It is always sad when a Provincial Lodge hands in the towel. Not always a reflection on the Lodge but the circumstances which pervade in society generally. Regrettably, Hampton Lodge No 6435 surrendered its Warrant and was left with the task of disbursing charitable funds that were still available and in the bank. Before erasure a committee was formed to expend the balance of any charitable donations with W. Bro Jack Flint as Chair, W. Bro Michael Flint as Treasurer and W. Bro Tim Hill as Secretary. All paid up subscribing Lodge members were given the opportunity to nominate a Charity of their choice. The amount each member was credited with £705.00.
The Hampton Lodge Charities Association was formed some 70 years ago and during that time raised an unbelievable total for every Festival and many other charities have benefited from the generosity of the members of Hampton Lodge No 6435.
Jack Flint made a special mention of W. Bro Mike Power who as the Charity Steward of the Lodge for many years and through his fund-raising events Hampton Lodge has been instrumental in raising thousands for the charities who so desperately needed help. Jack also said that he never knew that racing toy ducks in a stream in his garden could create so much interest and raise an amazing amount of money.
The final total was £8665.00, and every charity had now received its donation. This accounts finalisation was a sad moment but as alluded to above this is a reflection on the times in which we now live.
Since the formation of Hampton Lodge many fathers, sons, cousins, and other family connections have been involved in what was known as the Happy Hampton Lodge. Unfortunately, those connections were not sufficient to keep the Lodge from closing its doors for the final time on the 10th July 2024.
W Bros Michael and Jack Flint have completed 116 years together in Middlesex Freemasonry and were Initiated by their father in 1967 into what was then a flourishing and vibrant Lodge when the joining fee was only three quineas – £3.15 in current parlance.
Edited by W. Bro Stan Marut PPrJGD SLGR – Provincial Media Team
