The work of Jan and Ian Linch is becoming very well known amongst Freemasons around the Province. On holiday with their family in the Maldives during Christmas 2004 when the Asian Tsunami struck, the couple were so struck by the simple determination of survivors in the face of so much adversity to get on with rebuilding their shatteredlives, that they decided to do what they could to help, and consequently set up a small Maidstone based registered charity called the Aurora Tsunami Orphanage Appeal.

The charity is raising money to build 40 new homes, a school and a doctors surgery in the village of Kosgoda in Sri Lanka, which was one of the worst hit areas. Having purchased four acres of land in May 2005, progress has been good and they have already built about half of the houses, 4 shops and the school. A project to provide fresh water is well under way, and work has recently begun on the remaining houses. Amongst the Lodges which have given their support is the Stanley Wykeham Lodge No.6599 in Paddock Wood. A Lodge donation, coupled with a personal gift from a member, totalling £1,000, was presented to the charity, and, in return, a certificate was issued stating that a road in the orphanage village has been officially named ‘Stanley Wykeham Way’.

A senior member of the Lodge, who attended a talk given by Mr & Mrs Linch, was most impressed that every penny raised is spent on the actual construction. All helpers and advisers continue to give their time, efforts and expertise free of charge. More details of the charity, and how you can support it, can be found at www.atoa.co.uk

Bro Peter Hayler,
Stanley Wykeham Lodge No.6599

Ed45, p9