Last Thursday saw Kingston Park, home of the Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder Rugby, play host to the North East Expo, with the Northumberland Freemasons Community Engagement Team, consisting of Gary Breach, David Stockdale, Gavin Wales, Collin Bowman and Bob Bruce, in attendance, for the first time at a business networking event.
With over 150 exhibitors in attendance and a footfall of over 900 delegates during the day, the trade stand was well received by many visitors to the event, as well as numerous other exhibitors. Of note two of the delegates in attendance were current candidates, who had both come through the Pathways Scheme, and were eagerly awaiting undertaking their initiation ceremonies later this month.
Many visitors entered the prize draw, for the large bottle of Irish Whisky and were keen for follow up contact in connection with them potentially joining the organisation. In addition there was plenty of engagement with many current, and lapsed Freemasons, several of whom are subsequently considering re-joining. Alongside the Northumberland Freemasons stand, representatives from a number of local charities were in attendance, who had been awarded charitable donations, by both the Masonic Charitable Foundation and the Richard Henry Holmes Masonic Benevolent Fund , and just wanted to say hello.
The day was deemed a huge success by the team and a great opportunity to gain awareness, engage with the public and potential members as well as dispel some myths about Freemasonry. We are looking forward to doing it again next year already.
Many thanks to W.Bro Gary Breach for the submission of this article.
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