Young People at the Teddy Bears Picnic

This year is the tercentenary of the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England. It is an important event for Freemasons being able to celebrate the longevity of our organisation. To celebrate the anniversary and to promote the good causes supported by Freemasons a “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” was held at Hewlett Court on Saturday 1st July 2017.

The event, a grand garden party, was open to all. The attendance exceeded all expectations.

The Young Peoples’ Committee had a stall that highlighted how we support Young People in our care providing a conduit that they can communicate with others who have experienced similar circumstances and share in developing strategies to overcome problems. It also listed all of the events we have organised to provide the Young People with experiences that they may not have access to. These events vary from visit to the Houses of Parliament, Theatre Outings and introduction to sports, activities that they might not have considered.

The stall was themed on the idea of a “Memory Book” that contained messages from current Young People and past members expressing how the support given by the Masonic Movement had made a difference in their lives.

The “Memory Book” was proposed by one of the families supported and others were eager to contribute. We will continue to maintain the “Memory Book” as it is a reminder of how we can contribute to ensuring that all our Young People are offered the opportunities to continue in their chosen paths.

The YPC stall had giant jenga and archery games to keep the younger visitors entertained.

We had some celebrities visit us on the day:

Karen welcomes Pudsey to the stand

 

Jimmy Cricket congratulates the winner

 

Pudsey and Hewlett Court Bear take the Jenga Challenge