Solihull Lodge 8088 400th Meeting on October 20th. A Policeman's Lot - a Slightly Lighter Side.

David Butcher Receives Civic Award for Outstanding Community Impact

David Butcher receiving his award from His Majesty’s High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Karen Lynch, MBE proudly wearing his Warwickshire Provincial tie.

Over 100 outstanding individuals were recently honoured at Warwickshire ChangeMakers 2025 – a celebration of people in the county’s communities who dedicate themselves to improving life in the county.

At the start of her tenure, His Majesty’s High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Karen Lynch MBE had the idea of changing the traditional High Sheriff’s Garden Party in favour of Warwickshire ChangeMakers, an event to recognise and celebrate unsung heroes and frontline champions who represent community spirit, quiet determination, and collaborative action. 

Hosted by the High Sheriff, and supported by the Lord Lieutenant, civic leaders and the wider community, the day began with a moving awards ceremony at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, followed by a procession through the town and a joyful garden party at Warwick Castle. 

With live music, Morris dancers, and a toast under the sky in Warwick Castle’s courtyard, the day was carefully designed to bring people together in celebration.

Awardees included volunteers, fundraisers, innovators, youth mentors, and professionals from police, fire, ambulance, probation, and judiciary services. 

Our very own Deputy Provincial Grand Master, David Butcher was successfully nominatred under the category of “Changemaking through building efficiency and effectiveness in charitable giving”. The following are extracts from the Citation for David.

“For over ten years David was the Chair of Acorns Children’s Hospice and provided the foundations upon which the care and support of thousands of life-limited and terminally ill children and their families was based.

For the last three years David has worked tirelessly to restructure Warwickshire Freemasonry’s charitable giving and as a result Warwickshire Freemasons will donate £600,00.00 in 2025 to over 160 local charities; this work will allow Warwickshire Freemasons to continue to make similar annual charitable donations for years to come”

I am sure that we all would wish to congratulate David upon receipt of this Civic Award, especially as one of the very first to be so honoured.

The photograph shows David receiving his award from His Majesty’s High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Karen Lynch, MBE proudly wearing his Warwickshire Provincial tie.

Originally posted on https://warwickshirefreemasons.org.uk/news/

From Queen Street to Fisher House: Ed’s Epic Charity Challenge

The brethren of Benevolence Lodge No. 4035 have set their outgoing Worshipful Master, Ed Lee, a challenge before he leaves the Chair – and true to form, Ed has accepted in spectacular style.

On Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November 2025, Ed will take on a gruelling duathlon of 230 kilometres, beginning at Freemasons’ Hall on Great Queen Street in London and finishing at the doors of Fisher House in Birmingham. The route is not for the faint-hearted: the cycle leg alone will see him ride through North London, Watford, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Warwick, before switching to running shoes for a marathon from Coventry to Selly Oak.

As Ed himself puts it, “all of this madness is in aid of a great charity.” That charity is Fisher House, a remarkable home-away-from-home for the families of servicemen and women receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. When military personnel are injured abroad, they are flown directly into Birmingham Airport and taken straight to the QE to be cared for by some of the country’s leading trauma specialists. For their families, however, the journey can be long and costly. Fisher House offers them free accommodation just a short walk from their loved ones, creating a supportive community for those who share similar experiences.

To support the effort, Ed has launched a JustGiving page to raise funds for the Warwickshire Tercentenary Appeal, with all proceeds going to the Masonic Charitable Foundation in aid of Fisher House. He is also documenting his journey on Instagram, sharing training updates and rallying support under the handle @edrideandrun.

While sponsorship is at the heart of this challenge, Ed has also thrown out an open invitation to brethren who may wish to join him for training sessions. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness or simply want to offer moral support along the way, you’ll be more than welcome.

This promises to be a memorable and meaningful farewell to the Chair for Ed – one that combines personal endurance with Masonic charity, and one that will make a real difference to the families of those who serve.

To find out more or to sponsor Ed’s challenge, visit his JustGiving page here:Queen Street to Fisher House Challenge.

Originally posted on https://warwickshirefreemasons.org.uk/news/