SMFA

SMFA Past News

SMFA 2021 Annual Lunch is unfortunately cancelled

The Lunch in 2020 was cancelled and I am sad to say that the unfortunate decision has needed to be taken to cancel the 2021 Annual Lunch that was due to be held on 3rd October 2021.
Although the Government has produced a road map out of the Covid-19 emergency, the general view was that too many issues are likely to still exist about large gatherings.

SMFA (North West) hold successful coffee morning

The North West Area held a Coffee Morning on Friday 30 November 2018, at Clevedon Masonic Hall. We had 36 attend which included a strong representation from the North Somerset Widows Association. During the morning a presentation was given by Linda Griffin, an Information and Advice Office from the Somerset Branch of Age UK. Linda gave examples of how elderly and vulnerable people are being preyed upon by unscrupulous fraudsters, but most importantly advice was on what you can do to protect yourselves. The presentation was well received. There was no charge for the visit, so a small donation was made to Age UK(Somerset Branch). May thanks to Zena for providing delicious cakes and to Clevedon Masonic Hall for their invaluable assistance.

W Bro Ray Beckingham and I would like to wish you a happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year and thank you for your support, in particular the ladies of the North Somerset Masonic Widows Association. If you experience problems in receiving notification of our events, please let Ray or myself know and you will be added to a direct contact list.”

North West Area gather for another great lunch and a Talk by GWAA

The North West Branch of the Friendship association held another successful lunch at Nailsea masonic hall on Sunday 22nd October. We had 78 Brethren widows and friends enjoying the comradeship. After the Lunch we received a very interesting talk given by Richard Lewis on the work of the Great Western Air Ambulance, after the talk Richard sold his wares, a collection was made and we raised the sum of £205-50p. For which the Charity is very grateful.

The Photos show Richard selling his wares and some of the group enjoying the event.

Ray Beckingham
Team Leader

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North West Area enjoy a very well attended lunch

On Sunday 2nd April the N.W. branch of the Friendship Association held a Lunch at Nailsea Masonic Hall. This was attended by 74 people, which included widows & brethren.

After the meal we were entertained by Brigadier (Retired) Bruce Jackman, O.B.E. M.C. who gave a very interesting talk on the History of the Ghurkhas. Bruce’s family have served with the Regiment over many years.
Bruce showed us a kukri and his hat that he explained was specially made for the Ghurkhas.

Donations were made to the Ghurkha welfare trust after the talk. Bruce has since written to say that with Gift Aid a total of £3396-12 was raised which could supply a roof for one of the earthquake resistant homes, for a veteran or widow who lost everything in the 2015 earthquake, it could provide health changing smokeless stoves to 6 new homes or it could provide a welfare pensioner with five and a half months Pension plus other things.

I wish to thank W. Bro. Peter Harris for organising the Lunch, I also thank all those who supported it and last but not least our guest speaker Bruce Jackman.

Photos include a photo of the guests and Bruce explaining the Kukri

Ray Beckingham Team Leader.

Central Area enjoy a Grand Day out

Sunday 17th July saw 60 people from across the central SMFA area enjoyed a Sunday morning horse drawn barge trip along the Grand Western Tiverton canal in North Devon. Being one of the last remaining horse drawn barges in the U.K it was a lovely opportunity for all on-board to sit back, relax and take in the diverse wild-life, beautifully tended gardens and wonderful views on the route.

Our ‘skipper and Horseman’ David; provided us with his wealth of knowledge on the history of the Grand Western Canal and the Tivertonian barge whilst his wife Becky tended the on-board licenced bar and kept us all refreshed with an assortment of beverages from local ales to lemonades. All the hard work of pulling us along the canal was courteous of an 11 year old shire horse named Ross, standing at an incredible 17.1 hands high; however he was generously rewarded with many polo mints for his efforts!

Our day out continued onto the Fisherman’s Cot in Bickleigh, a thatched public house and restaurant set on the banks of the River Exe. A Sunday carvery lunch was enjoyed by all including a number of guests who had joined us after the canal trip. The day concluded enjoying the sunshine and warm summer afternoon, relaxing and chatting in the wonderful gardens whilst enjoying a refreshing cold drink or two whilst listening to the stunning River Exe and views.

W Bro Adrian Robson
(SMFA Central Coordinator)
Almoner – Admiral Blake lodge No.4692

Another successful Sunday lunch at West Huntspill!!

Another successful and well attended Sunday Carvery Lunch was held at The White Cottage, West Huntspill, Nr Highbridge, Somerset on Sunday 25th October 2015. Over 50 guests enjoyed a traditional home-cooked Carvery Lunch followed by a selection of puddings, for those who could manage one!

This was the second occasion this year that the SMFA Central Area has hosted a Sunday lunch at the White Cottage after receiving many requests to return again (See the article below relating to the first one back in February).

Our sincere thanks to Mr Colin Frost and all of his staff at the White Cottage for their warm and friendly welcome and for looking after us in such an excellent manner.

Report provided by W.Bro. Adrian Robson
Almoner – Admiral Blake lodge No.4692

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Sunday lunch at West Huntspill

‘The Somerset Masonic Friendship Association (Central Area) held a most successful Sunday Lunch on 22nd February 2015 at The White Cottage, West Huntspill, Nr Highbridge, Somerset. The lunch was attended by 60 guests who enjoyed an excellent home cooked 2-course carvery’

Report provided by W.Bro. Adrian Robson
Almoner – Admiral Blake lodge No.4692

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