Windsor and Eton masonic lodges raise £2,000 for Windsor swimming club

Two masonic lodges in Windsor and Eton joined forces to raise £2,000 for a swimming club supporting people with Down syndrome.

Members of the Windsor Castle Lodge and Etonian Lodge of St John’s Lodge officially presented the money to the Electric Eels Swimming Club at an event on Sunday.

The club’s founder Pauline Walker was joined by three swimmers, their parents and two volunteer coaches for the celebration, held at the Masonic Centre in Church Lane in Windsor.

During the gathering guests enjoyed a glass of champagne and light refreshments before enjoying a guided tour of the Masonic Centre.

Yadevinder Singh Hothi, master of Etonian Lodge and Stuart Dillaway, master of Windsor Castle Lodge, spoke of their ‘admiration’ for the Electric Eels’ work with swimmers who have Down syndrome at Windsor Leisure Centre.

Yadevinder said: “The time and effort invested by the young, highly qualified volunteers are a testament to today’s youth.”

Stuart added: “Pauline and her team have created something truly unique and special, and our two lodges are delighted to contribute in this small way.”

Pauline expressed her gratitude for the donation, and said: “We are incredibly thankful for the generous support from these two local Masonic lodges.

“Their donation will be instrumental in funding the rigorous training of our volunteers, which underpins our club.”

Samantha Turner, mother of swimmer Joshua, said: “Josh has been swimming with the Electric Eels for two years and has progressed from swimming just a width to confidently swimming an entire length.

“I wanted a club that would push and challenge him, and the amazing staff and band of lovely volunteers have the right balance, keeping him focused on the task at hand whilst also having fun and encouraging him to make new friends.

“We love being part of the Electric Eels family.”

Sarah Harris, the mum of swimmer George, and volunteer Grace, said: “The Electric Eels is a fantastic organisation that has given my two children immense confidence.

“George has learned valuable life skills in swimming and social interaction, and his fitness and well-being have improved.

“Grace is a volunteer who uses her free time to help young people develop their swimming, social, and listening skills.

“Her confidence and assertiveness have increased tenfold since working with The Electric Eels, helping her become the empathetic, hard-working, confident young lady she is today.

“I could not be prouder of my children, and I am forever grateful to Pauline and The Electric Eels for their support and hard work. I feel deeply privileged to be involved with The Electric Eels.

“Pauline and the volunteers are worth their weight in gold and provide an invaluable service to the local community.”

Since its inception in 2007, Electric Eels has expanded from six swimmers and six volunteers to 40 swimmers and 23 volunteers, and has a waiting list of participants.