Your Province is excited to launch a brand-new charity cycling event: “The Method of Advancing from West to East.” Scheduled for Sunday, 29 June 2025, this 42-mile bike ride will take participants on a memorable journey from across some of our province. The ride isn’t just a fun challenge – it’s a chance to bring brethren together in support of a worthy cause. All funds raised will go to Me2 Club, a local charity that helps children with additional needs take part in mainstream activities. The event promises a day of camaraderie, exercise, and charity as riders literally advance from West to East in true Masonic spirit.
Event Details
The Route: Aptly named for our Masonic tradition, the ride spans the breadth of the province from west to east. Here’s the plan for the day:
- Start: Gather at Newbury Masonic Centre for a 10:00 AM start. (Newbury is our “West” – the beginning of the journey.)
- Midway Stop: Pause at the Berkshire Masonic Centre (approximately 25.8 miles into the route) after about 2–3 hours of cycling. This will be a welcome rest stop to refresh and refuel before the final leg.
- Finish: Conclude at the Windsor Masonic Centre, the “East” end of our route, covering a further 16.3 miles (around 1.5–2 hours more riding).
- Distance: 42 miles total – a rewarding challenge that most cyclists can complete with a moderate pace and a can-do attitude.
- Post-Ride Celebration: Upon arrival in Windsor, everyone can enjoy a few well-earned celebratory drinks together.
Flexible Participation: You can participate as little or as much as you’re able to do. Some riders may join the event at Sindlesham, while others might only complete a smaller section. Whatever your level of involvement, your support is valuable!
Support Along the Way: There will be some assistance from volunteers to help along the route. However, as always, please remember to carry your emergency puncture repair kit to be prepared for any issues!
Travel Logistics
No need to worry about car shuttles – convenient train services serve both Newbury and Windsor, making it easy to get to the starting point and home from the finish. Attendees can travel by train to Newbury in the morning and depart from Windsor by train after the festivities.
Participation and Fundraising
Who Can Join: Brethren of all cycling abilities are welcome! Whether you’re an experienced rider or just dusting off an old bike, we encourage you to take part. The ride is designed to be enjoyable and manageable, with a supportive group pace and breaks as needed.
About the Me2 Club Charity
Me2 Club is a local charity based in Berkshire, dedicated to enabling children and young people aged 5–19 with additional needs and disabilities to participate in mainstream activities and leisure clubs. Through a team of trained volunteer “buddies,” Me2 Club supports these young people in integrating into their chosen activities, such as sports, arts, and social groups, fostering their independence, social skills, and confidence.
Many children with additional needs face social isolation, but Me2 Club bridges this gap by offering tailored support to ensure they can enjoy the same opportunities as their peers. The charity’s work significantly improves the lives of both the young participants and their families, providing respite and the chance to see their children thrive in community settings.
The Me2 Club was chosen as the beneficiary of this event following a vote by the 65 Lodge Charity Stewards who attended the recent Charity Stewards Conference.
Leadership Support and Special Guests
Deputy Provincial Grand Master Mark Heppelthwaite and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Matthew Walker have already signed up! You may even see a short surprise guest appearance from your Provincial Grand Charity Steward himself!
Sign Up and Get Involved
- Register Here: https://events.berkspgl.org.uk/event/advancing-from-west-to-east/
- Fundraising: Further details on the fundraising page for your lodge will be shared in the coming weeks.
- Stay Updated: More information on the route and logistics will follow shortly.
Join us on 29th June to cycle, support Me2 Club, and enjoy fellowship with brethren. Let’s make this a memorable event for all!
