Chingford Area Masonic Social Group

A Night at the Races at Chingford Masonic Hall - Saturday 21st May 2005

“And they’re off!!” were the first words that Master of Ceremonies Bro Terry Brown, used for the start of a “Night at the Races” held at Chingford Masonic Hall on Saturday 21st May 2005. The evening was very well supported by Brethren who meet at Chingford Masonic Hall along with their family and friends. There was a full card of racing to raise funds for the “Tsunami Earthquake Appeal, the Essex Air Ambulance, and the Broken Column Christmas Luncheon“, and everyone was keen to place bets for all 10 races. The atmosphere was electric during each race, with everyone cheering their selected horse, although the surroundings were not that of Aintree or Ascot but the feeling was just as equal as the punters cheered and willed their selected horse to get first past the winning post. W Bro Brian Sculfer, High Beach Lodge, aka “The Gripper” was the race night pundit, predicting winners of some of the races with surprising accuracy, or was it a lucky night?
All the races were sponsored by Lodges who meet at Chingford Masonic Hall, and many members and their families owned horses for each of the ten races, with a bottle of wine for the “owner” of the winning horse in each race. After five races, the proceedings were “called off” for a chicken and chip supper with tea or coffee, and everyone tucked in during the break.
The second half of the races commenced with a slight technical hitch with the film, and the raffle was taken while the projectionist hastily made repairs for the races to continue. Raffle prizes included Bush DVD Player, CD player with radio, chocolates, and various other items to include wines and spirits donated by the Brethren. The projectionist having finished his repairs, it was under starters orders again.
For the last race of the evening, the list of 10 horses were auctioned to bidders to own, raising a total of £225, with horse No.6 named “Rufus” coming in first, to net the owner £180.00, not a bad return for an evenings betting.
It is expected that the net total funds raised for the evening will be in excess of £1000, with the full total to be announced in the next edition of the Newsletter. W Bro Bill Gunary APGM, then took the microphone to ask if everyone had enjoyed themselves, which was very healthily confirmed by everyone who attended. W Bro Bill went on to thank everyone for attending, and extended his thanks to W Bro Dave Clark and his team for organising the event, the young recruits who sold the tickets, our very capable MC Bro Terry Brown and not forgetting the Projectionist and W Bro Bernie Willis was the paymaster general, who paid out the winnings to those who backed the winning horses. W Bro Bill informed everyone about other forthcoming events to be held at Chingford Masonic Hall, and hoped that they will also be supported to raise funds for various Charities. W Bro Bill wished everyone a safe journey home, and the Race Night proceedings finished at 10.45pm.

Article by W Bro Allan de Luca - Fiducial Lodge No. 8753