Steve Perry of the Manor of Swanbourne lodge took 2 weeks off work and set himself a challenge, a challenge to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise funds for @willenhospice with a group of like minded individuals. The trek took place from 27th Jan to 2nd Feb.

After months of training, this challenging trek would push him to his limits, testing his endurance, resilience, and strength in the face of high altitude and physical obstacles.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 m !

Willen Hospice in Milton Keynes provides compassionate care to those with life-limiting illnesses. They provide comfort, alleviate pain, and lessen anxiety in patients and their loved ones. Every pound donated counts because it allows them to aid more people in Milton Keynes when and when they need it. They receive less than a quarter of their financial support from the NHS, thus the remainder is contributed or raised by great people.

Steve's climb might have ended, but the journey for Willen Hospice goes on. Every donation helps ensure that they can continue offering care, comfort, and support to those in need.  We can provide the link to the fundraising platform should you wish to donate to his challenge & this charity.

If you would like to be part of a global community that has had, and still has so many famous members, that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link: https://buckspgl.org/info=kilimanjaro

In the first meeting in 2024, it was a double celebration at the Lodge of St Barnabas No. 948 on Thursday evening. Not only did the lodge raise Bro Catalin to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, but they also presented £500 cheques to three very worthwhile organisations. Seen here receiving them are Bro Terry representing the Prebendal Close Masonic Housing Association, Bro Bob, a member of St Barnabas Lodge who accepted the cheque on behalf of ,where he volunteers; and W.Bro Paul Halfhide, the Buckinghamshire co-ordinator for .
Also pictured were St Barnabas's newly-raised Bro Catalin, on the right by St Barnabas Charity Steward W.Bro Andy, and at the back by W.Bro Chris Soper, who acted as Master for part of the evening's ceremony. An excellent meeting all round, completed by a Festive Board of roast lamb with all the trimmings!

If you would like to be part of this lodge and a global community that has its roots firmly in the ground in Buckinghamshire, please join us by following this link:
https://buckspgl.org/join

BIG thanks to Brickhill Lodge, Emergency Services and Longueville Lodge for Volunteering to help today.
Now we need a few volunteers to deliver them.

If you would like to start your journey into Freemasonry please join us by following this link: https://mtr.cool/wckxknugby
After filling in the short form, our Membership Team will be in touch.

Following the ceremony the Brethren had an Oktoberfest themed Festive Board with tomatencremesuppe, German Goulash and a dessert of apple strudel.

Home brewed Pils was drunk with the meal and a guest Paulaner beer at the bar.

The new master announced his main charities for the year would be Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Florence Nightingale House Hospice in Aylesbury.

£250 was raised in the raffle.