Tim Leads the Annual Preston Masters Walk

Despite the challenges of the Pandemic and associated restrictions, The Preston Masters held their Annual Sponsored Walk on Sunday the 13^th June. Once again, the location was the wonderful Ribble Valley.

Preston Guild Lodge’s WM, Tim Horton, who is also the Chair of the Preston Masters, led off a contingent representing five Preston Lodges. Mike Hatton (Royal Preston Lodge), Bob Hampson (Lodge of Concord), Gowan O’Hagan (Lodge of Ingol St Margaret) and Ron Docherty (Lodge of Endeavour) all met up, together with family and friends, at   The Waddington Arms in Waddington Village. The group tucked into Bacon Rolls to fuel their endeavour before heading off into the countryside. 

The four-and-a-half-mile walk, with many historical features, started with the delicate negotiation of crossing the stepping stones of the river through the centre of the village. Waddington is home to Royal Forest Lodge No 401 (pronounced fower, nowt, one) who meet at the Assembly Rooms in the Village. The Lancastrian King Henry VI was captured after seeking refuge in Waddington Old Hall.

The group the headed out into the wonderful Lancashire countryside. After passing the historical Waddow Hall, the walk leads to the Ribble Way through a rather unusual Sculpture Park adjacent to the River Ribble eventually leading to the pretty village of West Bradford. Gandhi stayed in a local farmhouse here in the 1930s when he was researching the textile industry. Leaving the village, the walkers passed by Eaves Hall and made their way back to Waddington Village. Once again, the Waddington Arms provided suitable refreshments for the thirsty team.

As a result of the pandemic and restrictions on lodges meeting, planning and executing the walk was a challenge. Brethren from all lodges in Preston are encouraged to support those who walked as a proxy for their Maters. Donations can be made at  https://paypal.me/pools/c/8zbtZRQ4LP