THE Lodge Girvan St Johns’ recently held their Annual Barbeque.

On Saturday, August 12, over 50 members with their families, and invited guests joined together for the event, with the exchanging of money raised for chosen charities.

Cheques for the sum of £350 were presented by the Bro Henry McMaster of Girvan St Johns No 237 and Right Worshipful Depute Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire Bro Robert Stewart.

The Soldiers Off the Street Scotland is a new charity with a dedicated group of people determined to help the forgotten ex service personnel whose lives have been affected by homelessness – this was one of the chosen charities to receive a donation – the other donation was given to Miss Rachel Stirling who was selected from Girvan Academy 5th year pupils studying Higher Physics. 

A spokesman for Lodge Girvan St Johns’, said: “Brian Gibson of SOTS and one of the team said our ex-service personnel deserve better after going through the traumatic experience of war in foreign countries.

“Their aim is to relieve the charitable needs of homeless ex-service personnel, in particular but not exclusively, by providing clothing, food and rehabilitation, including advice on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, alcoholism, drug abuse, housing and employment.

“Rachel Stirling was [also] chosen as she has shown consistently throughout her school career to be a motivated and able pupil who is a consistent high achiever.

"Rachel will fly out on her own to Houston, Texas for a two-week stay at NASA on July 22 - it is the first time she is taking a journey such as this by herself.

“Both Rachel Stirling and Brian Gibson thanked the members of the Lodge for seeing fit to give them the donations, RWM Bro Henry McMaster  wished both well in their adventures.”