Report and pictures: MCF ball’s first appearance in Lincolnshire raises almost £17,000
Freemasons respond to inaccurate reporting in The Independent
June 2, 2024
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June 4, 2024
About 300 Freemasons and friends packed into The Engine Shed in Lincoln for the first visit of the MCF Ball to Lincolnshire, and raised a superb £16,858 for good causes.
The numbers behind the work of the MCF are hard to comprehend because they are so large – but the good done by what they achieve is immeasurable. In the eight years since its formation, the charity has made grants of £130m. Said Chief Exec Les Hutchinson: “That’s about £50,000 a day, every day.”
He told the audience: “That’s why you are crucial to the charity’s work. Your efforts are indispensable.”
That sentiment was echoed by PGM Dave Wheeler, who said: “I looked forward to this event from the moment it was announced that Lincolnshire would host it. I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time.
“A lot of preparation and planning went into ensuring that a successful and happy time was had by all. The night will live long in the memory.”
He thanked the organising committee; the 2025 Festival committee, and all the Lincolnshire Freemasons who continued to contribute to what he predicted would be a superb result when the Festival came to an end next year. “Together we’ve supported the MCF by raising the funds it needs to do all the good that it does for those who need it most.”
Entertainment on the evening was provided by Take That tribute act Rule the World, singer Hannah Priestly, the Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Concert Band, compere Rod McCall-Whiting, and live auctioneer Will Gregory.
The MCF charity ball committee was supported by co-opted Lincolnshire Freemasons Andy Ham, Gideon Hall, Mike Lock, Derek Butcher, and Simon Noden, aided by Stewards Lodge members on the night.
A small selection of pictures taken on the night by Wayne Lagden from Lumley Lodge in Skegness are below. You can view them all (and his excellent sports photography) by visiting wayne-lagden-sports-photography.co.uk. Look for a link at the foot of the page called MCF Ball 2024. The password is mcfball2024, and the pictures are available as free digital downloads. Wonderful job, Wayne – thank you!
PGM Dave Wheeler, right, hands a ‘downpayment’ of £5,000 from the Province to Edward Goodchild, Deputy President of the MCF watched by its Chief Exec Les Hutchinson.
Festival Chairman Jez Hyland as his wife Lesley had a great time!
Lincolnshire helpers on the Ball committee. From left Gideon Hall, Mike Lock, Derek Butcher and Andy Ham. Missing from the group is Simon Noden, but his picture’s below.
Simon Noden and his wife Joanne
Singer Hannah Priestley
The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Band
Entertainers Rule the World
