As we enter 2008 we can confidently look forward to what promises to be an entertaining and varied twelve months ahead but members must take the credit for making 2007 a successful year. With money raised we have donated £ 2,400.00 towards the purchase of two wheelchairs, new tableware and kitchen equipment for the Masonic Hall at Goldsmith Street, Nottingham. Our photograph shows Mr. Robin Bailey accepting a cheque on behalf of the Hall from Chairman, Aileen Wright and Vice-Chairman, Gill Hitch.

Entertainment at our monthly meetings is provided by speakers whose talks cover a diverse range of topics but one speaker made a lasting impression on every member. Brenda Dawe is a remarkable person. Having been treated for breast cancer she decided to raise funds for cancer charities and so commenced the subject of her talk, ‘A Drive of her Life’. Brenda planned to drive a JCB from John O’Groates to Land’s End, never having driven anything larger than a family car. After many disappointments J. C. Balls of Matlock, Derbyshire, agreed to provide one for her. Following extensive training Brenda and her support team commenced the epic journey south making fund raising stops on route. The team was welcomed at the Asda shopping stores where events had been planned. Brenda finally reached Land’s End having driven 1307 miles and collected £ 25,000.00

The Group annual December outing in 2007 was to Shugborough, the historic estate of the Earls of Lichfield. Leaving Goldsmith Street by coach, members accompanied by husbands, partners and friends travelled to Shugborough where we were greeted by National Trust staff. Following a welcoming coffee, guides dressed in costume escorted us around the coaching stables and on to the kitchens for a traditional plum pudding cookery demonstration. After ‘Christmas Lunch’ in the restaurant we were taken on a guided tour of the house. Before leaving Shugborough the staff served us with a glass of sherry and shortbread which was well received by the members. An excellent outing and a lovely start to the Christmas Season.

Membership of the group is open to Ladies whose husbands / partners are members of the Masonic Club. Widows of former club members are also welcome.

Meetings are held at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee is served at 10.00 am and the meeting commences at 10.30 am. For further details contact Chairman Aileen Wright, tel: 0115 9283891 or by ‘e’ mail at: ladies.saturdaygroup@tiscali.co.uk