Masonic Heritage Day - Retford Masonic Hall

Every September, the Heritage Open Days, organised with the support of the National Trust, allows thousands of volunteers across the country  to plan events to celebrate our nation's history and culture. This gives the public the chance to visit places they would not normally gain access to and try out new experiences. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.

This year, the Province will be opening the doors of 3 of our Masonic Halls to the public- Goldsmith Street, Retford and Newark.

 Masonic Halls always prove to have a strong attraction to visitors during the September Festival, and it is hoped that large numbers will visit our venues over the two weekends.

Today's Heritage Open day took place at Retford Masonic Hall, and this year's event was even more popular than previously, with footfall up by approximately 300% with approximately 150 people attending during the 6 hours of the event

It was clear that the large amount of work and awareness enhancement in the local area was due to the continuing hard work of the Heritage Masonic Committee at Retford

The visitors varied from young men and women right up to more senior citizens who were assisted by the Stewards provided and showed great interest in displays upstairs covering Masonic history and practices, publicity items

Even a visit by the large Teddies for Loving Care teddy who was conducted around the Temple by a very helpful and enthusiastic young lady.

Big Ted later told me that the young girl was from a Masonic family, and she had taken very good care of him and had explained a lot to him about the significance of items around the Masonic Temple

Guests were provided with refreshments whilst they admired the recently decorated room in art deco style to match the exterior of the building

Down in the temple Barry Lord, a very experienced Freemason, and a thoroughly nice man conducted a very informative talk about the building in general, which was purchased after it stopped being used as a Cinema and was converted for Masonic use

Barry gave a short history of the Masonic Lodges that met in this building and explained the significance of ornaments, furniture and design of the temple including the black and white chequered floor dating back from King Solomon's original temple in olden times

The audience came back with numerous questions, as they had done at each talk throughout the day (Barrys voice was getting a little hoarse by this last talk) and really showed how thought-provoking and interesting the audience had found the talk)

Topics discussed included the philosophy that Freemasonry strives to make a good person even better, the fact that Womens Freemasonry continues to grow with several thousand members and the important and very large role that Freemasonry plays in Masonic Charitable Donations, only second to the amount raised by the National Lottery

TLC Big Ted was then asked about the role that Teddies for Loving Care plays and the audience were astounded to hear that TLC is about to deliver its 4 Millionth Bear, mainly to children in difficult circumstances.

Whilst most Bears are given to children in hospital, TLC Notts is continually looking for other areas where the Bears can help such as Dementia Wards

TLC Notts have recently partnered with East Midlands Ambulance Service and Notts Fire & Rescue, and these organisations are now carrying our bears to distribute in circumstances where children suffer distress but do not necessarily end up in hospital, effectively increasing the number of people that TLC can help

Donations to TLC can only be made in Masonic circles and not from the public, and continue to provide as many bears as possible to those who would find comfort from this simple but highly effective gesture

All in all, a superbly organised and run day by the team from Freemasons of Bassetlaw, with a special mention going to Barry Lord (and Mrs Lord), who were determined to make the day special for all the public attendees and I do no doubt from the few hours I spent there that they achieved this to a massive degree

Well done to Barry and all the Team, they are already looking to top it next year