What a day! Even the weather behaved for a glorious day at Hereford Rowing Club for the Inter Provincial Regatta. Thank you to the teams from the Provincial Grand Lodges of Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Worcestershire as well as Sir David Wootton and teams from Argonauts Lodge No 2243 for their entries into the Elite Races.
Four teams entered the Elite Races and seven teams entered the Novice Races.
Results of the Elite Races were
1st Place Golden Fleece
2nd Place Good Ship Argo
3rd Sir David Wootton’s Team
Winners of the Novice Races were
1st Place ‘Perfect Ashlars’ from Gloucestershire
2nd Place ‘No Edwards’ from Herefordshire
3rd Place ‘Vaga Lodge’ from Herefordshire
A great fun day for all and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.
Following the success of our previous social events, the Taurus Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association is preparing to do it all again — but this time with a rather darker twist!
On Saturday 31st October 2026, Hereford Rowing Club will be transformed for the Taurus Monster Mash Ball, a Halloween-themed evening bringing together Freemasons, Widows Sons, families and friends for what we hope will be another fantastic night of fun, friendship and fellowship.
Since Taurus Chapter was formed, we have always believed that Freemasonry and the Widows Sons are about far more than meetings and motorcycles. Some of the best friendships are built when people come together socially, partners and families get involved, and those from different Lodges and Chapters have the opportunity to meet in a relaxed atmosphere.
That is exactly what the Monster Mash Ball is all about.
The evening promises plenty of Halloween atmosphere, entertainment and, judging by some of the characters already involved with Taurus, probably a few sights that cannot be unseen! Fancy dress is not compulsory, but it is certainly welcomed and encouraged, and we are hoping that brethren, partners and friends from across the Province will enter into the spirit of the occasion.
You do not need to ride a motorcycle, be a member of Taurus, or even know much about the Widows Sons to come along. This is an open social event and everyone will be made very welcome. Whether you arrive as a vampire, zombie, ghost, monster — or simply as yourself, which may be frightening enough in some cases — we would love to see you there!
The Monster Mash Ball will take place at Hereford Rowing Club on Saturday 31st October 2026, and tickets will be going on sale very soon.
So, for now, save the date, start thinking about your costume and watch out for further details.
For more information, speak to Billy “Joker” Russell or Steve “Craiger” Craig.
This Halloween, Taurus is bringing the monsters to Hereford — and you are invited!
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
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
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.”
