We supported the Royal British Legion at their VE day celebrations in Madley by marshalling the car park.
Also, as part of the VE 80 Commemorations, beacons were list across the country. In Hereford, after a full day of commemorations including reading of the Peace Proclamation, wreath laying, participation in the Nation’s 2 minutes silence and a cathedral service of thanksgiving, a beacon was lit on the traditional beacon site in Churchill Gardens on Aylestone Hill. The event was organised by Hereford City Council and the City Marshall asked for support from Herefordshire Masons. Simon Glover answered the call, clearing the area, preparing the beacon and handing the torch to the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Kevin Tillet to light the beacon.
Vitruvian Lodge turned out in force to help maintain the churchyard at St Mary’s Church in Ross on Wye.
This is a regular monthly event during the summer which the Lodge has been supporting. All the Lodges and other orders from Ross on Wye continue to support the Ross Community Food Larder with monthly donations of supplies.
Thanks to all those that supported St Michael’s Hospice at their Sue Parry Sports Day event on Saturday 28 June by acting as car park marshals.
St Michael’s Hospice commented on the day.
“What a fantastic day. Thank you to everyone for being part of festival which showcased so much sporting talent and community cohesion. From the referees and umpires through to the volunteers doing everything from car parking to litter picking – great team effort.
Finally thank you for everyone for turning out and raising the vital voluntary donations that the Hospice relies so heavily on”
Malcolm Davies, the Provincial Grand Almoner attended a Masonic Training event in London and travelled back with Steve Thraxton his counterpart from Somerset who is also Lodge Almoner for St George Lodge No 3158. He told Malcolm that they could not get enough mobility scooters as there was such a big demand for them. Malcolm replied that we had a spare in Hereford. As no one in our Province was currently in need of it, then it would be better to go to a new home.
After having it repaired, Malcolm invited Steve to pick it up which he did by travelling to Hereford on Saturday 12th April when it was handed over.
By then end of the day it was already in the hands of its new keeper and in use!
The picture shows the two Provincial Grand Almoners, Malcolm Davies (left) from Herefordshire handing over the Scooter to Steve Thraxton (right) from Somerset.
Eastnor Lodge have partnered with Ledbury Rugby Club and ‘Talk Community’ to provide a regular Breakfast Club for ex-services personnel (forces or blue light).
This will be launched at Ledbury Rugby Club on Wednesday 7th May between 09:00 and 10:30, with the intention that it becomes a regular fortnightly event.
Talk Community provides online services to find helpful information and advice, discover hundreds of local groups and activities, and find out what events are happening across the county. https://www.talkcommunity.co.uk
Aimee Williams from Talk Community commented:
“I’ve been supporting Ledbury Rugby Club and Eastnor Lodge, who have worked in partnership to develop a new offer for ex-services veterans in the area and I’m very pleased to say that we are soft launching a new Services Breakfast on 7th May.
The breakfast will be held every other week, and is open to all ex-services personnel, including blue light services. In time, as attendance increases and we understand a bit more about the attendees needs, we’ll be looking to incorporate information sessions, talks and visits from people and services of interest too.
For now, and as we get going, we’d love for you to join us at the first session so we can connect with other people and services supporting veterans and ex-service personnel and share any thoughts and ideas you might have about how we can develop the offer.
Please also do invite along any ex-services people you’re working with and/or supporting; they’ll be really welcome (and fed! Important!).“
Paul Finlay the Charity Steward of Eastnor Lodge commented:
“We are excited to bring together this partnership for the benefit of ex-services personnel around Ledbury and look forward to seeing what opportunities develop over time. This further cements our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant signed by Herefordshire Province in July 2022.”
