Over 2024/25, Freemasons from Berkshire hosted the Masonic Annual Charity Event (MACE), bringing bowlers together from across the country for a series of bowling fundraisers. Their efforts have raised an impressive £9,000 in support of two nominated charities:
- The Berkshire Panto Project – a local initiative that gives children, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, the chance to experience the magic of pantomime.
- Action for Children – a national charity providing vital support for children and young people across the UK.
The year of fundraising was organised by the Berkshire Masonic Bowling Association (BMBA), with proceeds split equally between the two causes.
Trevor White, President of the BMBA, presented £4,500 to Santa’s representative (Santa being otherwise engaged) during a dinner held a little earlier in the year at Berkshire’s Masonic Headquarters in Sindlesham.
In the picture: Berkshire Freemasons, Gerry Preston, Mark Heppelthwaite, Jim Sampin and Santa giving their support on the day at Windsor’s Theatre Royal.
Peter Hopkins of the Berkshire Panto Project said:
“Thanks to the continuing generosity of Berkshire Freemasons over 500 panto places will be funded this 2025 year. Predominantly for special needs children and their carers to enjoy classic pantomimes either in their school, the Newbury Corn Exchange, or the Theatre Royal Windsor. Plus, for the first timewith the extra funding from the Bowling Association, we will also be bringing Panto to Priors Court in Thatcham.”
Further details about the launch of the fundraising year can be found here:
https://berkspgl.org.uk/p/freemasons-from-across-the-uk-bowling-for-charity/
For 2025/26 the Province of Surrey are hosting the MACE Trophy event.
