Abbeygate Chapter Burns Night with family, friends, charity and birthdays

The Abbeygate Chapter No. 4219 enjoyed celebrating Burns Night with charity and three birthday celebrations

Meeting at the St Giles Masonic Centre, Colchester the Abbeygate Chapter No. 4219 held their now ‘regular’ Burns Night meeting on Friday 17th January 2025.

Following the work agenda and closing of the Chapter they were joined by family and friends and were entertained with a talk by a guest, Les Nicoll BEM, about the North Essex Support Team (NEST) charity, in which he is the Chairman.

Les, has a background of 50 years with the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service in which he was working directly with the community; in 2019 he received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his community work.

In the course of his work, he discovered children and elderly sleeping rough, poorly clothed children going to school un-prepared for winter and families in crisis which was the basis of NEST being born with a clear focus of taking direct action to help struggling families and individuals in the community.

Everyone appreciated his heartfelt address and following an alms collection, £330 was donated to NEST.

In addition, three members birthdays aligned with Robert Burns namely, Len Wright 93, Gordon Spinder 83 and Paul Humphrey. In celebration, everyone wished them well, with three birthday cakes and happy birthday being sung with gusto.  

An excellent day was had by all on what now has become an annual event.

You can read more about NEST with this link https://nestassist.co.uk/

Photos

Top: Members, family and friends in the temple

Left: Len Wright with Les Nicoll

Right: A relaxed Les Nicoll at the festive board looking forward to the Burns Night banquet