BUCKS MASONS VISIT THE LINDENGATE CHARITY
On the beautiful sunny morning of Friday 24th April, the RW ProvGM Tim Anders, accompanied by his wife Steph and several Brethren from Lodges throughout the Buckinghamshire Province, visited a mental health charity located in Wendover.
Founded in 2013 by Charlie Powell and Sian Chattle, the charity utilises specialised social and therapeutic horticulture within a 6-acre garden (which was originally a small, underused waste-rich allotment site) to enhance both mental and physical wellbeing. The charity uses nature-based, therapeutic horticulture and conservation programs aimed at assisting individuals facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and reduced self-esteem.
The Charity’s website explains the origin of its name: “The name Lindengate comes from mixing the Old English name for a Lime tree – ‘Linden’, known for its recuperative and stress-relieving properties and the ‘Gate’, symbolising passing through on the journey to recovery.” Lindengate is honoured to have as patrons His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, and Roger Jefcoate CBE DL, a notable philanthropist.
Following a very warm reception from CEO Andy Grant, and Senior Fundraising, Partnership, & Programme Manager Jacqui Greenham, Brethren were invited to take a seat for an informative presentation regarding the Charity’s commendable initiatives. Brethren learned that the Lindengate team, which possesses a wide range of skills, assists both the young and the elderly who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, memory loss, or dementia through various programs, volunteering opportunities, events, and open garden sessions. In 2025, the Charity supported 3,840 individuals!
After the presentation, Brethren were given an opportunity to ask questions, which they eagerly embraced. Our Provincial Grand Master was particularly impressed by the Charity’s structure and efforts. Thereafter, the Brethren were led on a tour of the wonderful grounds and were given additional information regarding the charity’s activities, including seed sowing, harvesting, cooking, mindful walking, woodwork, as well as arts and crafts. Additionally, it was noted that the Charity does not use pesticides, employs a no-dig approach, focuses on compost-based cultivation, and captures rainwater. Subsequently, delectable cakes were served alongside proper cups of tea and coffee before the visit neared its end.
However, prior to the Brethren’s departure, representatives Andy, Jacqui and Jane kindly gifted them each with a jar of honey, produced on the premises! Earlier on, Brethren even had the privilege to receive a visit from the bee-keeper, who is also on the square!
Following the Masonic principle of Relief, Brethren pledged a donation to the Charity from their respective Lodge’s Relief Chest.
https://www.lindengate.org.uk
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join
On the beautiful sunny morning of Friday 24th April, the RW ProvGM Tim Anders, accompanied by his wife Steph and several Brethren from Lodges throughout the Buckinghamshire Province, visited a mental health charity located in Wendover.
Founded in 2013 by Charlie Powell and Sian Chattle, the charity utilises specialised social and therapeutic horticulture within a 6-acre garden (which was originally a small, underused waste-rich allotment site) to enhance both mental and physical wellbeing. The charity uses nature-based, therapeutic horticulture and conservation programs aimed at assisting individuals facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and reduced self-esteem.
The Charity’s website explains the origin of its name: “The name Lindengate comes from mixing the Old English name for a Lime tree – ‘Linden’, known for its recuperative and stress-relieving properties and the ‘Gate’, symbolising passing through on the journey to recovery.” Lindengate is honoured to have as patrons His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, and Roger Jefcoate CBE DL, a notable philanthropist.
Following a very warm reception from CEO Andy Grant, and Senior Fundraising, Partnership, & Programme Manager Jacqui Greenham, Brethren were invited to take a seat for an informative presentation regarding the Charity’s commendable initiatives. Brethren learned that the Lindengate team, which possesses a wide range of skills, assists both the young and the elderly who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, memory loss, or dementia through various programs, volunteering opportunities, events, and open garden sessions. In 2025, the Charity supported 3,840 individuals!
After the presentation, Brethren were given an opportunity to ask questions, which they eagerly embraced. Our Provincial Grand Master was particularly impressed by the Charity’s structure and efforts. Thereafter, the Brethren were led on a tour of the wonderful grounds and were given additional information regarding the charity’s activities, including seed sowing, harvesting, cooking, mindful walking, woodwork, as well as arts and crafts. Additionally, it was noted that the Charity does not use pesticides, employs a no-dig approach, focuses on compost-based cultivation, and captures rainwater. Subsequently, delectable cakes were served alongside proper cups of tea and coffee before the visit neared its end.
However, prior to the Brethren’s departure, representatives Andy, Jacqui and Jane kindly gifted them each with a jar of honey, produced on the premises! Earlier on, Brethren even had the privilege to receive a visit from the bee-keeper, who is also on the square!
Following the Masonic principle of Relief, Brethren pledged a donation to the Charity from their respective Lodge’s Relief Chest.
https://www.lindengate.org.uk
If you would like to be part of a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/join