Brethren, just home from a busy and enjoyable day at the annual Larne Open Day. Was over fairly sharp this morning and got my display case and medals set up in their ground floor museum and then got out into their carpark and grass areas. It was all hands to the pump as they erected their various sales areas and got their three bouncy castles erected. As the morning went on, we had three vintage cars arrive and got them set up for display from The Masonic Vintage Car Club. And then the TA arrived and got their stand set up and got a few air -soft weapons set out. Also with us was an ambulance from the Northeastern Trust along with a couple of staff to show people around and explain some of the equipment that they carry.
During the day, we had Rt Wor Bro John Edens, Immediate Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Antrim, and two of the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters of Antrim, Rt Wor Bro Sam Brennan and George Graham, all came along and spent some time going round the various elements on show for the open day. Then early in the afternoon a group of the Widows Sons arrived including Rt Wor Bro David H. Selby, Deputy Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Down. Strangely enough I have the impression that fewer of the public were present this year, but I must admit that I had more people in the museum looking at the selection of Masonic military and other medals and jewels that I had out on display. Indeed, for once, there were no shortage of questions about the various military Masonic items in display, that certainly shortened the day for me.
I was particularly pleased to see just how many people offered sponsorship to my good friend Rebecca who will be running in The Antrim Coast Half Marathon next Sunday, Starting in Larne, they will make their way out to Ballygally, where Graham Todd will have a jazz band set up, and then around the back of Ballygally and return to Larne, a total distance of some 13 miles. I’m pleased to report the donation today, from most of the people present in The Larne Masonic Centre, totals, to date a sum of £ 225.00. And who knows, there may still be a couple more donations to come in.
As in most years, the Brethren in the Hall got a great buzz from their involvement with those members of the public that turned up. They had a fairly steady number of men who did the tour of the Craft and Chapter Rooms on the ground floor, and a number made it upstairs for coffee, tea, or other liquid refreshments. And as always, Marty and his team kept us well fed with burgers and hot-dogs.
Later in the afternoon, we received a visit from Tom Mahon and his team of Hall Painters. They had been busy all morning taking advantage of the dry weather, and fortunately made it over in time to buy refreshment. All in all a great day, and an example of what can be done by a Lodge and its members to promote Freemasonry in their district.
Robert Bashford