Province of Herefordshire

Author: Marc

  • John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

    John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

    Two masons from Royal Edward Lodge in Leominster and four friends set out on an amazing challenge to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.

    Bro Jed Watkins writes about the journey.

    We set off on Friday 19th and rolled into Land’s End on Friday 26th after an unforgettable eight days on the road.

    Day 1: John O’Groats to Alness – a proper introduction to Scotland with relentless headwinds and pouring rain to kick us off.

    Day 2: Alness to Glencoe – more headwinds, but thankfully the weather started to improve.

    Day 3: Glencoe to East Kilbride – a fair day on the bike and everything seemed to click.

    Day 4: East Kilbride to Shap (Lake District) – good riding conditions, although the temperatures were beginning to climb.

    Day 5: Shap to Wrexham – the heat really started to make itself known.

    Day 6: Wrexham to Monmouth – another hot day in the saddle, with plenty of miles ticking by.

    Day 7: Monmouth to Crediton (North Devon) – without doubt one of the toughest days. Extreme heat, relentless climbing and plenty of tired legs.

    Day 8: Crediton to Land’s End – the final push to complete the journey.

    Like any adventure, it wasn’t all plain sailing. We battled a few punctures, strong winds, relentless heat and some brutal climbs. There were plenty of highs, a few lows, and more laughs than we could count. Every challenge made reaching Land’s End that little bit sweeter.

    Most importantly, we completed the ride in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, making every mile worthwhile.

    None of it would have been possible without the two cornerstones of our support team, Sara and Leanne, who kept us moving as transport operatives, mechanics’ assistants, snack suppliers and morale boosters all rolled into one. They were every bit as important to the journey as those turning the pedals.

    What started as two Freemasons taking on a challenge quickly became a week shared with four unbelievable friends, making memories that will last a lifetime.

    An incredible week, an incredible cause, and one mad adventure completed.

    Now… onto the next mad adventure

    More details can be found on their Just Giving Page here

  • Supporting a new Worshipful Master at the Consecration of a New Lodge.

    Supporting a new Worshipful Master at the Consecration of a New Lodge.

    Ian Talboys of Delphis Lodge Writes.

    On Saturday 20th of June, members of Delphis Lodge sojourned across the border to Lydney in Gloucestershire for the consecration of the new Heart of the Forest Lodge, No. 10086. 

    Heart of the Forest will be a daytime Lodge meeting in Coleford in the Forest of Dean. 

    The Consecration Team, led by RW Bro. Ian Davies, Prov. Grand Master for Gloucestershire, carried out an excellent Consecration ceremony. 

    After a short break, RW Bro. Davies then Installed W. Bro. Peter Watkins, Assistant PGM for Gloucestershire, as its Worshipful Master. 

    Peter was presented for Installation by W. Bro. Colin Bates, who initiated Peter into Delphis Lodge back in 1993. 

    Also present was W. Bro David Jenkins, of Delphis Lodge, who was Junior Warden on the night of Peter’s Initiation. 

    Peter expressed his joy and gratitude that both Colin and David were able to be with him on such a special and memorable occasion. 

    Also present were W. Bros Ian Talboys and John Mayo-Evans 

  • Helping Freemasons Across the Country

    Helping Freemasons Across the Country

    W Bro David Hudson the Secretary Of Coningsby Lodge writes.

    The Lodge of Friendship No 8275 in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland, which meets at Cleator Moor, recently identified a candidate for Initiation who had 100% visual impairment. This was a new experience for the Lodge.

    Anxious that they should do the right thing for this candidate they contacted UGLE for advice. They were somewhat surprised when the advice came back; “contact Coningsby Lodge No 6383 in Herefordshire as they have considerable experience in these matters”.

    This they duly did, and a significant amount of communication has taken place between the two Lodges, much to the satisfaction of our Cumbrian Brothers. Coningsby members now have an open invitation to visit the Lodge of Friendship at any time.

    “It was a great surprise to receive this request, and a great pleasure to be able to help another Lodge. It was, of course, extremely gratifying to have our past efforts for the visually impaired recognised by UGLE.”

    W Bro David Hudson, Secretary of Coningsby Lodge

  • Cadets return inspired from WWI battlefield trip

    Cadets return inspired from WWI battlefield trip

    Cadets from Inkerman Company, Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force, have returned from a five-day First World War battlefield study in France and Belgium.

     A total of twenty eight cadets and nine adult volunteers took part in Exercise Venturer Cambrai from 25 to 29 May, visiting key historic sites including Thiepval, Beaumont Hamel, Delville Wood, Mametz Wood, Lochnagar Crater, the Somme Museum and Vimy Ridge.

     Herefordshire Freemasons assisted with funding for the trip. This gave cadets the chance to learn more about the history of the First World War whilst also building confidence, teamwork and independence. For six cadets, it was their first time abroad.

     The visit was described as “educational, emotional, and genuinely life-changing” for many of the young people involved. The group also took part in a parade at Thiepval, which was a particularly special moment, where cadets wore matching t-shirts funded through support for the trip. Despite very hot weather, staff said the cadets showed resilience and looked after one another throughout the visit.

     On return from the visit parents commented:

     “He hasn’t stopped talking about everything he learned — he’s been telling us facts all week.”
    “We need to go to France now so we can see it for ourselves.”
    “He said it was the best experience of his life so far.”

     Captain Michelle King the tour organiser said:

     “Thank you for your support. It really has been appreciated and of great benefit to our cadets. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to carry out the tour without your generous funding. It helped create an unforgettable experience for our cadets — one that broadened horizons, strengthened character and deepened their understanding of service, sacrifice and community. We are sincerely grateful for your support.”

     You can see a video of the tour in Facebook here:

    here
    here
  • First Match of the Season at Woodlake Park.

    First Match of the Season at Woodlake Park.

    The season kicked off with our first Inter Provincial match against Gwent at Woodlake Park near Usk.  It proved to have sone really trying holes and sadly we were not victorious on this occasion with the honour going to Gwent but it was very enjoyable with fine weather and friendly company.

    A big thank you from the club secretary David Gwynne to those that attended and supported the Province.  

    We look forward to our next match on the 15th July when we entertain Gloucestershire.  It is open to all so please contact the club secretary, David Gwynne if you are interested.

    The picture shows the Vice Captain, Cain Wellings, presenting the trophy.