The Masons were on an early ‘Santa’ run when they dropped in on the Tower Lifeboat station on the Thames—Britain’s busiest RNLI base—with a gift for Christmas.

East London Advertiser: Masonic Lodge secretary Jonathan Bell hands cheque to coxswain at RNLI Tower lifeboat stationMasonic Lodge secretary Jonathan Bell hands cheque to coxswain at RNLI Tower lifeboat station (Image: Masons Metropolitan Grand Lodge)

The Benevolentia Lodge handed the crew £1,000 for the lifeboat charity from the proceeds of their Worshipful Master’s collection during his year in office.

“We left thankful knowing that the RNLI is present on the Thames,” Lodge secretary Jonathan Bell said later. “It was an illuminating insight into the work on the RNLI’s work on the river and we’re pleased we donated to a worthy cause.”

He had handed a cheque to the Coxswain, while Lodge members met the lifeboat crew and were shown the E Class boat specifically designed for the Thames with its powerful river currents, submerged debris and heavy river traffic. The crew also took the lifeboat out on a training exercise for the Masons to see at close hand.