A couple of weeks ago, over seventy of the Ladies attended a splendid lunch and drinks at the Grade 1 listed 'Dartington Great Hall' near Totnes and a tour of gardens and walled Medieval Deer park organised by Chris Oliver and his wife Jane and was fully funded by the Devonshire Freemasons. The Great Hall at Dartington was built 1388-1399 and was once owned by Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII. We all felt history was all around us!
The regional Masonic Widows groups are based in Exeter and Topsham, Teign Valley, Torbay, East Devon, St Aubyn (Plymouth), Plym Valley and Barnstaple.
Nicholas Ball - Head of Devonshire Freemasons:
"The event was well organised and in an ideal location. The joy and the buzz of conversation from our widows was really rewarding. It's such a simple thing, but it is one of the highlights of our calendar. Jane and Chris do a fantastic job and are very popular with the group."
Chairman of Devonshire Masonic Widows Association:
"After a rather wet Summer Lunch at Buckfast Abbey last year, we were both hoping for better weather at Dartington Hall when this year's MWA Summer Lunch took place in September. We were not disappointed!
The sun shone all day, which allowed the ladies to have a welcoming drink on the lawn before going into the Great Hall for lunch. During lunch, a slide show giving the history of Dartington was displayed for all to see. After finishing lunch, the ladies could spend time in the magnificent Grade 1 listed gardens before tea and homemade cookies were served. A perfect end to a perfect day!
These events would not be possible without the continued support from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Devonshire Benevolent Fund, for which we are very grateful."
Anne Ayear - Chairman of Plym Valley MWA:
"What's the association mean to us? It's companionship support, and there's always a friend at the end of the telephone to reach out to. We feel part of a larger organisation, and that's good. We all would urge lodges to contact their widows at an appropriate time and make them aware of this Association; it's so important not to feel alone at times of grief. Please spread the word! Thank you and the Brethren of Devonshire for organising such a wonderful day and superb lunch."
Jean - Plym Valley Member:
"I had been waiting four or five years to get an eye operation done. Our Almoner contacted the Province for help, and I had it done privately in three months. I'm so so grateful."
