Page 7 - Essex Mason Issue 84

Provincial

Garden Party 2018 a great success !

by Andrew McLeod

t matters not how much an event such as The Summer Fete is planned no one can predict the weather and It was a sizzler
Iwith clear skies, scorched grass and record temperatures! Fortunately Essex Freemasons are resilient and extremely loyal and
the entry numbers were high. It was lovely to be in the park like grounds which surround the Hall again with its magnificent
Cedar trees and many stalls dotted round. There was entertainment for all the family and judging by the fun and laughter a
lot of enjoyment with it.

The Provincial Grand Master Rodney Lister Bass OBE was accompanied by his wife Margaret and joined in activities with a broad
smile and good humour adding to the atmosphere of friendship.
An event like this involves a large body of volunteers without whom there would be no Fete. So thanks to all the Lodges and
Chapters who bought tickets and donated so generously, those who pulled together teams i.e. car parking, cream teas, children”s
and other entertainment and those working behind the scene i.e. the garden working party, residents’ raffle, paramedic,risk
assessment, the scaffolding and the PA system. Then we have help from the Stewards Lodge and of course the RMBI who allow
us to use the facilities. Lastly the Trustees of the Association of Friends who give huge help and guidance.
To Essex Masons thank for your support and glad that The World Cup and Wimbledon did not prevent you from giving generously
and thank you to the TEAM for all the hard work and effort to make 2018 a success.

Initial figures suggest a surplus of £6,000 and it may be more for which the Residents will be hugely grateful as it provides those
little extras which mean such as lot to them.
The date for next year will be Sunday 14th July when we celebrate our 20th year, under the Chair of Dennis May.

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