To call the now annual event organised by the Wigan group a ‘trip’ doesn’t really do it justice. This is the eighth year that the group has arranged a winter break for the Wigan and surrounding groups, designed to get people together in an informal atmosphere to enjoy each other’s company and in the process raise a bit of money for various charities. Initially started to raise money for the 2010 Festival and to have an enjoyable but relaxing break after the usually hectic Christmas period. The tour has previously visited Bournemouth, Bideford twice, Street, Torquay, Scotland and Eastbourne. This year two coaches travelled to Paignton for a wonderful time by the sea. All the trips have been most enjoyable, but as an additional bonus have raised a substantial amount of money for various charities and Masonic halls.
Trip organiser David Ogden (centre with his arm round wife Joan) together with his ‘special helpers’ catching the sun.
The ‘pilgrimage’ is run like any other coach holiday, but any Masonic groups that book 10 passengers are included in the share out of the monies raised. Money is raised by the organiser, group secretary David Ogden, negotiating all kinds of deals and discounts that find their way back into the charity pot. In addition, during each stay, with the assistance of wife Joan, sister Susan and John Parrott, there are a couple of raffles, bingo, heads and tails and anything which increases the fun and helps to add a bit more money to the pot.
This year, as in the past few years, the beneficiaries have been Bootle, South East, Warrington, and Wigan Groups and the amounts divided proportionally, according to the numbers attending from each group. Warrington, Bootle, South East and Wigan will all share the sum in excess of £3,000 raised by the event, which will be donated to Masonic as well as external charities. Amazingly, this will bring the total raised over the last eight years to over £30,000.
Part of the event involved two excursions, one to Dawlish and Teignmouth and the other to Brixham and Dartmouth, the home of the Royal Navy College. The sun, they say, always shines on the righteous and the weather was delightful throughout the week in the sunny, yet breezy days on the English Riviera as the rain and sleet fell on those left behind in Lancashire. There was the usual sponsored walk, which on this occasion suffered a few casualties, not from breaks and sprains as you could well understand, but from sunburn!
The dining at the hotel was most enjoyable, followed by evening entertainment which was excellent. Guests were treated to a variety of acts, including a versatile magician come conjurer and comedian, a singer and comedienne, a male singer ‘Elvis’ tribute and a very fine singer on the final evening.
The holidaymakers had a safe but not too speedy journey back home to Lancashire as detours were required because the M5 was closed following highway repairs that had over-run. All had a lovely, friendly and very enjoyable break. The ethos of the trip is, of course to raise money, but most importantly to have fun doing it. Everyone enjoyed one another’s’ company and make many new and long lasting friendships. Long may it continue. It truly is all part of enjoying Freemasonry.
A great turnout for the sponsored walk.