Henry de Gray Lodge invites guests, not to worry and Be’ach happy!
Henry de Gray Lodge raise money for Charity at a Caribbean beach themed party
Essex may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think Caribbean, but the brethren of Henry de Gray Lodge No. 6627, who meet four times per year at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre in Chadwell St Mary, changed all that with a Caribbean Beach themed party that will live long in the memory.
With the kind assistance of Steve Bruyel, Deputy Provincial Grand Charity Steward and his family who hosted the event. A ‘Tiki’ bar* was erected, sandy beach backdrops adorned the garden walls, and the sound of reggae music, laughter and fun were heard everywhere. Accompanied by a barbecue consisting of jerk chicken with other local favourites, and a never-ending stream of mojitos, everyone had a fantastic day and a very long night.
The event marked a year in the chair for Derek Dellow, and the chosen charity for the proceedings was the Fragile X Society, a charity that Derek and his family have long supported.
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition, affecting around 1 in 4000 males and 1 in 6000 females. It can cause a wide range of difficulties with learning, as well as social, language, attentional, emotional, and behavioural problems. Some may experience connective tissue issues such as difficulty breast-feeding, hypotonia, hyperflexibility, flat feet, recurrent ear infections and mitral valve prolapse. FXS is the most common inherited cause of learning disability. About Fragile X Syndrome | Fragile X Society | UK
On a night of charity and community, £1100 was donated to the Fragile X Society, and £350 to Orsett Lodge No. 5424, who helped make the day a memorable event and who will choose a local charity to donate the money to.
Further donations were made to Thurrock Play Network and Mersea Island Festival, who have been well supported before by both Henry de Gray and other Essex Masonic Lodges.
The Mersea Island Festival is nine days of inclusive activities, bringing together those with or without a physical or learning disability. It provides an opportunity to take part in a wide variety of activities that challenge and stimulate, helping to build confidence while at the same time being fun and exciting and an opportunity to make new friends.
Steve Hall, South & Central Group Charity Steward and organiser of the event said, “Today has been a great success, and we would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a memorable occasion. Brotherhood, charity, and community are key to Henry de Gray, and today has encapsulated that mantra perfectly.”
*A ‘Tiki’ bar is a themed drinking establishment that serves elaborate cocktails, especially rum-based mixed drinks such as mojitos – a perfect addition for this occasion.
Photos
Top: Steve Bruyal's garden transformed into a Tiki bar experience for everyone to enjoy while raising much needed funds for great causes
Bottom L-R: Steve Bruyel and Barry Abbott-Trangmar the barbeque chef’s
