The Forest of Arden Lodge held its January Regular Meeting on 15th January 2025, which was a white table evening, to which non masons are invited.

There were 66 people in attendance, to watch a very special charity event.

The Lodge has had a fantastic year under the Mastership of Gary Caldicott, who assumed the Chair in February 2024. Through a number of social events and collections at the Festive board, up to the start of this evening, the Lodge has raised £9,444 in the cause of various charities, including the Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the RNLI and Fast Aid.

Gary and the Lodge had an idea that £10,000 was within reach.

After a short meeting in which W.Bro Bill Davies was elected to succeed Gary in the Chair, the Lodge room was opened, and our gusts filed in to witness the culmination of Gary’s year as Master take place.

For over 2 ½ years, one of our Brethren, Bro Ashleigh Gwilliam, has been growing his hair for a very worthy cause, the Little Princess Trust, a charity whose aim is to provide care, support and wigs for children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatments and other conditions. As the Lodge Room filled almost to capacity, Bro Ashleigh took a seat in the centre of the room, and Mr Nick “the Cip” Kreuter, a local barber based in Hall Green, gently removed his flowing locks so that they could be turned into a wig.

While Ashleigh was shorn, the Lodge Almoner, W.Bro Stuart Jenkins gave an impassioned talk on Masonic Charity, and explained that the cost of making the wig was around £700, and called on those present to assist by contributing into the Lodge Relief Chest.

During the Festive Board, Brethren and Visitors were seen eagerly scanning QR codes. A count was made, and a conservative estimate indicated a successful collection of £2250 to which a good amount of Gift Aid will be applied!

In an entirely unexpected twist, W.Bro Steve Warren, IPM of Quarry Lodge No 7543 who meet at Kings Heath announced to all those present, that Bro Ashleigh, in a somewhat rash move, had wagered W.Bro Steve the sum of £600 for the Charity, if he had Ashleigh’s name tattooed on his body. W.Bro Steve revealed to all, an almost foot long tattoo on his side reading “Ash G” and claimed the £600 for the charity, adding that the tattooist had refused payment for his artistry but asked that the cost be also added to the fund. Ashleigh fulfilled his obligation, adding £680 to the fund. Total for the evening so far, £2930!

This was not all, however. A raffle was held in honour of Gary’s year, with proceeds to go to Girl Guiding, as Gary’s daughter, Shannon, is a volunteer Guide Leader. The raffle resulted in a further contribution of £475!

Posting on Facebook this morning, Bro Ashleigh said “This is a charity very close to my heart, I have many personal reasons for caring about this charity that I have not fully shared, but I think every single one of us has experienced the horrible effects of cancer, either personally or through loved ones.

One of the worst things about cancer, is the cure, causing hair loss amongst other side effects.

It’s a harrowing experience for anyone, but imagine a child having to deal with that.

So, I have a very cold head today, while the donation of hair was important, this was always about the money for me.”

W.Bro Stuart said “I have always been proud of this, my Mother Lodge, but in all my 32 years of membership, I cannot recall a group of Masons who better epitomise the founding principle of Freemasonry – Charity. W.Bro Gary has led the lodge this year with quiet confidence, and events such as these have been magnificent. Young Ashleigh is a shining example to the other young Brethren in his generosity, kindness and wit, and together with a growing number of light blues, we are confident of the future of our Lodge. To raise over £12,000 in a year for a Lodge with around 30 members, is exceptional, and I am immensely impressed with the young masons we have in the Lodge”