Freemasons from across County Durham came together once again for the annual Durham Freemasons Golf Day, held at Roseberry Grange Golf Club near Chester-le-Street, raising £1,500 for the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity.
Now in its fifth year, the event has become a firm fixture in the Durham Freemasons calendar, bringing together Freemasons from across the Province and their guests for a day of friendly competition, fellowship and fundraising.
Organised by a dedicated committee chaired by Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons Martin Rankin, the event raises money through player entry fees and a charity raffle, with all profits supporting good causes.
Each year, the proceeds support one of three causes – TLC Teddies, the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Committee or the Masonic Fishing Charity. This year’s chosen beneficiary was the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity, with the organising committee delighted to present the proceeds of £1,500 to Rod Scott, Worshipful Master of Anglers Lodge and a member of the Masonic Fishing Charity Durham Branch.
Martin Rankin said:
“The Durham Freemasons Golf Day has become much more than a sporting event. It is an opportunity for Freemasons and friends from across the Province to come together, enjoy each other’s company and make a real difference to good causes.
“We are delighted to support the Durham Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity this year, and I would like to thank everyone who played, supported the raffle, donated prizes and helped to make the day another great success.”
The Masonic Fishing Charity provides free, professionally organised fishing experiences for children and adults living with disabilities, additional needs, long-term illness or other challenging circumstances.
For children in particular, the charity’s fishing days provide an opportunity to spend time outdoors in a safe and supportive environment, try something new, build confidence and enjoy an experience where the focus is firmly on what they can achieve.
The days can encourage social interaction, independence and a sense of accomplishment, while creating positive memories for the children, their families and those supporting them.
The work of the Masonic Fishing Charity is another example of the many different ways in which Durham Freemasons support people and communities across the region. From providing TLC Teddies to comfort children receiving treatment in local hospitals, to supporting veterans and their families, and helping children and adults enjoy the therapeutic benefits of fishing and the outdoors, the aim is simple – to make a practical and positive difference where it is needed.
Receiving the donation, Rod Scott said:
“This generous support from the Durham Freemasons Golf Day will help us continue providing special fishing experiences for children and adults who benefit enormously from getting outdoors, learning new skills and enjoying a day where everyone is encouraged to take part.
“We see at first hand the confidence, enjoyment and sense of achievement these days can bring. This donation will help us to continue that work and provide more opportunities for people across County Durham, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who took part and supported the event.”
Secretary of Anglers Lodge and a member of the Golf Day organising committee, Alan Jenkins, explained how the event has grown and developed.
Alan said:
“The event originally began as the Ravensworth Cup but evolved into the Annual Ravensworth Masonic Trophy Competition in 2021, following the Covid pandemic.
“The first competition was held at Chester-le-Street Golf Club, but for the last four years Roseberry Grange Golf Club has become its home. During the five years the annual Golf Day has been running in its current form, it has raised more than £8,000 for TLC Teddies, the Durham Freemasons Armed Forces Committee and the Masonic Fishing Charity.
“It is wonderful to see so many Freemasons and their guests supporting these causes year after year while enjoying a great day of friendship and competition.”
The 2026 Competition
The 2026 Ravensworth Trophy was won by Andy Whitehead and Luke Jury of Agricola Lodge No. 7741 with 43 points. Gordon Gilbraith and Ian Rennison of Clarence Lodge No. 2462 took second place with 41 points on countback, ahead of Tony Best and Ben Tindale of Earl of Durham Lodge No. 1274, also on 41 points. Peter White and Brian Bullock of Clarence Lodge finished fourth with 40 points.
The Colin Elrick Trophy for non-Masons was won by Lee Surtees and Ian Kinelato and presented by Colin’s widow, Alison. The Joyce Fuller Memorial Cup for the Par-3 Competition was won by Tony Craven and Peter Stobbs of Winlaton St Paul’s Lodge No. 8931 with 21 points and was presented by David Fuller and his family in memory of Joyce.
Neil Carpenter won Nearest-the-Pin on the 18th hole, collecting the £100 prize, while Lee Surtees of St Lawrence Lodge No. 6041 won Nearest-the-Pin-in-Two on the 14th.
At the close of another successful day, Martin Rankin thanked the organising committee for their hard work, as well as everyone who played and supported the fundraising, before looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2027 event.
The continued success of the annual Durham Freemasons Golf Day reflects the commitment of Durham Freemasons to supporting charitable causes while strengthening friendships across the Province.
With more than £8,000 raised since the Annual Ravensworth Masonic Trophy Competition began in its current form in 2021, the Golf Day has become a lasting example of how fellowship, generosity and a shared love of golf can make a positive difference to the lives of others.
