East Lancashire Masonic Charity

Autumn Day Out - Thursday 20th September 2007

The Comforts Fund Committee continued their yearly program with an Autumn Day Out which took place on Thursday 20th September 2007. The day commenced at 9.30am when some 43 beneficiaries together with the Comforts Fund Committee Chairman, his lady, and other Committee members, arrived at Middleton Masonic Hall for a tea and biscuits reception. The departure was slightly delayed due to a problem with the coach however by 11am all present were seated and en route to Malton, North Yorkshire.

The luncheon took place about 12.45pm at The Old Lodge Hotel near the centre of Malton. The taste buds were soon enticed with a mouth watering Fan of Melon starter. This was followed by a traditional Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding main course. The excellent meal was accompanied by a glass wine or if preferred a soft drink.

The Chairman and Committee members took advantage of the good weather by talking and relaxing with the beneficiaries in the rear grounds of the hotel after lunch!

We departed from the hotel about 2pm and soon arrived at Eden Camp situated just to the North of Malton.

This is the only Modern History Theme Museum of its type in the World. The 29 huts, built in 1942, were previously a Prisoner of War Camp. They have been re-equipped to tell the story of The People's War, the social history of life in Britain from 1939 to 1945, and Britain’s Military History of the 20th Century.

The Committee members were privileged to be able to escort some of our beneficiaries around the museum and share with them some of their memories and experiences of this dangerous period. In one hut realistic tableaux, with moving figures, and authentic sounds and smells, had been created to "transport you back in time". In one scene there was a living room depicting a typical wartime home in Britain.  The family are seated in front of the fire, listening to the radio as Chamberlain announces "the declaration of war."

Of particular interest to some of our lady beneficiaries were the huts covering Evacuees, Women at War, The Land Army and Timber Girls, as well as The WVS. Our male beneficiaries however soon found the NAAFI so it wasn’t long before some were enjoying a well earned cuppa and a chat!

Although the afternoon visit to Eden Camp had brought back some sad memories all agreed that it had been well worth it. Indeed some wanted to stay longer however time pressed on. We left Malton just before 4.30pm and arrived back at Middleton Masonic Hall about 6.15pm.

Judging by the positive response by our guests when leaving the Chairman was satisfied that the Committee was continuing to provide a ‘special’ day out which is so much enjoyed by our beneficiaries.

Outings in 2006      Outing in Spring 2007      Outing in Autumn 2007      Outings in 2008

W.Bro. Stephen Smith
Chairman,
ELMC Comforts Fund Committee