Over the past seven years, Hextoldesham Lodge has been on a mission to give back to the community through a series of fundraising events supporting local charities. Last year, they embarked on a challenging yet rewarding journey—a sponsored walk along the length of the River Tyne, which raised over £5,000 for Scarbrough Court in 2023.
The walk, dubbed “Geoff’s Tours” (thanks to some memorable navigation blunders by Brother Geoff Cant during a previous trek), was completed in two parts and has become a beloved tradition within the Lodge.
Part One: The South Tyne Challenge (2023)
The first part of the journey in 2023 saw four members of the Lodge, along with two friends, walk 44 miles over two days. Starting from the humble beginnings of the South Tyne, a small stream emerging from the hills in Cumbria, they trekked to the Meeting of the Waters at Warden, just two miles from Hexham. Here, the South Tyne converges with the North Tyne, symbolizing a key milestone in their journey.
Despite none of the participants being seasoned walkers, they persevered, battling stiff legs and sore feet, all in the name of charity. Their determination paid off, as they raised over £5,000 for Scarbrough Court, a local charity providing much-needed care and support for elderly Freemasons and their families.
The Origins of “Geoff’s Tours”
This wasn’t Hextoldesham Lodge’s first sponsored walk. The name “Geoff’s Tours” comes from an earlier adventure along St Oswald’s Way, a 98-mile journey from Lindisfarne to Hexham. However, thanks to Brother Geoff Cant’s questionable navigation skills, the group ended up walking an impressive 122 miles instead! Ever since, their walks have affectionately been known as “Geoff’s Tours,” and the tradition continues with each new challenge.
Part Two: The Final Stretch (2024)
This year, the Lodge completed the second leg of their epic trek, walking the remaining 38 miles from the Meeting of the Waters to Tynemouth. Once again, Geoff’s Tours did not disappoint, with five members completing the two-day journey, raising an additional £2,000 for Rosie’s Corner, a local Tynedale charity that supports disadvantaged children.
Rosie’s Corner is entirely dependent on public donations, providing practical items like prams, toys, and clothing to those in need. Cash donations are essential to help cover rent, utility bills, and to support their current fundraising goal: purchasing a van to bring their services into the community.
Looking Ahead
Hextoldesham Lodge’s dedication to charity and their willingness to go the extra mile (quite literally) is an inspiration. Through their fundraising efforts, they continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of local people.
“Geoff’s Tours” may be famous for adding a few extra miles to the journey, but for Hextoldesham Lodge, those extra steps are worth every penny raised for those in need.
Stay tuned for more adventures from Geoff’s Tours, as Hextoldesham Lodge continues to raise funds for deserving local causes and create lasting memories along the way!