A few weeks ago, I reported that the Radstock Group of the Goldies Sing & Smile had been awarded £15,000 over three years from the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF).

On the morning of Wednesday, 12th July, I had the pleasure of joining their session at the Conygre Hall, Timsbury, that was enthusiastically led by Trustee Susan Crick, supported by her husband and Chairman of the Trustees John, and Emma Shearman, the Charity’s Operations and Fundraising Manager. It was explained to the group that the MCF is funded solely from the generosity of individual Freemasons, as is the Lodge Charity Account, and not from public street collections.

I was extremely impressed how everyone thoroughly enjoyed the singing, the line-dancing, and a chance to chat over a cup of tea. Each person was given a list of well-known 50s and 60s songs that they could request, which Sue then projected onto a large screen for all to see, the words rolling up as the song progressed. It reminded me of when as child (many moons ago) at Christmas Pantomimes the songs were on a backdrop and we had to ‘Follow the Bouncing Ball.’

During the tea break I took the opportunity to talk to one or two people who live on their own, explaining it gave them an incentive to get out and have a bit of fun with their friends. Fun it certainly was and very lively it was too. A great time had by all.

W. Bro Chris James,

Connaught Lodge 
Charity Steward