Generous grant for Rochdale Moorland Children's Home

Members of Langley Lodge, Eric Rosenberg, Roger Tinker and with the manager of Rochdale Moorland Children's Home, Alison Starrs

Rochdale Moorland Children's Home has been awarded a £200 grant by the East Lancashire Masonic Charity (ELMC) Grant Making Committee, facilitating the purchase of an air fryer for the home.

This grant application was spearheaded by members of Langley Lodge No. 3989, with valuable assistance from the Eastern Area Assistant Charity Steward.

Operating between March and September, Rochdale Children's Home is a non-profit organisation that provides free services to users, though donations and contributions are welcomed.

The charity serves a dual purpose: offering facilities and services to school children during term time, and catering to children referred by social care services, schools, and community groups.

Local schools frequently book the home's facilities, allowing children to stay from Monday to Friday, with options for day visits, overnight stays, or a mix of both. The home can accommodate up to 30 individuals daily and 18 overnight in its dormitories.

Last month (April) members of Langley Lodge No. 3989, accompanied by Eastern Area assistant charity steward Russ Perks, visited Rochdale Moorland Children's Home to present the cheque to the home's manager, Alison Starrs. The visitors were given a comprehensive tour of the facilities and learned about the home's history and future aspirations.

Alison expressed deep gratitude to the ELMC and all contributors, emphasising how the air fryer would promote healthy eating and teach visiting children essential cooking skills during life skills breaks.

The tour included a visit to the home's barn, now a vibrant games and social room equipped with table football and table tennis. A highlight of the visit was a friendly table football match between the worshipful master and the charity steward, marking a memorable day at a truly deserving cause.