Yesterday the Magnificent Seven, a team of seven intrepid explorers, ventured over the boarder into the neighbouring Province of Staffordshire. We were greeted by Royalty (in a Masonic sense), which consisted of both Derbyshire and Staffordshire’s Provincial Grand Masters. Staffordshire also had their Deputy Provincial Grand Master – David Thomas present, the brainchild behind this initiative and Derbyshire had their Assistant Provincial Grand Master – Martin Giles, who was willing to get involved with the walking!
The idea behind the walk, was to raise money for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Charities in the name of the Universities Scheme, something Hartington Lodge is very proud to be a part of. The aim is to walk 2021 miles in 2021, in the form of a relay, travelling through all Provinces with a University Scheme Lodge, visiting numerous Freemasons Halls.
The walkers and Support team were all treated to breakfast by Staffordshire and Derbyshire, where we tried oat cakes and breakfast fillings. We’re told they’re a local Staffordshire delicacy. Not bad at all, the tastiest pancakes we’d ever had!! Our PGM, opted for the lighter, healthier option and had a full English instead!
The David Kenneth Williamson cup was presented from Staffordshire Province to Derbyshire.
The walkers set off, full of spirit on their 18 mile stroll! They ventured through glorious sunshine, heavy rain, thunder storms and were even graced by a rainbow!
There were times when we had to dodge tractors and articulated lorries, but this wasn’t a problem due to our diligent support team, warning the traffic of our presence.
After a short while we stepped foot on to hallowed ground and crossed the border into the Province of Derbyshire.
After a while, the walkers started getting thirsty, so a pub was in order! Our first was a sign for the Ostrich, however this was just a farm, with a sick sense of humour, leaving two empty kegs for us to admire!
After a few more miles, we did find a pub, where we all enjoyed a quick pint!
Another mile or so and we stumbled across another watering hole, so thought we’d pop in there for a drink!
After the beers, it was time to start pounding the Mile’s again and get this cup to the heart of Derbyshire Freemasonry.
We arrived back at The Grange Banqueting Suite, at about 18:00, where we were greeted with a cold beer and a tasty curry.
A representative from Daybrook Lodge from our other neighbouring Province of Nottinghamshire, was also there to greet us and take care of the cup, in its next leg of the walk.
In total we walked about 38, 594 steps, which was about 19 miles. A great day was had by all who attended and a sum of money was raised for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Charities and the Derbyshire 2025 Festival.
If anyone feels inclined to sponsor us, then please get in touch.