Chingford Area Masonic Social Gr

Loughton Cricket Club hosts the second Cricket Challenge between
the Chingford and Loughton Masonic Centres

With all the rain storms and the floods that England’s green and pleasant land has experienced during the month of July 2007, there was one day that was spared this continual deluge. At the Loughton Cricket ground on Sunday 22nd July , it turned out to be a beautiful sunny but cloudy summer day, and teams representing the Chingford and Loughton Masonic centres, again did battle on the green sward from a distance of 22 yards, with willow and leather, attired in the traditional whites.
The first of these inter Masonic centre cricket contests was played at Loughton Cricket Ground last year with the Chingford Masonic Hall winning and taking away the prestigious trophy. Would Loughton get their revenge and be able get their hands on the trophy this year ?
Again it was a close fought contest. The Chingford Masonic Hall won the toss and chose to bat first, and took to the field determined to retain the much coveted trophy, and notched up a convincing 180 runs, after being bowled out in just 32 overs. Loughton started well and despite a good stand by their captain Chris Hicks, they were unable to exceed Chingford's score, notching up only 158 all out in the 35th over, resulting in Chingford winning by 22 runs.
Chingford had retained the Trophy for a second year, despite that last year Loughton indicated that were only "lending" the trophy to Chingford.
The trophy was presented to Chingford's winning Captain, Paul Harvey of Waltham Abbey Lodge, by W.Bro. Alan Everard APGM, it was a touch of "deja vu", and a "Duck" was presented to Loughton's Captain, Chris Hicks of Thomas Ralling Lodge by W Bro Bernard Willis.
As well as the Cricket, there was a bar-b-que with burgers or sausages in rolls complimented with cheese, onions and dollops of mustard or sauce provided by Tony Curtis his wife Maureen, ably assisted by their daughter Carly, with Tony sporting an emblematic pair of black and white chefs trousers. It was certainly a sociable afternoon, and a picnic atmosphere was enjoyed by the spectators while the teams did battle on the field, and for the sun to shine on this particular day was a bonus after the recent stretch of inclement weather.
There was a raffle with donations of various bottles of spirits and wines, and over £350 was raised on the day to be split between charities supported by both Chingford and Loughton, namely for Chingford the Widows Xmas Luncheon, and for Loughton a local school for children with special needs.
Thanks to the organisers, especially W Bro Vic Britton, and all those who helped to making the day a success and of course the Loughton Cricket Club for the use of their ground.


W Bro Alan Everard (left) presenting the Cricket Trophy to Paul Harvey the Captain of the Chingford Masonic Hall team.	W Bro Bernie Willis (left) presenting the "Duck" to Chris Hicks the captain of the Loughton Masonic Hall Team


Everyone enjoying a picnic atmosphere at the Loughton Cricket Ground watching the annual cricket match between Chingford Masonic Hall and Loughton Masonic Hall	W Bro Tony Curtis and his lovely wife Maureen providing the crowd with excellent burgers and sausages in a roll	W Bro Chris Hicks (centre) congratulating W Bro Vic Britton for retaining the coveted Cricket Trophy for a second year with W Bro Alan Everard APGM (left)