On Saturday 11th February 2023, the Brethren and Guests of Henry de Gray Lodge held an extravagant event at Ye Olde Plough House in Bulphan to celebrate the Ladies Night of the Worshipful Master, Audrius Cecetas, and his lady, Ruta, as well as the 75th Anniversary of Henry de Gray Lodge.
The Lodge which derived its name from that of the first Lord of the Manor of Thurroc (now known as Thurrock) was consecrated on 4th May 1948 at Freemasons’ Hall under the sponsorship of another well-established Lodge in the area and was formed in response to the success of the Thurrock Lodge and the wish to help young and enthusiastic Masons progress within the Craft. At the consecration of the Lodge there were 23 founder members, this number had risen to 71 by the celebration of the 10th anniversary and to this day maintains a healthy membership.
It is also pleasing to note from the records, that ladies nights, ceremonies and festive boards continue to be well attended and that there remains a steady progression of keen and able Masons who are moving forward to achieving the greatest honour that the Lodge can bestow on any of its members which is that of occupying the Masters Chair.
Audrius Cecetas had the honour of occupying the Masters Chair during this Anniversary Year and of being the President of the Ladies Night for this special occasion, which was nothing less than the extravaganza that this dual celebration richly deserved. Over 120 Brethren and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous four-course meal of traditional British Fayre, followed by Live Musical Entertainment. Rousing performances by “Razamataz” and “So Sinatra” ensured the party continued until late into the evening with singing, dancing, and celebrating.
The chosen charity for the evening’s festivities was Teddies for Loving Care (TLC), which provides unique cuddly bears to Accident & Emergency departments for medical staff to give at their discretion to young children. The bears are used to calm children down, reward them for being brave or to demonstrate procedures. TLC has become an invaluable tool for medical professionals and a real comfort for children, it is locally managed by Freemasons who also volunteer their time to run the scheme. Since its inception in 2001, 3.5 million teddies have been distributed to hospitals throughout England and Wales.
Henry de Gray Lodge achieved Platinum Patron status by donating £26,484 of the £5.4 million raised during the Province of Essex 2022 Festival for the Masonic Charitable Foundation, and once again raised over £1,300 for TLC on the evening by way of an extremely well received raffle.
In a new and local community-based twist, the bright and colourful table centres were provided by two local community groups. The Art materials and support were provided by Get Started Art CIC, a new Community Interest Company set up by Essex Freemason, Dave Barton, to help groups of aspiring artists that need help the most. The new community interest company provides much needed materials free of charge to charities and local community groups helping disadvantaged children, vulnerable adults, and those of all ages with learning difficulties to discover their inner van Gogh and improve their health and wellbeing. Several groups in the Basildon and Thurrock areas of Essex are already benefitting from this support.
The Footsteps - Special Needs Youth Group decorated the table centres themselves. Foot Steps is a weekly youth group for people of all ages with learning disabilities, established in 1992 to encourage socialising and interaction with friends through activities such as puzzles, board games, arts and crafts, music, as well as many other indoor and outdoor activities.
Master of Ceremonies Mark Harrison gave a superb introduction to all three charities and community groups. After all the speeches had ended Doug Noon gave a wonderful presentation, which will live long in the memory of Brethren and guests both young and old in attendance. This was followed by the cutting of the 75th Anniversary Cake before the dancefloor became the focal point once more for the live entertainment.
This night of Celebration, Charity, Community and Brotherhood will certainly not be forgotten and is a testament to the spirit of the Henry de Gray Lodge. Here’s to the next 75 Years!
