2023

Another Black Box Brewery evening was arranged by Austin and Roger during Wednesday 13th December. The usual tasting of beer and enjoying some savoury snacks took place with good company.

Of course, a raffle was held for Graeme McCormack's year as Master and raised a healthy £150 for

Roger Savage, the Deputy CEO of the Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS), attended Saxon Hall during the evening of Wednesday, 8th November and was presented a cheque for £3,000 by way of our donation towards his charity.

Austin Latham our Charity Steward with Roger Savage (centre) and Roger Northwood (right).

The money was raised during Roger Northwood's year as Master, who was justly proud of the Lodge members and their support to the various fund raising events during the year.

Roger Savage was equally appreciative of the donation which he said would be a great help to the Triple 'T's' Youth Club - this is 3 youth clubs on three estates in Southend supporting 8 to 13 year olds.

Roger also said “SAVS and the Triple 'Ts' project cannot thank the Lodge enough for this extremely kind donation. The young people that we support through the youth programme face many challenges and this will go a long way in providing them with the direct support and activities that will hopefully bring them some inspiration and opportunities to reach their full potential.”

Link for more information on SAVS https://savs-southend.org

Ladies Night

- Saturday 5th August

The ladies night, originally booked for Saturday 6th May had to be cancelled as another rather larger event was to take place, namely the Coronation of King Charles III and so Saturday, 5th August was chosen.

You would have thought during August a nice balmy summers evening but alas, this was the year our UK summer was all out of sorts and for the majority of the day it rained although a small window opened up to allow all the guests to arrive without umbrellas.

Roger with Deborah and Iain in his Scottish tartan

No matter, the evening was a delight for everyone and in particular our Master Roger Northwood and his lady Deborah.

Our loud speaker 'Master of Ceremonies' Iain MacMillan once more kept the evening in order announcing the various toasts and speeches and Josh Vaughan & his wife Charlie must again be congratulated for all the hard work in organising the event which also raised £615 for Rogers charity Turning Tides.

Charlie and Josh

This now brings Roger's final Charity total for his 'year in office' to a staggering £2,440...

St Georges' Day Lunch

Our master Roger Northwood accompanied by our ever resourceful Charity Steward, Austin Latham organised a splendid St Georges' Day lunch at the Thames Breeze restaurant, Leigh. The event took place as you would expect on St Georges day, Sunday

23rd April and was attended by 48 enthusiastic diners.

A splendid day and an equally splendid £617 was raised for our Masters Charity, Turning Tides from a raffle and another 'Pop Bingo' with Yvonne Marshall.

Photo shows Debbie & Roger and Austin & Rhona

Indian meal & Quiz evening

Austin Latham and Yvonne Marshall together organised another Indian meal and Quiz evening including a 'Pop Bingo.'

Returning, during very early March, to the original restaurant the Mumtaz Mahal, South Benfleet, the evening was a great success with £360 being raised for our Masters Charity, Turning Tides and £215 for Yvonne's 'Novi Survat' Goan School.