Loyal Hay Chapter recently donated £500 to Hay on Wye Dial-A-Ride. Established in December 1994, the charity helps overcome transport problems for their members, young or old, with disabilities of all kinds and also those who simply do not have access to a car or to public transport as long as they are living within a 9 mile radius of Hay-on-Wye.
Their aim is to help customers maintain an independent lifestyle, reducing loneliness and social/rural isolation and enabling residents to feel part of a thriving community. They are more than just a transport service, access to health and community services is a vital part of physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The picture shows E Comp David Gwynne presenting a cheque to the Chairman and Team of Hay Dial-A-Ride
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
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.”
Thank you to the CFRs from Ledbury and Hereford for attending our Hereford Masonic Centre last weekend to formally hand over the two new vehicles. Special thanks to the High Sheriff, Vice Lord Lieutenant and Mayor of Hereford for coming along to make the occasion very special. We look forwards to seeing the new vehicles operational and helping the local communities
Also last week, the Masons from Bromyard presented a cheque for £1730 to Bromyard CFR to assist with medical kit and vehicle costs of the Bromyard CFR. The money was collected by the Lodge and Chapter and part match funded by the central Herefordshire Masons Charity.
We look forward to assisting other local CFRs across the County in the coming months.
The Taurus Chapter of the Widows Sons MBA recently held its long-awaited Hog Roast evening at Hereford Rowing Club — and what a tremendous success it proved to be.
Bringing together Widows Sons members, Freemasons, friends, families, non-Masons and children, the event welcomed a full house of 120 attendees for an evening centred around friendship, community spirit and charitable giving.
The event had been in planning since February, with the chapter’s social committee working hard behind the scenes to create an enjoyable and affordable evening for everyone attending. Originally capped at 100 tickets, demand quickly exceeded expectations and, after discussions with the venue, a further 20 tickets were released. These additional places also sold out, with the event reaching full capacity four weeks before the night itself.
The primary aim of the evening was to raise funds towards a special Taurus Chapter Christmas initiative later this year, which hopes to provide 60 Christmas dinners to individuals and families within the community who may otherwise go without during the festive season.
The evening also welcomed visiting brethren from several other Widows Sons chapters and associated groups, including Celtic Knights, Pilgrims, Worcestershire, Shropshire and South Wales, alongside supporters from across the UK.
Following the hog roast meal, a charity raffle was held, raising an impressive £770 alone. Combined with ticket sales and additional fundraising throughout the evening, the event generated nearly £2,000 towards the chapter’s Christmas fundraising target.
As the formal fundraising concluded, the evening continued with music, dancing and a lively social atmosphere which kept the dance floor full well into the night.
Members of Taurus Chapter expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, supported the raffle and helped make the evening such a success.
The event once again demonstrated the strong community spirit that exists within the Widows Sons and Freemasonry alike — bringing people together not only for fellowship and friendship, but also to make a positive difference within the wider community.
