All Aboard the Fun Day Express!

Under blazing sunshine and a sky so blue it looked painted on, the Middlesex Freemasons’ Family Fun Day pulled into the station and delivered an absolute cracker of an event. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Great Cockcrow Railway, and with not a single cloud in sight, it was a day that brought together families, friends, Freemasons and the local community in joyous support of two magnificent causes: Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and St Luke’s Hospices.

From the moment the first miniature train whistle blew to the final marquee peg being pulled up, the day was a triumph of teamwork, laughter, generosity—and, at times, a touch of organised chaos. In other words: a perfect success.

🚧 Laughter, Logistics, and Landing on the Floor

We can’t talk about the day without mentioning Nigel Codron, Chairman of the 1870 Club and one of the masterminds behind the event. Now, it takes a lot to shake a seasoned leader like Nigel—but unfortunately, it only took one wooden folding chair. With comedic timing worthy of a West End farce, the chair beneath him gave way mid-conversation, sending him gracefully (or not) to the floor. Ever the good sport, Nigel took it like a true gentleman, reminding us all that even the best plans can collapse—literally—when you least expect it.

The metaphor may be wobbly, but the event certainly wasn’t. It was a testament to months of planning, a sterling team effort, and a whole lot of commitment from the 1870 Club, its many volunteers, and the wonderful staff of the railway, who opened their magical world just for us.

💦 The Executive Gets a Soaking (Again… and Again)

As the sun beat down and temperatures soared, the crowd found sweet, sweet relief in the time-honoured tradition of pelting authority figures with wet sponges. The “Soak the Exec” stall was a runaway hit, and let’s just say Rajesh Desai may have missed his calling as a professional cricketer. With the speed and accuracy of a Test-match fast bowler, he hurled sponge after sponge at the Provincial Executive with such precision that even the kids stood back to admire the carnage.

But the Exec weren’t just sitting ducks—no, they fought back. None more so than RW Bro David Allan, who took up a water pistol with steely determination and proved himself a sharpshooter of the highest order. It was, as one bystander put it, “like the gunfight at the OK Corral—but damper.” The intensity of the water warfare saw squeals of delight from the kids and very damp shirts for the execs, who somehow maintained their dignity despite being repeatedly drenched.

A surprise attack even saw a full bucket of water unleashed on Warren and Paul by Peter Lawrence—which probably put a dampener on any future promotion.

Thankfully, it was all taken in good humour (and good soaking), showing once again that Masonic leadership comes with both dignity and a drying towel.

🍔 From Burgers to Brotherhood

One of the crowning glories of the afternoon was the scent wafting through the site from the barbecue, expertly manned by George Fraser (Hogwarts school of Sausagery), also known locally as “The King of the Grill.” Not only did George flip burgers and fry onions to perfection, but he generously donated all the food he cooked—feeding hundreds with both flavour and philanthropy. Assisting him was Sam Brown, who assembled the burgers with speed and precision, serving a never-ending queue of hungry punters with a smile. The aroma of sizzling meat and grilled onions was as much a feature of the day as the trains themselves.

Meanwhile, Peter Hyde, Gary Foley and John Kasprzyk of the George Parker Golfing Lodge of Mark Master Masons ran the beer tent with characteristic cheer, keeping everyone cool and refreshed, and embodying the very spirit of Masonic hospitality. Armed with bottle openers, cold beverages and ice, this really was the Thirst Aid Station.

🎪 A Field Full of Fun

From the inflatable obstacle course that tested both balance and bravery, to the wobbly bike challenge (in which turning left somehow made you go right), the site was buzzing with laughter and activity. We’re told that Peter Lawrence actually managed to ride the impossible bike in a straight-ish line, while others struggled to move just a few feet without becoming tangled in handlebars and dignity.

Nearby, Howard’s Second‑Hand Regalia Stall was the place to be for bargains on sashes, aprons, and cufflinks—so popular that even the uninitiated were spotted trying on officer’s collars for a laugh (and occasionally holding onto them for life).

The Temple of Uxbridge Lodge brought a carnival of children’s games, including the oddly-named but much-loved “Hook-a-Duck” (which, using nets, perhaps should have been called “Net-a-Duck”) and the very popular Plinko board, where any score over 12,000 points won you a crisp £5 note. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t easy. All of the childrens prizes on this stall were generously donated by Liz Swatton of Meadows Pre-School, Harefield.

And for those curious about the wider Masonic landscape, there was a real treat: informative and engaging stalls from the Royal Arch, The Order of the Secret Monitor and the Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord. Companions stood proudly in their crimson and blue, happy to answer questions about the Royal Arch as the completion of the Craft journey, while next door, the mysterious allure of the Scarlet Cord and The Order of the Secret Monitor  drew intrigued visitors keen to explore the side orders and extend their Masonic adventure. There were pens, leaflets, good conversation—and maybe even a little recruitment magic in the air.

