Fylde Coast Masons cycle the Sedbergh 100
 
In 2016, Ian Ward of The South Fylde Group started a sponsored bike ride which was to become an annual event. With the help of Dave McKee this first ride was a journey from Liverpool to Barrow in Furness, a distance of 140 miles, which was undertaken over two days, taking in masonic halls on the way. The programme was as follows.
Sedbergh 100 Brief stop at The Stork with Support Crew
Stephen Dobson, Simon Walker, Ian Ward, Steve Jelly, Geoff Etheridge
Day 1 - Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Southport Masonic Hall, Preston Masonic Hall, The Palace, St. Annes.
Sedbergh 100 Refreshment Stop
Steve Jelly, Simon Walker, Geoff Etheridge, Stephen Dobson, Ian Ward
Day 2 - Poulton Masonic Hall, Morecambe Masonic Hall, Carnforth Masonic Hall, Grange, Ulverston Masonic Hall, Barrow Masonic Hall.
 
Ian recalls that the 2016 ride raised £1400 for the two South Fylde masonic halls, namely The Palace, St. Annes and Poulton.
 
The following year a 130-mile ride was called "The Figure Of Eight", again over two days.
Day 1 - Poulton via Conder Green, Lancaster, Crook O' Lune, Quernmore Valley, Garstang, Poulton.
Day 2 - The Palace via Preston, Lostock Hall, Leyland, Eccleston, Croston, Southport, Tarleton, Preston, to The Palace. Total journey distance of 130 miles.
Sedbergh 100 Discussing Directions
Geoff Etheridge, Ian Ward, Steve Jelly, Stephen Dobson, Simon Walker
Ian Ward said “Following the Covid pandemic we resumed in 2023 with the help of Blackpool Group Chairman Steve Jelly and brethren of the Blackpool Group, retracing the two-day route we took in 2016, Liverpool to Barrow. We raised an impressive £2600 for a local cancer charity, "The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group".
 
Ian continued “This year, we decided to undertake 100 miles in a day during July, 50 miles out, from Poulton to Sedbergh, 50 miles return to Poulton. Over the years we have been well supported by the late and much missed David Winder who was a great fan of the bike rides. I asked his widow, Sue, if she would like the monies raised to be donated to a particular charity. Sue nominated ‘The West Lancashire Mark Charities Fund’ to receive the £1300, as the charity was a great help during David's final weeks”.
The Cheque Presentation
Steve Jelly, Giles Berkley, Sue Winder; Debbie Richardson (Sue's daughter);
Keith Beardmore, June Beardmore, Ian Ward
The Sedbergh 100 riders were Steve Jelly, Geoff Etheridge of Fraternal Lodge and Simon Walker of Quadrant Lodge. The Ride Support Crew was ably provided by Ian Ward of Quadrant Lodge and Stephen Dobson of Foxhall Lodge. Glenn O' Brien of the Lodge of Fidelity provided all Publicity.
 
Ian Ward added “Our grateful thanks to all those who contributed donations to this 2024 ride. It was a delight for the cheque to be presented in the presence of the PGM of the Mark Degree, Keith Beardmore and his Deputy, Giles Berkley.
 
Words and pictures courtesy of John Topping