Westoe Lodge No. 4750
Gold Presentation
At the April 2019 meeting of Westoe Lodge No. 4750, in South Shields, took on a very special significance, as it saw the Lodge celebrate reaching its Durham 2021 Festival Gold Award.
Michael Graham, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master was warmly welcomed into the Lodge room by Fred Thomas, who as IPM was standing in for the Worshipful Master, who was away working at sea. After a very enjoyable First Degree ceremony, Michael then took to the floor to recognise the huge achievement of the members of Westoe Lodge, as well as those who have supported them, in their charitable efforts to date.
Michael gave the members of Westoe Lodge high praise for their fantastic achievement in raising nearly £24,000 for the 2021 Festival so far. He then had the great pleasure of presenting Ian Turnbull, the very active Charity Steward of the Lodge, with a Durham 2021 Festival Gold Pin badge in recognition of all of his and the Lodge’s charitable endeavours. Westoe Lodge currently has sixteen members who are part of the continuous giving scheme and Alan and Michael both agreed upon the importance that continuous giving had made, as the Lodge successfully reached its 2021 Festival goals.
Those assembled then broke out in to applause as they also showed their appreciation for the commitment to charity that is such an important part of Westoe Lodge. Michael thanked all of those assembled for their ‘overwhelming and continuous support for the 2021 Festival’ which has raised over £2.2 Million to date and reminded the Brethren that each pound raised would go towards ‘making a significant difference to the lives of others.’
At the Festive Board, Michael had the pleasure in presenting the Lodge with its Gold 2021 Festival Certificate in recognition of the Lodge reaching 100% of its Festival target. Michael then wished Westoe Lodge good luck in its continued efforts to attain the Platinum Award and highlighted some of the numerous events, from skydiving to coastal walks, that Freemasons in the Province of Durham can take part in should they so wish.
Upon the closure of the Festive Board many of those in attendance remained, to enjoy the company and fellowship of old and new friends alike, and all those present left with very fond memories of what had been a very special evening at Westoe Lodge.