Page 55 - Essex Mason (Issue 92)

Masonic Secret

Santas Meet at

Loxford Lodge

By Tony Hales
Provincial Communications Team

The first Masonic Secret Santa Meeting was
held by Loxford Lodge No. 5621 on 14th
December 2021 at The Square at Upminster. All
the presents were known but the children who
received them were a secret.

Instead of an alms collection the Brethren brought presents for children
needing specialist care at Addenbrookes Hospital spending Christmas
away from home. At the request of the Hospital’s Charity Trust the
presents were not wrapped so that the staff could give an appropriate
present to each child who would gain the most, as some have limited
mobility and/or special needs and needed toys that have music, sound
or lights.
A huge ‘Thank-you’ by the hospital was extended to all the Essex
Freemasons who donated presents and money during a special 25
Days of Christmas Fundraiser in honour of the late Alexander Badman
who was Master of the Lodge in 1995 and 2011. Alex’s son and Lodge
Steward, Harry, explained:

“The appeal is looking to become a yearly event, growing each
year, and, Covid permitting, allowing more people to join in with
direct fundraising. However, the recipients of the funds will look
to change each year so more and more children are supported.
In 2022, the fundraising is looking to fund Christmas presents for
Children in shelters across Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire,
depending on funds. The target is going to be raised to £2,500
off the back of an incredible year. If anyone would like to join the
team, please contact me and I would be more than happy to help!”
John Cannon, the Lodge Secretary, said the Meeting was also successful
in that Mustafa Ibrahim Mustafa was welcomed back as a re-joining
member and Alex Dring was fervently initiated into Freemasonry by
the Worshipful Master, Richard Capener. John Cannon delivered the
Charge and an Explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board was
given by Paul Scothern.

The grateful appreciation of the Province was conveyed by the Assistant
Provincial Grand Master (APGM) for the Lodge, Martin Howse, who was
delighted to confirm Loxford Lodge had also qualified with Platinum
status for the Essex 2022 Festival.
Charity Steward, Mike Moisley, said “We had a very busy meeting and
as you can see from the pictures there were plenty of presents donated
for children at Addenbrookes Hospital. In addition, the raffle monies
were topped up to £500 from the Lodge of Instruction funds and also
put towards buying presents”.
The children who were at Addenbrookes in special care over Christmas
may not know about Freemasonry or the £51 million given to deserving
causes in 2020 alone, but for the 27 Masonic Secret Santas who met at
Loxford Lodge on 14th December 2021 all the presents were known
but the children who received them were a secret.