Bradgate Park Open Weekend

Bradgate Park was alive with activity on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June as the popular country park hosted a bustling open weekend near the central café. Around 40 stalls filled large marquees and individual gazebos, creating a vibrant marketplace for local groups, charities, and community organisations.

Representing Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasonry, members of Lodge Semper Eadem, Matthew Zmija, Trevor Rogers, David Hall, Brent Goodwin and Ian Aldridge, set up the gazebo, complete with three pull‑up display stands promoting the Teddies for Loving Care initiative (TLC), the Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons Charity, and Devonshire Place. A display of Masonic items also attracted the interest of curious visitors.

Throughout the weekend, the team handed out a large number of leaflets, along with specially produced cards advertising September’s forthcoming Open Day. The stand received an exceptionally warm reception, with many visitors stopping to ask questions, share stories, and offer positive feedback.

One particularly meaningful encounter came when the team met a lady whose family is due to receive a charitable donation from Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons following the tragic loss of her son to illness. The meeting provided a touching reminder of the real impact the Freemasons' charity has within the local community.

The stand also drew the attention of several Freemasons and relatives of Freemasons who were visiting the park, many of whom took the opportunity to introduce themselves. By the close of the second day, the team had gathered many new contacts who wished to know more.

Blessed with excellent weather across both days, Bradgate Park saw a high level of visitors, helping to make the event a resounding success for all involved.