18/01/2025
Eldon Lodge No. 1755 Donates £1,250 to Charity in a Memorable Evening.
On Saturday, 11th January 2025, Eldon Lodge No. 1755 hosted our annual Burns Night celebration at Clevedon Masonic Hall; The evening raised a total of £1,250 for three worthy causes and featured a Festive Board filled with camaraderie, generosity, and goodwill.
Acting Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Jonathan Britton presided over the evening’s proceedings and on behalf of the lodge, presented a donation of £250 to Talk Club, Clevedon, a local men’s mental health charity (https://talkclub.org/). Steve Barnard, Talk Club’s Community Manager, attended to accept the cheque and delivered a moving and thought-provoking talk about the charity’s vital role in supporting men’s mental health and preventing su***de in the local community.
A further £500 was donated to RNLI Portishead. The donation was accepted by Portishead Boathouse Manager and Eldon lodge member, Steve Secker, who shared heartfelt insights into the RNLI’s dangerous and life-saving work keeping people safe in the unpredictable waters of the Bristol Channel.
In addition, the evening’s raffle and charity auction raised £500 for Prostate Cancer UK, thanks to the incredible generosity of all attendees.
The white table event welcomed non-Masons to join the Festive Board, which filled Clevedon Masonic Hall to capacity in an atmosphere of inclusivity and celebration. A highlight of the evening was the Address to the Haggis, delivered with flair by W. Bro. A. Millar (Worshipful Master of the Lodge of Agriculture) and accompanied by a stirring bagpipe performance from W. Bro. S. Kemlo.
Reflecting on the evening, W. Bro. Jonathan Britton said: “It was a privilege to lead such a special evening. The generosity of our brethren and guests will make a real difference to these three important causes. Events like this highlight the best of Freemasonry—bringing people together to support those in need.”
[Photo captions: Acting Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Jonathan Britton, presenting the donation to Steve Barnard of Talk Club (Left) and to Steve Secker of RNLI Portishead (Right).
