Warm Sunshine & Good Food At Richard Huish

On a sunny summer Sunday, 76 Richard Huish Lodge members, partners, friends and families met up for a lovely lunch at Taunton Masonic Hall. The value of these social events in a Lodge is illustrated by the attendance of one the lodge’s longest-serving members (the legendary John Winston) and one of their newest members Richard, initiated only 3 weeks earlier, and of course, delighted that each was with their lovely wife. This was the lodge’s main fundraiser for their Worshipful Master Richard’s chosen charity, the Priorswood Community Centre.  Especially poignant this year, as it was a cause dear to the heart of their recently departed Brother Mike, who ran a popular newsagents in Priorswood for many years.

The guest speaker was Leslie, the centre Manager, who told us about their valuable work in the North Taunton community.  They run a drop-in 5 days a week and also host various morning surgeries and information sessions. The Centre also provides a range of social, fitness, and educational groups, along with classes, art workshops, fundraisers and family activity days.   They rely heavily upon support from organisations such as Richard Huish.

More info is available via: https://priorswoodcommunitycentre.co.uk/

With a drinks reception beforehand, diners were then sumptuously provided-for by Five Star Karen and her hard-working and so-capable team.  The meal  was, as always at Taunton Masonic Hall, a wonderful affair with more choice than ever. After the meal, the raffle took place and your – by then plump – reporter was chuffed to say he did very well for once!  The many prizes on offer exhausted the runners, but it was time and money well spent.  At the end, Richard Wilson was able to announce that the raffle plus in-season donations had raised the magnificent sum of £2,000 for the Community Centre. Warm sunshine, good food, good company  –  what a great way to bring the Lodge’s season to an end.  The Brethren look forward to a couple of social events across the break and to resuming masonic activity in September under their new Master, Russell.

Report by: Charlie Barker – Richard Huish Secretary