Geoff Wilding of Royal Edward Lodge tells us about his recent presentation.
Having previously given my ‘Kirkwall Scroll’ presentation to another Hampshire Lodge, I was invited to present my new presentation, ‘The Grand and not so Grand Lodges of England’, to Bishopswood Lodge No 7920 that meets at the Masonic Hall, Fareham on the 23rd of April.
It was well received with generous acclamation in the temple and warm comments at the Festive Board.
There were 29 in attendance who raised £135 from the raffle, £65 of which was given to me for the First Responder’s charity, which is being supported by the Province of Herefordshire.
Celebrating 25 Years of International Football Friendships and Community Spirit
For the past quarter of a century, Ledbury Swifts, now known as Ledbury FC Youth, have upheld a proud tradition of taking their under 16 team to Strömstad, Sweden, as a memorable way to mark the conclusion of their junior football journeys. This annual trip has typically involved a boys’ team, with occasional participation from girls’ squads. In July 2026, the club is set to make history by inviting both the under 16 Boys and Girls teams on the trip, reflecting the players’ long-term commitment, many have been part of the club since they were seven years old.
The tour is designed not only as a reward for the players’ dedication and loyalty, but also as an opportunity for team building and international friendship. While parents will cover the cost of flights, the teams need to raise approximately £12,000 to fund coach transfers, accommodation, and meals.
Over the coming months, Ledbury FC Youth will be organising a range of fundraising events and challenges. The club is reaching out to local organisations and community members for financial support, which will help make this special trip possible, particularly for those players who have never travelled abroad before.
Eastnor Lodge, based in Ledbury have been a regular supporter of Ledbury FC Youth. On this occasion the Lodge has given £400 towards their fundraising for the trip. In addition the club also host a football tournament each year attracting clubs from around Herefordshire and neighbouring counties. Eastnor Lodge will be sponsoring a cup at this tournament for the U7’s “Sporting Moment ” Trophy. As this age group are not playing for a team trophy as they all receive medals. The trophy will go to a particular player chosen on the day.
In the photo are: Left to right.
Paul Finlay, Worship Master of Eastnor Lodge, Tyler, Max, Lucas, Holly, Tilly and Steven Barnett (Coach)
Nathan, from Loyal Hay Lodge meeting in Hay on Wye, was lucky enough to get a ballot place for the London Marathon 2026.
Training had not gone well due to injuries, but he ‘dug deep’ and made a magnificent effort finishing in just over six hours. He even managed a smile at the end!
Nathan ran the London Marathon in aid of the Herefordshire Freemasons Festival 2031 and Firefighters Charity through Peterchurch Fire Station where he is an on-call firefighter. The Herefordshire Festival 2031 will contribute to local community initiatives across Herefordshire.
His sponsorship page will remain open till May 21st for those that would like to donate.
In April, we invited members of the Community First Responders (HWCFR) from across Herefordshire to the Masonic Centre in Hereford to present them with 100 ‘Bleed Kits’. These will be placed with the existing defibrillator sites across Herefordshire and for HWCFR to use in their day to day activities.
In a serious bleeding emergency, the first few minutes are critical. These kits give communities the tools to act fast and potentially save a life before emergency services arrive.
Community First Responders are a group of volunteers, that are trained by the ambulance service to respond to medical and trauma emergencies within our community, whilst the ambulance is on route.
Herefordshire Freemasons’ Lodges have been supporting the Community First Responders at a local level for some time. This year we are increasing that support to include local initiatives, as well as larger donations, to support the wider Herefordshire community. So far this year, Herefordshire Freemasons have donated nearly £11,000 with more pledged by the end of May 2026.
We look forward to even more exciting announcements on our support for the Community First Responders shortly.
Local charity launches new youth services for those affected by family illness
Eastnor Lodge and Herefordshire Freemasons have recently donated to Hope Support Services to enable their expansion into Ledbury. Originally from Ross-on-Wye, the charity supports children and young people facing family illness and bereavement. The charity is expanding its reach in Ledbury, thanks to additional grants from Herefordshire Community Foundation and other local sources. Recently, the charity launched youth groups for under-11s and teenagers, alongside a bereavement support group. The initiative is already attracting engagement, including boys, who can be challenging to reach in times of difficulty.
Community collaboration features strongly, as the charity partners with LEAF’s (Locally Encouraging All to Flourish) youth groups for introductory activities and prepares for a presence at the Ledbury Youth Spaces launch event. Thanks to the donation, the Wellbeing Adviser, Laura Burgess, is now delivering both group and one-to-one support in person, marking a significant step in fostering local involvement and wellbeing among young people in the town.
Kate Croudace, Hope’s Youth Services Manager, said:
“We are extremely grateful to Eastnor Lodge and Herefordshire Freemasons for their generous support of our work in Ledbury, enabling us to offer new group services similar to those we provide in Ross, Leominster, Hereford and at St Michael’s Hospice. Our commitment to youth support across Herefordshire is only possible through the generosity of benefactors such as these.”
The picture shows Paul Finlay, who oversees Charitable giving at Eastnor Lodge, together with Laura Burgess of Hope Support Services.
