The Travelling Gavellers were formed in 2014 to raise money for charity by visiting every Lodge in Essex.
The Travelling Gavellers, together with a cycling team made up from the 2014 Provincial Grand Stewards, finished the first leg of their 300 mile journey to visit every one of the 28 masonic centres in Essex on Easter Friday, the 3rd April 2015. The Travelling Gavellers provided support for the Stewards who were cycling the route in teams of two or three between each centre.
Around seven members of the 2014 Stewards agreed to take part in the event and cycled different distances according to their ability and availability. However, W Bro Trevor Back committed to cycling the whole 300 miles over the three day Easter period. A truly magnificent feat!
W Bros Matt Pyne, Daniel Rosewell and Trevor Back at Upminster
The event was arranged to raise money for 8AID, the collective name which supports the following charities:
Lifelites – providing technology for children with life threatening illnesses.
Essex Air Ambulance – there when you need them most.
Helen Rollason – cancer care across Essex.
TLC – providing teddies for traumatised children in A&E.
Hamilton Court – support for residents in sheltered housing.
Southend and Essex Masonic Welfare Trust – providing essential equipment for the ill and disabled.
Essex Provincial Charity Fund – support for families in need.
Stisted Hall – helping to care for the elderly.
Freemasons and their families were at the Upminster Masonic Centre to greet the Travelling Gavellers and the cyclists as they arrived on Easter Friday. Light refreshment was provided by one of the brethren for those who wanted it as the centre had unfortunately not been opened for the event.
Donations were received as the team arrived at each centre and a cheque in the sum of £500 was presented on behalf of St Laurence Lodge No 5511 by W Bro David West.
A few photographs taken on Easter Friday at the Upminster Masonic Centre
