‘Seeing is believing’ describes the Province of the Isle of Man’s approach to Freemasonry and the community – or, in other words, be there at public events so people can see for themselves what Freemasonry is all about.
2023 was a particularly busy year and the first main event of the Province was the Charity Forum in April. A total of 30 representatives from nine charities met with a number of Manx Freemasons to inform them about their charity work, with the Provincial Grand Master explaining to them how the Masonic charities work. Everybody enjoyed the fish and chips dinner and £1,750 in donations was presented.
After this, it was time to be ‘out there’, with the Provincial Marquee flying the Masonic flag at the Southern Vintage Show. This was followed shortly after by a stand at the Tynwald Fair, the traditional and ancient fair held on Tynwald Day next to Tynwald Hill. The day marks when the new session of parliament (Tynwald) is officially opened in a historic ceremony.
The other two ‘must be present’ events were the Southern Agricultural Show and the Royal Manx Show, where the Province had a stand for the public to enquire about Freemasonry. Even if they are not yet interested in joining, they can see for themselves how much society benefits from Masonic charities. The open and public presence dispels some of the prejudice that is still encountered at times.
The highlight of the Manx ‘Freemasonry in the Community’ calendar is the ‘Masons in the Park’ event held each year in Ramsey, where the public enjoy a Radio Caroline North celebration, Manx Radio, a display of vintage vehicles, 1960s music, a bowling competition and live music from the Quinn Brothers (one of them being Provincial Grand Charity Steward Peter), Tim Vaughan, Brendan McLaughlin and Gary Christian. Instigated and led by Peter, the event is special in that it is organised by Freemasons themselves.
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of all visitors, sponsors and supporters, a magnificent £12,400 was raised for two charities – Forget me Not, a charity taking care of people suffering from dementia, and Live at Home, a charity that supports people to remain in their home for as long as possible rather than having to go into a care home.
