Norfolk Freemasons were proud to be part of the Royal Norfolk Show on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June, two very hot but hugely enjoyable days celebrating the very best of Norfolk.
Our stand gave us a valuable opportunity to meet and engage with members of the public, talk openly about Freemasonry, and highlight what a wonderful hobby it can be. Visitors were able to hear more about the friendship, support, personal development and sense of belonging that Freemasonry offers, as well as the important charitable and community work carried out by lodges across Norfolk.
The Royal Norfolk Show is always a fantastic showcase for the county, bringing together farming, agriculture, business, culture, charities, community organisations and families. This year’s theme, Culture and Collaboration, fitted perfectly with the values we aim to promote: bringing people together, supporting communities and making a positive difference.
As part of that commitment, Norfolk Freemasons were delighted to donate £5,000 in support of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s Carnival of Cultures project. This exciting initiative enabled hundreds of young people to take part in workshops, learn new skills, experience different cultures and perform as part of a carnival procession at the Show. The project also helped young people and community groups, including those who may otherwise feel excluded or marginalised, to feel welcomed and involved in one of Norfolk’s biggest annual events.
The Carnival of Cultures brought music, dance, rhythm and creativity to the Showground, demonstrating how collaboration between different communities can produce something joyful, inclusive and powerful. It was exactly the sort of project Norfolk Freemasons are proud to support.
Ian Betts, Norfolk Freemasons’ Community Engagement Officer, said: “The Royal Norfolk Show gave us a fantastic opportunity to speak directly with the public about who we are, what we do, and the positive contribution Freemasonry makes across Norfolk. It was especially pleasing to support the Carnival of Cultures project, which brought young people and communities together in such a vibrant and meaningful way. Freemasonry is about friendship, service and making a difference, and those values were very much reflected throughout the two days.”
Over the two days, a strong team of volunteers helped staff the stand, speak to visitors and represent Norfolk Freemasonry in a positive and approachable way. On Wednesday, support came from Jack Betts, Martin Day, Ben Smethurst, Tony Valentine and George Gooderson. On Thursday, the team included Luke Loades, Dale Curtis, Keir Gilchrist, Craig Humphreys, Alex Gibb, Trevor Murray-Smith, Stuart Lamb and Luke Alder. Neil Morley and Gavin Wallace supported the stand across both days.
Their enthusiasm, good humour and willingness to talk to the public helped make the stand a success. Whether speaking to people who were curious about Freemasonry, reconnecting with those who already had a link to the organisation, or simply explaining what we do in our communities, the team showed Norfolk Freemasonry at its best.
The Royal Norfolk Show once again proved to be an excellent opportunity to promote who we are, what we do, and why Freemasonry continues to have something valuable to offer. It was a pleasure to be part of such a positive county-wide event, and we look forward to building on the conversations and connections made across the two days.