Freemasons celebrate Tercentenary

Last Sunday on one of the hottest days of the year over 500 masons and their families gathered at Ugbrooke House Chudleigh to celebrate their 300th Birthday which was officially on the 24th June, they came from as far away as Plymouth, Barnstaple and Tiverton to enjoy the most fantastic fun day of the year so far.

The day consisted of something of interest for all the family with the Railway brass band, the Royal Marine Cadets, Handpan Dan as well as Carnaby Set providing music to suit all tastes, a Teddy Bears Picnic, an Inflatable Assault Course and ice creams for all the kids whilst they played with lambs and Shetland ponies and competed in a fun dog show which saw all types of dogs from West highland Terriers to Borzoi’s all quite happy in each others company.

Cream tea and cakes were available when you wanted a rest from all the activity after which one could take a guided tour around the wonderful historic house which is Ugbrooke.

Over 60 Classic Cars and Motor Bikes were on display on the lower garden above the lake and after admiring the cars many took the opportunity to walk around the lake and gardens.

The Teddy Bears picnic was in recognition of the Teddy’s for Loving Care initiative which has over the last eight years seen Freemasons in Devonshire giving over 43,000 teddies to children who find themselves in the sometimes scary position of having to visit the emergency ward of a  hospital, the nurses can then help comfort them by showing the child what is going to happen to them by demonstrating on Teddy and then giving it to them to keep as a friend.

All profits made on the day will be given to charity which of course is one of the basic tenures of being a Freemason, helping those in need in our community.