From time immemorial, all good ideas have had the seeds sown in a pub.
Support for the London Air Ambulance appeal has always been robust. The movement gained further momentum through a charity walk organised by the Metropolitan Grand Stewards, particularly Grant Bailey, a Past Metropolitan Grand Steward.
While planning the event at a public house on Great Queen Street, Paul Sully, Assistant Provincial Grand Master in the Province of Middlesex, in conversation with a friend and one of the Metropolitan Grand Stewards, saw an opportunity for Middlesex Province’s involvement.
After discussions with the Pro Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex, David Allan, it was clear there was a strong appetite to support this important cause and that the Middlesex Provincial Stewards were eager to participate and join with their colleagues in London.
Subsequently, requests for assistance were made to two Middlesex charities, both of which enthusiastically endorsed the appeal.
The Middlesex Province Relief Fund (MPRF) contributed £75,000, while the Masonic Province of Middlesex Charitable Trust (MPMCT) provided £25,000.
The organisers are immensely grateful for these generous donations.
In addition to these amounts, the participants of the walk raised their own individual sponsorship amounts, and at the time of completing the walk, an additional £15,000 had been raised.
Just before 9:00 am on Saturday, 1st June, thirty-three Metropolitan and Middlesex Freemasons and their family members set off on foot from Twickenham Masonic Centre.
Their aim was to walk a twenty-mile route to Freemasons’ Hall to raise money for Metropolitan Grand Lodge’s ‘Up Against Time’ appeal.
Most of the walk was along the beautiful banks of the river Thames.
The Metropolitan Grand Master, Warren Duke, and the Pro Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex, David Allan, cheerfully sent the walkers on their way.
The walk was characterised by high spirits, camaraderie, and humour, culminating in their arrival at Freemasons’ Hall by 5:30 pm for a special presentation.
The walkers finally arrived at Freemasons’ Hall, where they were met by the Pro Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex, David Allan and Stratton Richey, Chair of the London Freemasonry Charity, along with Jayne Clarke, representing the London Air Ambulance Charity.
This successful event raised funds for an important cause and exemplified the spirit of cooperation and camaraderie between brothers.
