Many hours of thought and planning were put in to the launch of the Nottinghamshire 2007 Festival for the New Masonic Samaritan Fund. An early decision was that every Brother in the Province would receive an invitation addressed to his own home.

On September 20th 2006 some 3,400 such invitations were posted, together with a reply card and other information about The Big Day - 10/06/2007

While it was hoped such an approach would generate interest and bookings, what actually happened was not anticipated! The concept of the day caught the imagination of Brethren and their wives throughout the Province, replies flooded in (80 applications on one dramatic day!) and in just over three weeks the original 1,000 tickets for the NIC were booked. The table plan was revised bringing the total to 1,200 which is the comfortable maximum but still demand continued.

Goldsmith Street was brought into play and a splendid programme arranged for those dining there. The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Robin Wilson and Mrs Margaret Wilson will offer a warm welcome during the sparkling reception in the Ionic Temple, the Assistant PGM's will host the Belgrave and Ionic dining rooms, Robin Hood and his Outlaws will entertain and after the Festival Banquet a fleet of coaches will transfer 400 brethren and guests to the National Ice Centre. (There is also the option of a 10 minute 'downhill' stroll to walk off the lunch!).

With plenty of spectator seats at the NIC we will all come together for the 'formalities' including the presentation of a magnificent cheque to the President of the NMSF, and the day will end with a 'Last Night of the Festival' entertainment, with a band, choirs, soprano soloist and us ... singing our hearts out!

So with almost 1,600 Nottinghamshire brethren, families, friends and guests coming together for the event, everything is set to make The Big Day - 10/06/2007 - one of the most memorable days in the 220 year history of Nottinghamshire freemasonry!

All bookings received for the Big Day have been acknowledged and confirmed. If anyone who has applied has NOT had such a response, please contact W.Bro J. Taylor, or e-mail to johnataylor@stoneycroft118.freeserve.co.uk

Similarly, detailed instructions for the day and the relevant dining tickets will be mailed out to applicants in mid-May. Again please contact W.Bro Taylor if any queries arise.