Picture this: Saturday 12 July 2025, the sun cranked up to “full tandoori,” and a miniature steam locomotive tooting merrily beside the M25. That, dear Brethren and friends, was the scene at Middlesex Craft Freemasonry’s annual Fun Day, hosted once again at the Great Cockcrow Railway near Chertsey.
This year, our very own George Parker Lodge of Mark Master Masons rolled in like a crack regimental band (armed with bottle openers) to run the bar. Leading the charge was the Mark Province’s Grand Poobah himself, RW Bro Peter Hyde—clearly a man who believes in keeping his brethren both elevated in spirit and spirits. Flanking him were W Bro John “Voice Like a Jet Engine” Kasprzyk, W Bro Gary “El Bandido” Foley, and the ever‑chilled Sam Brown, dispensing ice‑cold refreshments faster than a Junior Overseer on roller skates.
L to R: RW Bro Peter Hyde ProvGM, Bro George Fraser, and W Bro John Kasprzyk, PProvJGD + Our Exec enjoy ice cream too + Sanctuary – a shaded area to sit and cool off.
Thirst Aid Station
With temperatures approaching the melting point of a Lewis, the bar instantly became the event’s unofficial oasis. Wave after wave of parched Freemasons and families queued up, lured by the promise of frosty beverages, legendary banter and—let’s be honest—prices so reasonable we thought someone had mis‑set their compasses.
Meanwhile, just a few yards away, the shaded seating area transformed into the hottest (well… coolest) ticket in town. Those who secured a chair under the canopy treated it like a five‑star resort—only with more aprons and fewer towel swans, and next door was the BBQ manned by fellow Mark Man George Fraser (Hogwarts school of Sausagery).
All Aboard the Brotherly Express
If you haven’t ridden the Great Cockcrow Railway, think “Hogwarts Express,” only scaled down to hobbit size and packed with delighted children, parents and the odd Past Master trying not to ask whether the train runs on 22‑inch gauge instead of the standard 25. Each miniature carriage seats four adults or approximately twelve excited toddlers, and the circuit is a thrill—swooping bends, tiny tunnels and enough steam to keep any Master Overseer happy.
Tickets? Free! Donations? Absolutely—and gratefully received in aid of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and St Luke’s Hospice. Proof that you can ride the rails, indulge in an ice‑cold lemonade and polish up your charity badge, all before lunch.
A Round of Applause (and Possibly Golf)
RW Bro Peter Hyde—a stalwart of both the Middlesex Craft and the fairways, given that George Parker is a specialist golfing lodge—summed it up best: “It’s an honour to support the Craft Province. We’re on the level, we keep it square, and yes, occasionally we drive long and putt straight too.”
Until next time, brethren—keep your spirits high, your drinks cold, and remember: the secret of a perfect Fun Day is simple… always put a Mark Master Mason in charge of the bar.
See you at the TDMC BBQ in September – Details to follow !!
— Your roving reporter, still slightly glowing from the sunshine (and possibly the beer)