Click HERE to view on Flickr

The inaugural charity canoe event took place at 9am on Saturday 14th September and was a great success and has helped raise even more funds for the 2020 Festival.

Participants and supporters, including RW Bro. Peter Baker, ProProvGM, and his wife Sarah gathered on a sunny morning to help unload and launch 10 large Canadian canoes onto the Grand Union Canal at West Drayton.

All 24 riders were wished well as they embarked on this journey.

It is hoped that will be the first of a number of canoe events in the MMSA calendar.

The paddlers were going to take on a 10 mile trip along part of the Grand Union Canal to the finish line at Bury Lake Young Mariners Club (BLYM) at Rickmansworth Aquadrome.

Many of them spent most of the trip on their knees in the traditional Canadian style which seemed entirely appropriate bearing in mind the Festival strap line (A Man Never Stands So Tall As When He Kneels To Help A Child).

With seven locks to traverse and the canal sides being fairly high at some points, the subsequent lifting and carrying the canoes around the locks proved to be a test of stamina.

The phrase “early bath” took another meaning as some of the canoeists took a refreshing dip in the Canal waters on a hot and sunny day, even if it was not their intention.

The route itself was through a beautiful stretch of the canal with some stunning views and although fairly tough to complete, all of the participants agreed it was a lovely way to spend a sunny morning amongst friends old and new.

The canoes and their crews were met at the finish line by Peter Baker and other supporters including RW Bro. Roger Croome, PProProvGM.

After the labours and exertions of the day, all were treated to a BBQ at the BLYM club house with family and friends.

It was a fun filled day with individual finishing times ranging from 3½ – 5½ hours.

A great fund raising event which should see the efforts of those participating give a boost to The 2020 Festival totals by at least a few thousand pounds.

The attached photographs show what great fun the activity proved to be and the organisers would like to thank all of the participants, supporters and the management of the BLYM Club for all their help and support and above all their spirit of friendship and fun !

Click HERE to view on Flickr

This article appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2019 Edition of the Mercury, which can be viewed HERE whilst hard copies are available at all Middlesex Masonic Centres while stocks last.