Platinum Jubilee Celebrated at Connaught Lodge

During the evening of Saturday 5 June, Connaught Lodge celebrated Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A wide variety of food was cooked by Master Chef W. Bro Tony Cooper with the bar ably manned by Bro. Paul Charlton; with grateful thanks to them both for making it such an enjoyable party.

 During the evening, a new portrait of the Queen and accompanying plaque specifically to mark the jubilee, was unveiled by the Lodge’s newest member, Bro. Neil Sunderland and W. Bro Colin Lunt, the Lodge’s most senior Past Master. This was followed by the Loyal Toast, a rousing three cheers and the singing of the National Anthem.

Having heard about the recent distressing vandalism to the Radstock Scout Hut, Scout Leaders Janet and Dave Turner were invited to join the evening to receive a donation to help repair the damage and instal improved security systems. A cheque for £500 was presented to Scout Quinn Hutchinson and his Cub sister Connie by the Worshipful Master.

 The Brethren wished to recognise W. Bro Colin’s extensive service as the Lodge Charity Steward, but not wanting tangible gifts, he requested that a donation be made specifically to Natasha’s Fund that is ringfenced for the Neonatal Baby Unit at the RUH Bath, which the family had set up in memory of his grand-daughter who died in 2006 within hours of her birth. The evening being an ideal opportunity, the Worshipful Master had great pleasure in presenting Colin with a cheque for £500 on behalf of the Brethren of Connaught Lodge.