There were also excellent contributions from other Lodges including face painting, tombolas, badge making, quoits, and food from every corner of the culinary map—including some phenomenal samosas courtesy of Nkokonjeru Lodge.

🚂 Trains, Tickets, and Trouble at the Station

Of course, no day at the Great Cockcrow Railway would be complete without hopping aboard the miniature steam trains that chuffed, tooted, and trundled their way through the countryside all afternoon. For many, it was a nostalgic journey; for the children, pure magic. The joy on their faces (and let’s be honest, the adults’ too) was worth every second of queuing. Some rode once. Some rode five times. And at least one person tried to ride with a child’s ticket—we’re looking at you, Rajesh Desai. Rumour has it he claimed to be “just very small for his age.” The station guard wasn’t buying it, though they did let him on eventually—probably for everyone’s safety.

We’re extremely grateful to the entire team at the Great Cockcrow Railway for opening especially for us, giving up their Saturday and their beautiful venue in full support of our cause. Their warmth, enthusiasm, and professionalism made the day run like clockwork (or in this case, like a perfectly tuned steam engine). Without them, the day wouldn’t have had the same magic—and we cannot thank them enough.

🚌 Smooth Sailing and Stellar Stewards

A standout feature of the day was how smoothly everything ran behind the scenes. From the drop-off point to the car park and right through to traffic management, the PMK team, led by Mark Jackson, kept everything flowing with the precision of a military operation—and just enough humour to keep it fun. The meet-and-greet of our VIP guests was equally polished, leaving visitors from Surrey, Middlesex, and even Cambridgeshire (hello Edmund Brookes!) commenting on how well-run the entire event was.

The setup and breakdown crew deserve a medal. A dedicated team, led again by Paul Lowery—who, legend has it, barely slept between Friday and Saturday—ensured the site went from empty field to full festival and back again in record time. Trucks, trailers, marquees, and minivans appeared and disappeared as if by magic (although we’re told it was actually Peter Lawrence’s logistics, not Hogwarts).

🧴 Generosity and Gratitude

A massive thank-you is owed to Rohan and Charlotte from iON Ambulance Care Ltd, who donated their time and services, ensuring the event was fully covered in case of mishaps (wobbly bike included). And of course, a warm thank-you to every single stallholder, volunteer, visitor, and donor who played a part in the day’s success.

Special mention must go to Norman Williams, winner of the rugby ticket raffle prize, who generously declined the tickets due to a prior engagement and asked instead that the value be donated back to the charity pot—raising an additional £264 for our causes. A class act.

🎁 Raffles, Awards, and Everything In Between

There were luxury prizes, novelty prizes, even a “Who Gives A Crap” emergency box, but every prize meant one thing: more support for our charities. The generosity shown was overwhelming. From a hand-crocheted neck warmer to a bottle of wine from a private Georgian Masonic vineyard, the creativity and kindness of our community were on full display.

🚂 A Word of Thanks (and a Warning)

To everyone involved—from the organisers (Nigel, Robert, Paul, Peter, and the 1870 Club team), to the visitors, to the people who stayed late to dismantle marquees and collect rubbish in the heat—thank you. It’s easy to forget just how much goes into an event like this. But we saw you. We appreciate you. And we are proud to call you brothers (and sisters, and friends, and very fast sponge-throwers).

To the Provincial Executive—your smiles, your soaking, and your support are appreciated more than you know.

To Nigel’s next chair—reinforce yourself.

And to everyone else—see you at the next one. Bring your sun cream, bring your sense of humour, and maybe bring a dry shirt… just in case Rajesh is warming up his arm again.

Family, Fellowship, and Fun—That’s Middlesex Freemasonry.

Total raised for charity on the day : £4,500

Results of the Raffle

All prizes have been claimed.

List of Stall Holders

Eastcote St Lawrence 8836 (books and cakes)

Ickenham St. Giles 6028 (Sponge throwing and wobbly bike)

Circle of Friendship 7320 (Face Painting / Play your Cards Right / Cakes / Human Fruit Machine / Personalised Gifts / All Spice n Nice – jerk chicken / Get Started – colouring books)

Nkokonjeru 9284 (Indian Food / Samosas)

Temple of Uxbridge 7660 (Hook a Duck and Target Throwing)

St Clair 2902 (Quoits)

Shepperton 8611 (Rugby Target and Tombola)

North Wold Mark 1190 (Badge Making)

Kenton Manor 7882 (Regalia)

Middlesex Cares

Secret Monitor/Scarlet Cord

Royal Arch

George Fraser and Sam Brown (BBQ)

Peter Hyde and Garry Foley (Beer Tent)

ION Ambulance Care Ltd (Charlotte and Roan) organised by David North

Tarnia (Ice Cream Van)

And of course all of the team at the Great Cockcrow Railway who gave up their time to open the railway especially for us.

— Your roving reporter – Pete Swatton, Provincial Communications Team