MONMOUTHSHIRE PROVINCIAL GRAND CHARITY
MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND
2003 Festival Appeal

Festival President
RW Bro. M. John Hughes, Provincial Grand Master for Monmouthshire

Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee

VW Brother Gary J. Morgan, PGSwdB., Deputy Provincial Grand Master.

** Monmouthshire smashes Fund Raising Target **

The Province of Monmouthshire celebrated the conclusion of six years of Fund Raising efforts in support of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund on Friday 7th November, 2003. A target of UKP 750,000 had been set and strenuous efforts were undertaken by the Provincial Grand Charity Steward, WBro Peter Duke assisted by the Charity Stewards of the 28 Lodges in the Province to achieve a satisfactory result.

The Festival Dinner was held at the Celtic Manor Hotel, Newport, and 780 Freemasons (in full Dress Regalia) their families and guests enjoyed a wonderful banquet and an evening of high class entertainment. The chief guest was the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master the Honourable Marquess of Northampton accompanied by Lady Northampton. The President of the New Masonic Samaritan Fund VW Brother Captain Norman Lloyd Edwards was present and he was accompanied by Lt. Colonel Richard Douglas, Chief Executive of the Fund and his wife Hilary. The evening commenced with a wine reception for all present, during which, the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master and Lady Northampton undertook a ‘walk about’ to meet as many of those present as possible.

Following a delightful meal, the Royal Regiment of Wales Regimental Band, accompanied by the Regimental Goat, entertained everyone with a display of musical excellence. After the Loyal Toast and the Toast to the Festival President, Lt. Colonel Richard Douglas announced the carefully guarded secrete of the result of Fund Raising activities. Explaining the target of UKP 750,000 and the considerable concerns of many in the Province, as to whether or not we would eventually achieve it, he announced to thunderous applause and firework cannons a staggering UKP 1,441,469 had been raised. A cheque for the Funds raised was then presented by the Festival President, RW Bro M. John Hughes to VW Bro Captain Norman Lloyd-Edwards. The MW The Pro Grand Master expressed his great appreciation of the sterling efforts made by the Province and congratulated everyone on the arrangements for a wonderful and enjoyable evening.

To conclude the formal part of the evening, the Festival President RW Bro M. John Hughes, presented bouquets to Lady Northampton, his wife Mrs Jean Hughes, Mrs June Morgan wife of the Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee and Deputy Provincial Grand Master VWBro Gary J. Morgan and to Mrs Muriel Duke wife of the Provincial Grand Charity Steward WBro Peter Duke.

The evening continued with dancing which was enjoyed by all present.

 

© Province of Monmouthshire 2005