Community engagement, new friendships and an unexpected reunion made for a memorable day at Headstone Manor.
The Middlesex Community Engagement Team was out and about once again on Sunday 25th October 2026, joining visitors and traders at the popular Duck Pond Market, held in the historic Great Barn at Headstone Manor, Harrow.
Representing Middlesex Freemasonry were Richard Emerton, Damon Humphreys and Jan Poliszewski, who spent the day chatting with visitors, answering questions and helping to dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding Freemasonry.
They were joined by a very welcome guest, Angie, representing the Honourable Fraternity of Antient Freemasons (HFAF), who brought a valuable additional perspective to the stand and proved particularly popular with women interested in discovering more about Freemasonry.
New Connections and a Remarkable Coincidence
The day got off to a promising start almost as soon as the team had finished setting up.
An unattached Freemason stopped for a chat, and the conversation soon revealed a mutual connection with David Ruben at Harrow District Masonic Centre. Better still, the visitor expressed a genuine interest in joining Jubilee Lodge No. 8822 — an encouraging start to the day’s activities.
But perhaps the most memorable encounter came when a couple who had recently moved to the UK from India approached the stand.
With Freemasonry already part of their family background in India, they were keen to learn more about joining the fraternity in Harrow, both to continue that family connection and to establish new friendships in their local community.
What happened next was quite extraordinary.
During their conversation, Angie discovered that she actually knew the wife’s mother, having met her during a visit to India to consecrate a new women’s Lodge!
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, a video call was quickly arranged, bringing the three together for an unexpected reunion thousands of miles from where their paths had first crossed.
It was a wonderful reminder of how Freemasonry can connect people across countries, cultures and continents.
A Warm Welcome Inside the Great Barn
Although the weather remained dry and bright, a particularly strong wind threatened to make life difficult for the team. Fortunately, moving inside the magnificent Great Barn provided welcome shelter and a comfortable setting for the day’s conversations.
The team also received support from Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Warren Gell, who helped with the setup and very kindly treated everyone to food and refreshments — a gesture that was much appreciated by all.
Throughout the day, visitors continued to stop by, asking questions about Freemasonry, its charitable work, its traditions and the opportunities it offers for friendship and personal development.
There was particularly strong interest from women wishing to learn more about joining, and Angie’s presence ensured that their questions could be answered directly and enthusiastically.
With a wide variety of exhibitors and traders filling the Great Barn, the market provided a lively, friendly atmosphere and an excellent opportunity to introduce Freemasonry to people who might otherwise never have considered finding out more.
Taking Freemasonry into the Community
Events such as the Duck Pond Market demonstrate the value of getting out into our local communities, meeting people face to face and showing that Freemasonry is an approachable, welcoming and active part of community life.
Whether reconnecting an unattached Brother with a local Lodge, introducing newcomers to the opportunities for friendship within Freemasonry, or simply answering a curious visitor’s question, every conversation helps build understanding and strengthen our connections with the communities we serve.
Our thanks go to Richard, Damon, Jan and Angie for their enthusiasm throughout the day, to W Bro Warren Gell for his support, and to the organisers of the Duck Pond Market for hosting such an enjoyable and well-supported event.
Pictured: The day’s volunteers, from left to right: W Bro Warren Gell, Damon Humphreys, Angie, Jan Poliszewski and Richard Emerton.
Could You Help Spread the Word?
The Middlesex Community Engagement Team is always keen to hear from Brethren who would like to help promote Freemasonry at events across the Province.
You don’t need to be an experienced public speaker — just someone who enjoys meeting people, sharing their enthusiasm for Freemasonry and helping others discover what it has to offer.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Keith Gregory at keith.gregory@pglm.org.uk.
