SEMPER FRATRES LODGE - A SURPRISE DONATION. By W Bro Grayham Allenby

Another successful year of funding raising by the members of the Lodge through various events during the past year. A total of £2800 was raised at a skittles evening at the Boots social club, a car rally, the Ladies festival and a race evening to conclude the Worshipful Master W Bro James Taylor’s year.

At the Worshipful Masters ladies festival a surprise was in store. Unbeknown to him and the rest of the Lodge an ex members daughter and her husband, Dawn and John Plant, had completed the Robin Hood Marathon and raised £1000. They were undecided as to where the monies should be donated but knew a band of Brothers who would know exactly where to make the donation. So at the end on the meal the cheque was presented to the Worshipful Master who needless to say was most surprised. He congratulated Dawn and John on their efforts and said that the donation would be put to good use in supporting his chosen charities The Neonatal unit at the QMC, the Lincs Notts air ambulance and the Provincial Charity.

The race evening in February with 102 guests and members and supported by many donations of prizes from the local business community and our own members raised a staggering £1500 to add to the Worshipful Masters charity fund.

At the Installation meeting in March the Worshipful Master was able to present cheques as follows:-

The Neonatal unit led by Dr Craig Smith £1500 who personally congratulated the members on their efforts; The Lincs/ Notts air Ambulance £300 presented to John Field who also thanked the Brethren for their generosity.

The Treasurer was able to present a cheque for £600 to the acting Provincial Grand Junior Warden W Bro Alan Coppin, who was representing the Provincial Grand Master, to be donated to the Provincial Charity fund. He was delighted to receive the cheque on behalf of the Province.

And now back to raising funds for our new Worshipful Master W Bro Matt Biggs.

Since 1991 the Lodge has raised over £20000 for good causes mostly outside the Masonic umbrella.