Oriental Lodge No.9371, which meets at Byker Masonic Hall, celebrated their Chinese New Year meeting recently, with in excess of 100 visitors attending their meeting in Newcastle.
In addition to the Senior Warden delivering the First Degree Charge, and the Provincial Grand Mentor and Membership Officer’s short talk on the virtues of Lodges taking up the Members’ Pathway Charter Lodge Scheme; there was also a special presentation.
An impromptu knock at the door, at the end of the meeting, saw the Provincial Grand Master, Ian Craigs, enter, surprise the assembled visitors and take his seat alongside the Worshipful Master, Adam van Gogh, to listen to W.Bro Chris Jones, from the Province of Lincolnshire, speak about his epic 7,000 mile walk around the coastline of Britain. Chris is raising awareness of men’s mental health and money for the Masonic Charitable Foundation. After his talk Ian presented Chris with a cheque for a magnificent £2,000, on behalf of the Province of Northumberland, in support of his incredible efforts.
More than 100 brethren dined at Sky Restaurant on a 12-course Chinese Banquet, and the traditional Lion Dance in between courses kept the brethren entertained. During the festivities Adam presented Chris with a further cheque of £100 on behalf of Oriental Lodge and thanks on behalf of the many visitors were given by Bro Richard Carter who was visiting from Ionic Lodge No.526 in Ottawa, Canada.
The Brethren of Oriental Lodge wish everyone their very best for the Year of the Rabbit.
You can read more about Chris’s epic adventure and donate to his cause here: https://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/masonic-charitable-foundation/e0151-lincolnshire-2025-festival/on-the-edge-a-walk-around-the-coast-of-mainland-britain-to-thank-the-charity-that-saved-my-life
Do you have a story, event or news item you would like to have published on the Provincial website, or social media, please get in touch with our Communications Team at news@northumberlandmasons.org.uk