Cornerstone Club Raise £1,600 for the Foundation

Cornerstone Club Raise £1,600 for the Foundation

Paul Williams

In a remarkable display of determination and camaraderie, seven members of the Essex Cornerstone Club recently conquered the Yorkshire Dales 3 Peak Challenge, completing the grueling trek in just under 12 hours. Their incredible feat not only showcased their physical endurance but also their unwavering commitment to supporting the Essex Cornerstone Foundation. Together, they raised an impressive £1,600 for this deserving cause.

The Yorkshire Dales 3 Peak Challenge is no walk in the park. It involves scaling the three highest peaks in Yorkshire – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough – covering a distance of approximately 24 miles, with a total ascent of over 5,000 feet. It's a test of both physical and mental strength, and our seven heroes rose to the challenge with determination and enthusiasm.

Leading the charge was club treasurer, Ron Hodgson, whose passion for mountaineering ignited this adventure. Ron, along with fellow members Richard, Chris, Tom, Adam, Mike, and John, trained relentlessly in preparation for the challenge. Their commitment to both personal fitness and the Essex Cornerstone Foundation's cause was truly inspiring.

The Essex Cornerstone Foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community and is for the public benefit to relieve the needs of people under the age of 40 resident in the UK who are suffering from ill health (either physical or mental) through the awards of grants of financial assistance to individuals and registered charities to assist in providing comforts, items and services to such people who are sick, convalescent, disabled or infirm.

The Yorkshire Dales 3 Peak Challenge is not just a physical journey; it's a testament to the strength of human spirit and the power of community. The Essex Cornerstone Club's triumph in this adventure stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals come together for a greater good. Their dedication and fundraising efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the lives of those they aim to help through the Essex Cornerstone Foundation. Bravo to these remarkable individuals for their incredible accomplishment!

Essex Cornerstone Foundation Ball 2021

Essex Cornerstone Foundation Ball 2021

At the end of an impressive tree lined drive in the Essex countryside is the stunning Braxted House with its secret walled garden, enchanting pavilion, and exquisite orangery. There, on 9th October 2021, members of the Essex Cornerstone Club welcomed fellow Freemasons, their families and friends with reception drinks and canapes followed by a delicious three-course meal. After dinner the guests were treated to an evening of live music and danced the night away in the marquee

This Autumn Ball black-tie event celebrated the launch of the Essex Cornerstone Foundation, a new charity set up to support local Essex good causes, particularly those with young people in mind. The Foundation unites the charitable efforts of the Essex Cornerstone Club and the Essex Cornerstone Lodge, the world’s first Lodge for Young Freemasons.

One of the main guests, Nick Franklin, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Essex Freemasons, said 'I was absolutely thrilled to attend the wonderful Autumn Ball along with many other members of the Essex Provincial Executive. This new charity has been set up to support some very worthwhile causes around Essex, which is something we can all get behind'.  

Nick further explained that 'The Essex Cornerstone Club has become an integral part of Essex Freemasonry over the last five years since it was established and has been a driving force amongst New and Young Masons Clubs across the English Constitution'.

After dinner, but before the young Essex Freemasons danced the night away, a raffle was held for the Essex Cornerstone Foundation. Prizes included a Ferrari driving experience, afternoon tea at Harrods, and signed sports memorabilia. Over £2,000 was raised for the new charity and will be donated to Essex good causes later in the year. Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing more than £51m to deserving causes in 2020 alone.

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