Installed at the local village hall in Sutton Valence (a village about 5 miles south of Maidstone) it was supplied by Suffolk based Charity The Community Heartbeat Trust who also provided training in it’s use.

Each year over 100,000 people in the UK suffer sudden cardiac arrest in a public space. Their chances of survival are increased by up to 50% if a defibrillator is used promptly.

Modern defibrillators are completely automatic and can safely be used by members of the public without previous training. A recent handover demonstration was attended by representatives of the Women’s Institute, a local Dancing Society, Football Teams, Sutton Valence Gardening Association, Flower Arranging and Fine Arts Societies all of whom use either the Village Hall or the adjacent Sports Field. As well as familiarising themselves with the defibrillator, delegates were able to try Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on specially designed mannequins.

A third and vital partner in the project was Sutton Valence Parish Council who will be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the equipment.

Speaking at a recent handover ceremony, Eve Poulter, Chair of Sutton Valence Parish Council said…

“ I would like to thank all those who have made this possible. The generosity of our local Freemasons and the support of The Community Heartbeat Trust mean that our parishioners can use our facilities confident in the knowledge that should a problem arise, the most up to date and effective equipment is on hand.”

Bill Laidler, speaking on behalf of the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity added…

“ We are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile and important community project, as part of our celebrations for the 300th Anniversary of English Freemasonry. We hope that this partnership will become a model for others in the coming years”.

Community Heartbeat has so far provided over 3,000 public access defibrillators.

If a friend or member of your family is suddenly taken ill in a public space, phone 999. If appropriate, the Ambulance Service will guide you to your nearest defibrillator.

Freemasons support a wide range of Community projects like this.  If it is something you feel you might like to be involved in Click Here

This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

And Finally…

People sometimes ask
“What is Freemasonry for?“

Here are a few answers…

If you have enjoyed this festive look at what Freemasonry is really all about and would like to get involved, we at Agricola Lodge No 4501 would love to hear from you.

 Click here to get the ball rolling.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

SEE YOU IN 2018!

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]]> 997 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-11-tony/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-11-tony Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:56:01 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=995 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #11 Tony"

This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

 Taking on the important role of Almoner or Visiting Volunteer can be a challenge. The MCF produces guides, factsheets and videos help people like Tony to support the members of their Masonic community.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

The MCF’s medical research grants are helping to improve diagnosis, advance treatment and enhance the quality of life for thousands of people across the county. Our £65,000 grant to INSPIRE Foundation is funding Sean Doherty’s research into restoring bladder and bowel function for other people with spinal cord injuries.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

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]]> 988 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-9-jess/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-9-jess Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:24:11 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=984 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #9 Jess"

This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

When Jess’s dad was made redundant, he couldn’t afford to support his children through a university education. The MCF’s support for Masonic families facing financial distress means that young people like Jess can focus on their studies rather than worrying about the cost.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 984 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-8-lifeworks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-8-lifeworks Sat, 16 Dec 2017 10:54:44 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=977 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #8 Lifeworks"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

The MCF also supports smaller charities like Lifeworks in Devonshire. They used their £1,000 grant to create a new sensory room which is helping young people with learning disabilities learn how to communicate with the world around them.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 977 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-7-keith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-7-keith Sat, 16 Dec 2017 10:42:15 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=971 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #7 Keith"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Keith was in a great deal of pain and facing a seven month wait just to see a specialist on the NHS. The MCF funded Keith’s operation, helping him to get back on his feet, and get on with his life.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 971 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-6-music/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-6-music Wed, 13 Dec 2017 08:40:05 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=965 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #6 Music"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Live music can have a powerful effect on people who are isolated by illness or disability. Our £60,000 grant to Music in Hospitals & Care is helping to bring the joy of music to over 200 care homes across the country.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 965 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-5-joan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-5-joan Tue, 12 Dec 2017 10:11:14 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=952 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #5 Joan"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Our Masonic Care Homes are commited to delivering the best possible care to meet the needs of older Freemasons and their families. Members of the Masonic community who choose a Masonic Care Home have the security of knowing that they have a home for life, even if their financial circumstances change.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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]]> 952 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/12-gifts-of-christmas-4-helen/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=12-gifts-of-christmas-4-helen Thu, 07 Dec 2017 14:02:20 +0000 http://www.freemasonryinmaidstone.com/?p=809 Continue reading "12 Gifts of Christmas…. #4 Helen"

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This year the Masonic Charitable Foundation are releasing a series of 12 short videos to highlight the work carried out on behalf of our members during 2017.  It is stories like this that make us proud to be Masons!

Here is the next in the series…

Thanks to the MCF’s TalentAid programme, Helena was able to buy her own violin which she still uses when she plays with the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Merry Christmas from us all in
Agricola Lodge No 4501

 

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