Huddersfield Masons provide ‘buddy’ boost for Afghanistan troops

Nov 5 2009 By Dave Himelfield

Lodges across the country send the goodie boxes every fortnight to several chosen members of the Army, Navy and Air Force while on their tours of duty. Albert Edward Lodge has so far sent around 50 packages via the British Forces Post Office to Afghanistan.

The lodge is currently sending boxes to three members of the Coldstream Guards, including Guardsman L Roper, who is from Huddersfield.

Philip Kaye, charity representative of Albert Edward Lodge, has been filling the boxes.

He said: "One member of the lodge has a son serving in Afghanistan so it started from there.

"We’ve had emails and letters from people serving and they are very grateful that someone is thinking about them and it boosts their morale. It’s nice when you get a letter.

"It’s a tough job out there so it’s good to give them something to make it a little easier.

"I don’t mind going to Sainsbury’s every two weeks because it’s a good cause.

"I’ve sent so many I’ve got it down to a fine art!"