On Sunday the 2nd of June 2019, twenty members of Thrapston-based Chicheley Lodge No. 607, together with family and friends, enjoyed a round-trip from Blisworth Arm on the Mountbatten Crusader, a boat belonging to Crusader Community Boating.
Having made a stop for lunch at the Wharf Inn, Bugbrooke, the boat returned to Blisworth Arm during late afternoon. All those onboard had a wonderful time.
All aboard the Mountbatten Crusader!
Crusader Community Boating is a registered charity specialising in boat trips for disabled people of any age as well as elderly people in care homes. There is no charge for people from Northamptonshire. The service is run by fully-trained crew-volunteers and funded through voluntary donations.
In addition to the £200 raised for the charity as a result of the trip, the Junior Warden of Chicheley Lodge, WBro Chris Gauntlett, was thrilled to be able to present a cheque for £1,000 to the charity's chairperson and trustee, Colin Neal, and his wife, Paula. The donation was co-funded by Chicheley Lodge and the Provincial Grand Charity.
WBro Chris Gauntlett (centre) presenting the cheque to Colin & Paula Neal
The Lodge decided to make the donation following the charity's appeal for financial assistance in purchasing a new boat. Not only will this be larger and more environmentally friendly, it will provide greater opportunities for care-home residents and groups of people with physical and mental disabilities to enjoy a free trip run by volunteers in a tranquil setting.
It will also enable local primary school groups to learn about their environment and the waterways in general.
We congratulate the brethren of Chicheley Lodge for supporting such a worthy charity.
About Chicheley Lodge No. 607
Chicheley Lodge focuses on registered charities within the Province of Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire. It is supported by the Provincial Grand Charity.
Men interested in joining Freemasonry who have reached the age of 21 and believe in charitable-giving are welcome to get in touch using the contact form or the Lodge's website: