Report of the Upminster OrangeAid 2005 Event
Upminster Organising Committee : Stuart Critchell, David Silk, George Guilliland, Mick Behan, Doug Slessor and Graham Cannon

A magnificent sum of over £9,000 raised!   Outstanding!

The sponsored walk organised by this Committee was held on Sunday 5^th June 2005 at 11am, and 71 participants were recorded as walking along with friends, wives and families – this making a total of 107 people.

The four miles walk, most of which consisted of safe, country footpaths, had been well signed at each turn or possible point of confusion and each participant was also given a four page booklet which encompassed a set of safety instructions, a map of the course, and some interesting details about things they would see and encounter along the route.

Members of the local Sea Cadet Unit were also utilised at various points around the course to provide extra support and assistance for anyone needing it. Walkers were asked to log in with us before walking, were given a number to ring if they got into trouble along the way, and asked to log out again upon their return. A 4x4 vehicle was also made available in order to pick up anyone who found they could not finish the course. Thankfully, it was not needed but all these measures had been adopted to ensure the safety of everyone taking part.

The system worked well with everyone returning enthused with a sense of achievement and stating that they had all ‘thoroughly enjoyed themselves at what they considered to be a very well organised event’.

We provided refreshments for everyone as they returned and it was good to see and hear nothing but positive comments about the day and all the fun the participants had experienced. A sense of fellowship and companionship and indeed friendly rivalry (one group of four actually ran the last half mile in order to be the first back and then ribbed everyone else about it!) was obvious amongst those present, with all saying that they would do it again if given the chance.

It was great to see so many people united in a common cause and feeling good about it as well.

The Committee feel that apart from the monies raised, the event has been a worthwhile exercise in terms of good relationship building and non-Masonic P.R. To this end press reports are being arranged by Richard Teff of the Media Committee and will hopefully appear in the coming days.