When our fundraiser Lynsey first went to meet the Shropshire Provincial Grand Lodge for the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, Grand Primo Brother Eric Jones told her he wanted to raise ‘a few bob’ during a year long adoption to help seriously ill local children and their families.  

That was the beginning of last year, but before long the money was rolling in!

Eric arranged a number of collections in major supermarkets throughout the local area including Morrisons in Wellington, Oswestry, Shrewsbury and Newtown, and the Midshire Co-op in Churchstoke.

 Says Lynsey: “Brother Eric headed up the supermarket collections and the response he received was incredible.”

Raffles were also organised and money was raised at the group’s regular meetings.    

Before lockdown Lynsey was invited to lunch with the Buffs where she was absolutely stunned to receive a cheque for £7,000 which was presented by the Deputy Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Mrs Gwen Burgess.

“We are so grateful to Eric for choosing to support Hope House,” adds Lynsey.

“Eric was so enthusiastic about the fundraising and often spent hours collecting in supermarkets on his own.  Some of the Hope House team helped him out at a couple of the supermarkets so he could at least have a break for some lunch.  He would never take the full 2 hours we gave him and would always return back early.  Eric always had a smile and a word or two for the supermarket customers and I think this was the key to his successful fundraising.”

The Shropshire Province is one of the oldest local Philanthropic Associations, having been inaugurated in 1822.  It is made up of 4 lodges: The Shrewsbury Castle Tom Scott Lodge, The Ludlow Castle Lodge, The Bishops Castle Lodge and The Chirk Cerriog Lodge.   To find out more about the Province take a look at their website www.shropshirebuffs.btck.co.uk