Anna Baker Cresswell, founder and executive director of the charity HighGround, hosted Provincial Grand Master for Bedfordshire Tony Henderson along with Steve Attwood and David Hargreaves at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall on 6 July when they visited to present her with a cheque. 

HighGround helps service leavers, reservists and veterans work out how their military skills and experience might complement work in the land-based sector, and how they can access employment and self-employment opportunities in the UK and overseas. Bedfordshire Freemasons collected £2,350, which will fund one serviceman to undergo a rehab programme in the specially adapted garden that HighGround has built through donations to the DMRC. The money will also help towards buying more equipment and further development of the garden. 

During the event, Group Captain Chris Rowley, commanding officer of DMRC Stanford Hall, graciously invited everyone to Beating Retreat, a special occasion where the guest of honour was Air Marshal CS Walton who was four days into her new job as director general Defence Medical Services. The weather was perfect for the Red Devils’ display and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas topped the Sunset Ceremony. 

All in all an unforgettable day. This donation reinforces Bedfordshire Freemasons’ commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant to assist injured serving personnel and veterans in finding enjoyable careers after leaving the forces.