The Royal Family have always been important to Freemasonry. Five Monarchs have been Freemasons. His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh started his life in Freemasonry in 1952, at the age of 31 when he was initiated into Navy Lodge No. 2612 and the Duke of Kent was initiated as a Freemason in Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16 in 1963.
So Dorset Freemasons decided to commemorate Her Majesty’s historic reign by arranging a special day of adventure for Dorset children called ‘Max Platinum’. Local Freemasons supported 50 children aged between 12 and 16 years of age at the 40 acre site at Max Events, near Dorchester. Lodges approached their local communities, youth organisations and charities to sponsor children for the event.
On the day of the activity children were split into groups and enjoyed 22 assault rifle shooting, axe throwing and bush craft skills. After a BBQ lunch the day continued with an assault course challenge, team tug of war and battle archery!
The head of Dorset Freemasonry, Graham Glazier said, 'This was a special day for young people to gain confidence, build teamwork, help with anxiety issues and promote good self-esteem. Everyone enjoyed the day and they all want to come again next year. Carers and chaperons actually said that some of the children hadn’t smiled as much in a long time'.
The day involved lots of fun, life skills and the importance of teamwork. In the bush craft challenge children were taught how to safely make a fire, cooking and safe handling of knives. The whole day encompassed problem solving with lots of fresh air and physical activity. Most children knew only those youngsters which they had arrived with but by the end of the day, each had made many knew friends.
Louise Grady Huge from Dorset Charity Mosaic said, 'Thanks to Freemasons for funding nine Mosaic young people so they could attend the Max Platinum day in deepest Dorset. There was bush craft, archery, obstacle course, axe throwing and more and everyone had a brilliant day. All of the young people had such an amazing time and all really enjoyed it, the best activity was the rifle shooting! Mosaic support bereaved children and young people all over Dorset following the death of a loved one. Activity days are a huge part of Mosaic where children are able to make friends and have fun'.
Communications Officer Andy Gale said, 'Charity has always been a core principle of Freemasonry and we’re proud of our 300-year history of helping those in need. We are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020 alone. More than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work is undertaken by our members in their communities every year. Next year we plan to sponsor even more children'.
The following Lodges sponsored children: Hospitality and Concord, Ashley, Vespasian, Beaminster Manor, Dunckerley, Quintus, Northbourne, Portland, All Souls, St Cuthberga, Amity, Honour and Friendship, Brit Valley, Ferndown, Unity and Blackmore Vale.
