Friday 11th August saw the annual social gathering of the Allied Masonic Degrees and Royal and Select Masters in Northumberland and Durham for the, affectionately known, Croft Dinner in memory of James Peter Croft, at Tynemouth Golf Club.
The 65 attendees, from across the North East Companion Orders, represented the Districts of Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland and Westmoreland and Yorkshire. In addition the Grand Masters of both Royal and Select Masters, Kessick John Jones, and Allied Masonic Degrees, Thomas Firth Jackson, were in attendance along side Paul Norman, the Principal Grand Conductor of the Works, three District Grand Masters and a District Grand Prefect.
The meal, expertly prepared and served by the Golf Club staff as normal, was thoroughly enjoyed by all present and after the Loyal Toast was observed, Kessick John Jones, addressed all present and expressed how delighted he and Tom Jackson were to attend this special event.
The magnificent raffle then took place and with over 40 donated bottles of all descriptions laid out on the table which a shuttle of volunteers dished out as they were claimed. The fundraising concluded with the auction of a 4.5 litre bottle of whisky and both totals amounted to a magnificent grand total of £2,300.00.
This magnificent total was then presented to the golf Club Captain, Ian Jeffrey who announced that the recipient charity would be “Tiny Lives”. Ian was overwhelmed by the generosity of the Freemasons present and gave special thanks to golf club member and District Grand Master of the Royal and Select Masters in Northumberland, John Harvey, for all of his hard work in organising the whole event.
All in all, an excellent night. Roll on next year.
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