Just “another typical day” in the life of Herefordshire Freemasons. Many Companions attended the Annual Meeting of the Gloucester and Herefordshire Royal Arch in Gloucester during the day. The ceremony saw the new Third Provincial Grand Principal, E Comp David Hedley (top right in picture) invested and also E Comp Tony Allcock (bottom right in picture) invested as the new Assistant to the Principals who will be covering all of the Herefordshire Royal Arch Chapters.  Congratulations to them and all who received preferment on the day.

Further details on the Royal Arch Provincial Website here

It was also the first Installation Ceremony of the new Masonic Season at Vaga Lodge in Hereford in the evening. The Head of Herefordshire Freemasons and the Provincial Team were at the Installation ceremony. A great ceremony and festive board afterwards which was well attended by members, visitors and the Provincial Team. We wish the new Worshipful Master and his officers a productive and enjoyable year.

Meanwhile the Deputy Head of Herefordshire Freemasons represented us at the Arrive Alive Charity Gala, just one of the charities we have supported this year.

All of our core values in one day, Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.

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