Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run Group Gets Off to a Flying Start
The first gathering of the new Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run Group took place at Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, on Sunday 12 July, with families enjoying glorious weather as children took part in the National Junior Park Run.
The event marked the launch of a new Durham Freemasons initiative designed to bring Freemasons, their families and friends together through exercise, friendship and community participation.
Tom Gittins, Assistant Head of Durham Freemasons, attended to show the support of the Province and to encourage the children and families taking part.
He was joined by John Thompson, Assistant Grand Master and Past Provincial Grand Master of Durham, who is a regular participant in the established Durham Freemasons Park Run Group and was there to support the launch of its junior counterpart.
Also lending his support was Stephen Foster, who recently completed the epic Land’s End to John O’Groats charity cycle ride. He was there to cheer on his son, Stephen Foster, who has led the creation of the Junior Park Run Group, along with his grandchildren, who took part in the inaugural event.
The Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run Group has been created to encourage children aged four to 14 to take part in local Junior Park Runs alongside their parents, grandparents and wider families.
The new group builds on the success of the Durham Freemasons Park Run Group, which was originally formed to bring Brethren together outside the Lodge room in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Since its formation, the group has grown into one of the Province’s most successful wellbeing initiatives. It has helped members build friendships across Lodges and Chapters, encouraged volunteering within the wider community and demonstrated the positive impact that regular exercise, conversation and social connection can have on mental health and wellbeing.
By extending the idea to children and families, Durham Freemasons hope to create the same sense of belonging and community for a younger generation while encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
Tom Gittins said:
“It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the first Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run gathering.
“The Park Run community has shown us how bringing people together through exercise, volunteering and friendship can make a real difference to wellbeing.
“It is fantastic to see that spirit now being extended to our children and families, and I look forward to seeing the group continue to grow.”
Stephen Foster said:
“The response to our first gathering has been fantastic. We wanted to create an opportunity for Freemasons and their families to enjoy the National Junior Park Run programme together, build friendships and encourage children to be active in a fun and welcoming environment.
“Seeing my own children taking part, with my dad there supporting us after completing his Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge, made the day even more special.
“This is just the beginning, and we hope many more families will join us at future events across the Province.”
The next Durham Freemasons Junior Park Run gatherings will take place on:
Sunday 9 August – Hartlepool
Sunday 6 September – South Shields
Sunday 4 October – Chester-le-Street
Sunday 1 November – Darlington
Sunday 29 November – Durham City
For further information, contact Stephen Foster at juniorparkrungroup@durhamfreemasons.org.
