A HAMPSHIRE Freemason lodge has donated a defibrillator to a Romsey retirement home. 

The Brook House Lodge 8606, based in Botley, handed over the new equipment to Homemead House, in Middlebridge Street, Romsey. 

The donation was proposed by freemason Keith Morgan whose father-in-law has lived there for five years. The home has also recently come under new ownership, with a group of residents forming a company to manage it. 

The defibrillator cost £1,200 with £600 coming from the lodge and £600 from a personal donation from Mr Morgan and his wife Sally. 

Homemead House residents (Image: Newsquest)

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Toby Wheatley, master of the lodge, said: “The main thing for us is that if we can save a life, then the cause is well worth it. Freemasonry is about helping people, raising funds and putting it back into the community. Keith gave us an overview of what was going on here, and we wanted to support the cause as best we could. We were more than pleased to be able to support it.”

Mr Morgan said: “My father-in-law has been here for just over five years. Just recently, there has been a change in the running of the building. The residents have formed a company to run it. 

New defibrillator (Image: Newsquest)

“When I first came here, there were certain things that were lacking. The new company has brought the building up to standard. They have redecorated, got new carpets and sorted out all the windows. My wife Sally and I bought a TV for the communal room. My wife and I, with the help of Brook House Lodge, have bought the defibrillator. 

“It was £1,200 in total. The lodge gave us £600 and my wife and I picked up what's left. It was important for us because it helps and could save a life. The fact that there's 30-40 people down here, we felt it's a necessity.”

He added: “As a freemason, there is a lot of publicity around the fact we only look after ourselves. This is an example that Freemasons do put a lot in to public projects.”

The defibrillator was officially handed over on Tuesday, June 25.