ANDYSMANCLUB is a charity that works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives. They aim to achieve this through weekly, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18. Started in Halifax in 2016 after Andrew Roberts sadly taking his life at the age of 23. The idea is simple and based on having chat over ‘Brew and biscuits’ and this charity has grown to over 150 locations in UK.
When CVL asked for ideas and volunteers to create events for 2024, I spoke with my wife about inviting the award-winning Rock Choir of which she is a member. If you love to sing, you’ll love Rock Choir! No auditions and no musical knowledge needed. It’s all about singing, fun, community, friendship and life-changing experiences and they rehearse in over 400 towns across the UK!
The answer came back a big yes, they were happy to support a registered charity of my choice and on May 11th the Choir Leader arrived with 60 Choir members!! With a selection of contemporary songs and a mixture of ballads and real upbeat songs to dance to, with an audience of 65, we had a fantastic night and there was some great dance moves out there! We provided soft drinks, tea and coffee for the Rock Choir members, nibbles for the interval and of course the bar (for the adults!).
We could not believe how much everybody joined in the Raffle as we had over 30 individual gifts to be won. My warmest thanks to everyone who attended and special thanks to Rock Choir for their energy, giving up their free time for a Freemasons event, even making a big contribution to the raffle. I have special thanks to my wife, Debbie who supported much of the approach, but also sterling support from brethren and Worshipful Master of Colne Valley Lodge to make this happen such as Bro’s Hanlon, Ploughman, Dave Cross, Jason Mitchel, Jordan Bailey, Mike Gibbins, Phil Pursey not forgetting Michelle and Kirsty who ran the bar, Sally who bought the nibbles and provided Kitchen items and all who helped put the Lodge back together again for Practice on Monday!
Total for the evening was an amazing £927.73!!!
