Durham Freemasons enjoyed a fantastic weekend of running, walking and friendship, with two successful parkrun gatherings taking place across the Province.
Four Years of the Durham Freemasons’ Parkrun Group
On Saturday 3 October, members of the Durham Freemasons’ Parkrun Group gathered at Sedgefield parkrun to celebrate the group’s fourth anniversary.
The group began with a simple purpose: to encourage members to enjoy the benefits of exercise and improved fitness while spending time together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. There is no competitive element—everyone is welcome to run, walk, volunteer or simply cheer others on before meeting afterwards for refreshments and conversation.
Over the past four years, the group has grown beyond its original monthly gatherings. Freemasons are now regularly joined by family and friends, visiting parkruns throughout the Province and further afield. Members of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association also came along to support the anniversary gathering.
A special cake was commissioned to mark the occasion, and the celebrations were completed with a glass of champagne.
Duncan Maw, who coordinates the group, said:
“We started with a simple idea: to bring people together, enjoy a parkrun and spend time in good company afterwards. It has been a pleasure to see the group grow over the years, with family and friends joining us and our visits taking us to so many different places.
“The spirit has always been welcoming and relaxed, and everyone is encouraged to take part in whatever way suits them.”
Congratulations to Duncan and everyone who has helped make the group such a success over the past four years.
The Next Generation Takes Part
The activities continued on Sunday 4 October when the Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run Group gathered at Riverside junior parkrun in Chester-le-Street.
Children, parents, grandparents, family members and Durham Freemasons came together to enjoy the free two-kilometre event. Whether running, volunteering or cheering from the side of the course, everyone contributed to another friendly and successful gathering.
The Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run initiative was founded and is led by Stephen M Foster, who has worked to create opportunities for children and Masonic families to enjoy exercise, friendship and community participation together.
Launched earlier this year, the initiative encourages children aged four to fourteen to become more active while bringing Freemasons, their families and friends together outside the Lodge room.
Building upon the success of the established Durham Freemasons’ Parkrun Group, the junior gatherings provide younger family members with an opportunity to enjoy exercise, make friends and experience the welcoming community spirit that has made the original group so successful.
Congratulations to Stephen and everyone supporting the initiative as it continues to grow and visit junior parkrun events across the Province.
Two events, two generations and one shared spirit of friendship made it a wonderful weekend for Durham Freemasons and their families.
Here’s to many more parkruns and shared moments in the years ahead.
