SERVICEMEN’S charity, Help for Heroes, received £1,220 from Hampshire masons, their families and friends.

The money was handed over during a social evening at Kings Court Masonic Centre, in Chandler’s Ford, hosted by Southampton New Temple Lodge No 8131.

There were two speakers, Flight Lieutenant “Jonnie”

Rockingham-Smith, talked about his experiences as a Chinook pilot during his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Malcolm Rogers, who has two sons in the services, spoke about the work of Emma and Bryn Parry, the founders of Help for Heroes.

Flt Lt Rockingham-Smith recalled being under fire from the Taliban using rocket-propelled grenades. He recounted that one of the things that made the action bearable was the comradeship and humour of the people alongside him.

He also told an amusing story of how he had “acquired” two Humvees from the Americans to replace some very aged Land Rovers.

Mr Rogers described how Help for Heroes had provides services and rehabilitation to the 3,700 service personnel who had been seriously wounded and had returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. So far, the charity had raised £33m, of which £23m has been allocated and spent in creating a military environment at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, as well as funding a pool and gym at Headley Court, in Surrey.