On Sunday 11th June 2023, three intrepid N&H brethren successfully completed their latest charity challenge by cycling from Grand Lodge, Great Queen Street, London back to our own Provincial headquarters at Freemasons Hall, Sheaf Close, Northampton along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal.
WBro Mark Hunt, Bro. Ronald Webber (both of Grey Friars Lodge No.4990) and Bro. Robert Brame (Lodge of St James No.6838) on their successful return to Sheaf Close.
WBro Mark Hunt gives us his thoughts and background to this wonderful challenge;
I greet you with tired legs but a happy heart. This journey all started prior to the pandemic. The objective was to raise some substantial funds for the MCF 2024 Festival. Our first idea was to walk to Great Queen Street (GQS) from Northampton. WBro Gerry Crawford came up with the name and route and N2HQ was born. With the support of WBro Dave Crossley (Grey Friars) , WBro John Line (Grand Junction) and Bro Matt Ellmer ( Grey Friars ), we hoped to deliver something that had not been achieved before. Sadly due to work commitments Bro Matt Ellmer was not able to join us on the walk. N2HQ took place in April 2022 and over 5 days, carrying all our own kit, we walked some 70 miles along the Grand Union to GQS. We were fortunate that we had nice weather and no rain for the whole week. Nevertheless, it was a tough walk with some day’s mileage being well over 20 miles.
The Provincial Grand Master met us for lunch at GQS on the Friday, which was a lovely end to a hard week. N2HQ raised £5500 for the MCF 2024 Festival.
Mark continued;
Given the success of N2HQ, there just had to be a return leg. (Click here)
Robert, Ronald and Mark below, ready to set off from Great Queens Street
With the economic climate, we decided on an event over a shorter period and less accommodation expenses. And so it was decided – we would reverse the trip and cycle from GQS to Sheaf Close, again along the Grand Union towpath. Cycle 70 was born, although it more accurately should have been called Cycle 110 as I underestimated the mileage. Fellow Grey Friars members Ronnie Webber and Robert Brame of Lodge of St James came on board and the team was born. Cycling on a summer towpath was so much more difficult than walking it in the spring. That combined with daily temperatures of over 30 degrees on both days made for some tough cycling.
Day one was 60 miles and Day two 50 miles. We arrived at Sheaf Close to a rousing champagne reception. So far, Cycle 70 has raised £1400, we just need another £100 to achieve our target of £1500. That would give us a combined total across the two events of £7000. These events require so much planning and training, they really do take over your life. When you see the support that everyone has given, it fills me with an immense source of pride as well as being emotional. There will be a third leg next year, this time involving all the Centers in the Province. Watch this space for more details.
How can I contribute? By using the donation link: Donate
Thank you all
Mark Hunt.