A PHILANTHROPIC gathering which last week notched up 100 years in existence has pulled in over £5000 for charity at its centenary meeting.

Last Friday, Freemasons from around Marlow celebrated the 100th anniversary of Neeld Lodge, which meets at the Masonic Centre in St Peter Street.

And the group, which has just 15 members, pledged donations worth £5720 during the meeting, chaired by head of the Marlow and Bucks Freemasons, Gordon Robertson.

He said: “I congratulate Neeld Lodge on raising such a spectacular amount from a small base of just 15 members.

“They have all exemplified our values of friendship, decency, and charity.”

Neeld is one of 21 lodges and 10 chapters which meet at the Marlow centre to raise money for good causes.

For more information on freemasonry and its role in the community, visit www.buckspgl.org