On Sunday 6 October local Freemasons Lodge, Arenal Deportiva held what is fast becoming an annual barbecue event. Over the last three years this barbecue has become more and more popular and now seems a fixture on the Masonic calendar. Starting at 3pm more than sixty Masons, wives and invited guests arrived to a fantastic party at the home of WBro Ian Brown and his lovely wife Eileen.
Music was provided from the outset, and throughout, by popular local DJ Darrell Clayton and the weather was kind, a warm; sunny afternoon with just a gentle breeze to hold down the worst of the afternoon heat and humidity.
A fantastic feast of barbecued meat was available including steak, chicken, hamburgers, sausages and pulled pork, provided by our own resident barbecue specialist, WBro Peter de Graaf. This took three days to prepare, so no effort was spared. With several types of salad and a wonderful selection of desserts no one went hungry.
As we all sat there in glorious sunshine, listening to the music and eating copious amounts of food, it was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves. Although it was a party for Freemasons and invited guests the main reason for holding it was to raise money for local charities. After holding a raffle and several other money-raising schemes a total of just over three hundred and twenty euros was raised. This was announced by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, RWBro Danny Coburn, who said the money would be added to other monies raised over the Masonic year and presented, in the form of much needed equipment, to local charities at the end of the Masonic year. This provides a much-needed boost to several local charities supported by the Masonic movement.
There are many more events planned by the Lodge over the coming months, including a grand fireworks night, a car led treasure hunt and a Ladies night. All will be used to raise money, all of which will be donated to worthy causes. A great afternoon enjoyed by all. Thanks to the Worshipful Master Danny Coburn for sponsoring this event, thanks also to Ian and Eileen for allowing the use of the garden and also to Bob and Eileen Watkins for all their help and support.