Location, location, location is often said, and there is no more appropriate location for the Nottinghamshire Provincial Garden of Reflection and Remembrance than that of the Portland College, near Ravenshead, a place of peace and solemnity on the edge of beautiful countryside.
There is a smart substantial wall of good size whereupon metal plaques bearing the names and details of our Brethren who have passed on to the Grand Lodge above. A place of tranquillity, where members of families and Brother Masons can visit to pay their respects. It is true that as the plaques are added to the wall it is easy to see and appreciate that this is truly a wall of mutual support and strength, clearly synonymous with the principles of freemasonry.
On what turned out to be a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon, the Committee of the Nottinghamshire Garden of Reflection hosted a very successful Royal Cream Tea for widows of those brethren who have plaques on the memorial wall, their families and friends, together with a number of Freemasons from across the Province.
The event, which attracted over 100 people, was arranged to celebrate, somewhat belatedly, the planting of a tree in recognition of Her Late and Glorious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The tree was also a contribution to the Queen’s Green Canopy project.
A striking piece of Portland stone was faced and inscribed to mark this milestone and as a show of appreciation and dedication from the Freemasons of the Province of Nottinghamshire.
In his welcome, the Provincial Grand Master, Philip Marshall, drew the attention of those present to the commemoration stone so generously provided by A W Lymn.
Graham Wood, who led on the project from its inception, spoke about the delivery of the vision and the subsequent role that the garden has played in commemorating departed brethren, whilst at the same time offering a tranquil spot for the families to reflect on their life and times following the loss of their loved ones.
If you are passing Portland College, do pop in as the Garden of Reflection is always open for visitors.
The Tombola proved a huge success as those attending gave generously towards funds for the maintenance of the garden. Unquestionably waistlines have been somewhat expanded by the consumption of mouth-watering scones and a huge variety of homemade cakes. The Committee have promised not to repeat the event until the accumulated calories have been burnt off!
A big thank you goes out to all those who attended, donated prizes, baked scrumptious scones and cakes, and helped with the setting up, taking down and putting away of a large number of items; support which is invaluable for such occasions.
