A night of festive joy

Newcastillians enjoyed a night of festive fun, when the Freemasons hosted a Christmas in July dinner last Saturday evening.

Peter Coleman, a Freemason from the Scottish Masonic Lodge, said the concept of Christmas in July was originally started by Rotarians in Durban.

“People liked it so much, that everyone started doing it. This is the second year we have hosted it.”

The purpose of the merry dinner was to raise funds for charitable organisations Freemasons support in town.

“We decide on a charity to support at the end of the year, but Christmas in July is just one of the fund-raisers we hold during the year,” Mr Coleman said.

While the fraternity aims to help the less fortunate, Masons try to donate to local charity organisations as often as possible, as a way to ensure the community benefit directly.

“We favoured feeding schemes for a while, such as the Rotary Anns Feeding scheme, as they benefit the children,” Mr Coleman said.

The evening was one of true Christmas spirit as guests enjoyed an evening of socialising, while ensuring the less fortunate were cared for.