Nottinghamshire Masons and TLC at Newark Dragon Boat Festival

Nottinghamshire Freemasons participate in the annual Newark Dragon Boat Festival 

On Sunday 14th September the Riverside Park in Newark was alive with townsfolk for one of the biggest events in the local calendar, the Dragon boat festival, which, as well as the dragon boat racing is a popular family fun day with live music, food vendors, and various attractions.  

This year, 29 teams competed on the river Trent to raise crucial funds for two local charities, the Children's Bereavement Centre and Beaumond House Hospice Care.

For the first time in the event's 8 year history a team of Newark Freemasons, comprising of the younger element of our fraternity, competed alongside other local businesses and groups, and while their maiden outing didn't result in a winners' medal, the team certainly didn't disappoint and all involved thoroughly enjoyed the day and the team enjoyed sponsorship from individual donors totalling £570

Meanwhile Nottinghamshire Freemasons erected their marquee in the public area among the food vendors and event sponsors which gave an excellent opportunity engage with the community and answer questions about the organization's principles and charitable work and to publicise Newark Masonic Hall's forthcoming open day on the 20th September

Teddies for Loving Care Big Bear was also keen to get his paws wet and can be seen here getting cuddled by the Dragon Boat captain after stowing away hoping for a chance to play the drum on board the boat

TLC is a national Masonic Charity who donate Teddy Bears to children in difficult circumstances ie when in hospital and the organisation has just donated its 4 millionth bear

https://teddiesforlovingcare.org.uk/

All in all, a very worthwhile exercise and a lovely way to spend a Sunday.