved, but also thoroughly enjoyed their time making and strengthening friendships; they will have lasting knowledge, memories and experiences to take forward with them into their futures.

We are all most grateful to those that supported us – Herefordshire Freemasons, West Midlands RFCA Cadet Welfare Fund and our own Squadron’s Civilian Management Committee – a big thank you to you all”

We have received updates from two of the Guide Dogs sponsored by Herefordshire Lodges based in Hereford.  

Bailey, sponsored by Coningsby Lodge is now one year old and still in training.  He has grown up to be a strong and loving young dog who is full of potential. He has certainly grown from the first picture taken as a puppy.

Mason, sponsored by Vaga Lodge has now qualified as a life-changing dog.  He has been matched with Philip.

After training together for several weeks, Philip and Mason have formed a wonderful partnership, and they’ve been busy practising their skills and exploring new environments – the world has really opened up for them both.

Marinda, the Guide Dog Mobility Specialist who has been working with Philip and Mason, told us proudly that Mason is a sensitive, intelligent young dog, and it’s been so rewarding to watch them both grow in confidence these past months.

The generous gifts from both these Lodges has enabled Guide Dogs for the Blind to continue the vital work that they do, providing freedom and independence for people with sight loss.

The second Drive in Concert for The Not Forgotten brought them to Brinsop Manor in Herefordshire. The event was part of a week long programme of concerts in partnership between the Charity and a number of different Masonic Provinces.

Hosted at Lulworth Castle (Dorset), Brinsop Court Manor House (Herefordshire), Syon Park (Middlesex), Idlerocks Farm (Staffordshire), and Grimsthorpe Castle (Lincolnshire), these events were made possible through a powerful strategic partnership with the Freemasons—recently honoured with the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award for our outstanding support to the military community. From coast to urban-fringe to countryside, veterans parked up, tuned in, and sang and danced in a safe space among a community they trust—surrounded by camaraderie, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of being valued.

The event in Herefordshire entertained over one hundred guests who were with music from Annie Riley, Max Fox and Gary Goodmaze aka Freddie Mercury.  Also sensational acrobatics, delicious food, a raffle and of course the company and camaraderie that military veteran gatherings do best!

To many of the veterans attending, this was not just an entertaining afternoon out, it was a mental lift and a boost to confidence money can’t buy. Feeling valued for their service and spending time in a safe, supportive community of other veterans who understand them and their experiences. Others could sit back in the safety of their car and feel the sense of achievement in simply leaving the house and attending an event.

Richard Walker the Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten commented.

“This September, The Not Forgotten, in proud partnership with Freemasonry, delivered five spectacular Drive-In Concerts across the UK—bringing music, joy, and connection to hundreds of veterans living with injury, illness, and isolation. The Not Forgotten values our role within Freemasonry’s strategic ambition to engage communities in need and we are committed to helping expand our collective reach and deepen our social impact. As a small charity with a big heart and a vast network, we consistently deliver social value through partnership—maximising both reach and impact. We are extremely grateful to the Freemasons for their generosity, hospitality, and boots-on-the-ground support. Together, we’ve not only entertained—we’ve transformed lives.”

For more photos please visit the The Not Forgotten Gallery below:

Hereford Drive In Concert