The Province of Cheshire are in Festival, and in order to raise funds we looked at ways all Brethren and Companions could participate, and decided on a Virtual walk following the famous Route 66. Together we would aim to cover enough miles, 2,280 in total, and all within the month of August.
Just Giving pages for individuals and for the group were set up, and guidelines on how to promote the event and encourage donations were provided by the Festival fundraising team and shared to the Whatsapp group set up for the participants.
The end of the first week saw 613 miles added to our running total. To coincide with this the team experienced almost record high temperatures with every day showing mid to high 30’s Celsius. This did not deter, as week 2 saw a further 665 miles added to the total although renditions of '24 hrs from Tulsa' and 'Is this the way to Amarillo' weren’t as motivational as originally thought.
The weather cooled down and the event ploughed on, and week 3 saw another 648 miles added. Day 25 saw the team surpass their goal, the end of the Highway of America, Santa Monica, California.
On day 27 at 10 am, a small group of hardy types headed by the Area 2 Assistant Provincial Grand Master Steve Christian had decided to finish with a flourish and walk from our Masonic Hall in Birkenhead to our Hall in City Centre Chester, just over 16 miles. The weather was fine and dry and the team completed the journey in the bright sunshine at about 4 o’clock. Essential hydration was taken at a local hostelry prior to the journey back to Birkenhead by car and train.
Wednesday 31st August saw the final day of the challenge, and as expected the team pressed on. At the conclusion a total of 2740 miles had been achieved, some 460 miles over that needed. The additional mileage saw the team take a virtual wander down Mexico way to Tijuana, back up over the border and to the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada, crossing the equivalent of 7 State borders and 2 countries.
More importantly, with Gift Aid £ 4144.75 has been added to the Cheshire 2027 Festival total.
The funding page is still open, click here if you are able to donate to the magnificent efforts of the team, which consisted of:
Steve Christian Area 2 Assistant Provincial Grand Master
Richard Dobbing Area 2 Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals
Andy Tong Area 2 Chairman
Malcolm Cooke Area 2 Deputy Charity Steward
Neil Eaton & Mrs Jackie Eaton
Kered Duncalf and Mrs Eve Duncalf
Jamie Calland and Mrs Laura Calland
Rob Turnbull
John Higginson
Mike Ring
Simon Wall
Pete McMahon
Daniel Roberts
