On Saturday The Association of Friends of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court welcomed a large crowd of visitors, relatives, friends and residents to this year’s Christmas Fayre, and a great time was had by all. The Fayre is one of the fund Raising events held by The Friends to help them fund entertainment and support for the residents of the RMBI home, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, located on the same site as the Sindlesham Court, home of Berkshire Masonry.
The Fayre was held at The Winnersh Community Centre, over the road from the home, which offered far more space than last year’s event that was held at the home itself. The extra space meant that many more stalls could be run indoors, contributing to raising over £2,000 for the Association of Friends.
It was opened at 2pm by W. Bro Iain Marnock OBE, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire, who was in very good spirits, thanking everyone for coming and encouraging them to spend their money to support this worthwhile cause. He spent the afternoon touring the numerous stalls chatting to the various groups and spending some cash!. Also on hand was Steve Gotting the chairman of the Association of Friends.
A number of lodges and chapters were well represented on the stalls, which include the annual favourite of water into wine, bric-a-brac, crafts, cakes, sweets, honey, and toys.
Santa was on hand along with a couple of his elves, to provide gifts for the younger visitors
The afternoon was rounded off with the Prize Draw, with Iain Marnock drawing the winning tickets.
The top prize of £500 went to Ellington Chapter No. 1566, the second prize of £250 went to Cookham Manor No. 4191, and the third prize of £100 went to W. Bro. Steve Croston.
The Friends of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court
Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, the R.M.B.I. Home at Sindlesham, adjacent to the Berkshire Masonic Centre, opened its doors to elderly Brethren, their wives or widows or close dependent relatives in 1972 (as Lord Harris Court). Having dual registration as a Residential and Nursing Home, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court has some 90 residents. The Association of Friends, also formed in 1972, aims to assist in providing facilities for the care, comfort and well-being of the residents.
Over the years the Association has financed several projects including a physiotherapy wing, ornamental garden pond and purchased many forms of recreational equipment, together with vehicles including minibuses. The Association organises fetes to raise money, social activities for its members and the residents and provides weekly services such as a non-profit shop for the residents, shopping trips and coach outings, carpet bowls and theatre trips. A regular Newsletter keeps the members informed.
The Association of Friends would welcome all enquiries from those who are interested in this work to become members of the Association and to participate in the social and fund-raising activities which are open to all the family.
Enquiries to:
The Membership Secretary,
Association of Friends of Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court,
Mole Road, Sindlesham, Berkshire, RG41 5EA.
Telephone: (0118) 978 7496.
Further information about the home can be found on the RMBI site: Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court, Berkshire – RMBI
