12th February 2024
Royal Brunswick 296 celebrated 50 years for W.Bro Mark Lewis together with family and friends. VW. Bro. John Beard (who was Mark’s proposer in 1974) presented a biography and the DPGM VW. Bro. Brian Littlejohn presented the Jubilee Certificate. A memorable evening was completed with a festive board and a raffle in aid of the Festival.
20th July 2024
Our very own VW. Bro. Brian Littlejohn DepPGM took part the in Walk of the World as his Rulers Challenge in July. He successfully completed the challenge on the 20th July raising a fantastic sum of £17,165.00 for the Yorkshire West Riding MCF Festival 2028.
Of his experience: –
WOW. What an event, the Dutch were amazing in their organisation and support. From the moment of registration through the last 10km, it was a celebration and nothing was too much trouble. 100’s of thousands of supporters turned out over the week, willing you to complete your walk and to make sure that you did so with a smile on your face. Those lining the streets – even in the countryside – had turned their gardens into rest areas, provided food, snacks and drinks to keep you going and when the weather turned hot, turned their hosepipes to the sky providing refreshing walkthrough sprays. In fact, the weather turned so hot that the organisers reduced all walks on the final day by 10km to ensure that safety of participants and supporters alike and as the early afternoon temperatures soared over 30 degrees, it was definitely the correct decision
With over 45000 people taking part there was never any issue in having someone to talk to and walk with, including various British military and cadet units, along with a team from Sussex Police.
With the start times being 0400, having to get up on the campsite at 0230 to get ready and then get the bus into the start zone was a challenge in itself, but even on the walk from the bus to the start zone there were locals out, offering good luck and support (some may have just been returning from nightclubs) . The training walks around Sheffield and the Peak District were obviously good training grounds and made the flats of Nijmegen easy in comparison but this wasn’t just a physical challenge. Knowing that this was for the Festival, helping to raise funds for the MCF, and that I had the support and sponsorship from so many of you made it so much easier. Thank you all very much.
A ‘medal’ (i.e. a 4Days Marches Cross which is an official decoration of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and one that Duch soldiers can display on their uniform) is awarded for completing the challenge, which is upgraded from bronze to silver then gold, with number pins to record the number of times you’ve completed the walk. As this was my first walk I have a bronze medal. Not sure I’ll be looking to repeat this challenge again next year, but would highly recommend that if you are interested in walking then this is an event to consider. It will take place 15-18 July 2025 and more info can be found here (The 4Days Marches | the Walk of the World | 4Daagse)
9th September July 2024
VW. Bro. Brian Littlejohn presenting the YWRMGA Harewood Trophy to W. Bro. Vinit Patel who won this year’s event at Bradley Park Golf course in Huddersfield on the 2nd of September 2024.
W. Bro. Stephen Dobson (YWRMGA Secretary), VW. Bro. Brian Littlejohn, W. Bro. Vinit Patel, and W. Bro. Stefan Kowalczyk (YWRMGA President)
29th September 2024
Freemasons from several Lodges led by members of Royal Brunswick Lodge 296 volunteered as race marshals for the Sheffield 10K road race on behalf of Cavendish Cancer Care. There were over 3000 participants running in aid of over 20 charitable organisations. Without the volunteer marshals the races cannot take place so the Freemasons made a vital community contribution and helped to ensure that thousands of pounds could be raised for essential charity work. A very enjoyable day was had by all directing traffic, cheering on runners, giving advice and of course drinking coffee
14th October 2024
W. Bro. Srini Vasan presenting the Area4 Hampton trophy to W. Bro. Vinit Patel who won this year’s event at Rotherham Golf Club on the 14th of October 2024.
