Veteran Moose Member Celebrates Birthday Milestone
Long serving Moose member of 72 years Brother Vernon Smith who lives in Bristol recently celebrated his 100th Birthday with a card from the king and was presented with a bottle of whisky by Moose National President Gareth Griffith.
Vernon reached this milestone on December 4th and he enjoyed a meal with friends, plus a family celebration at Knowle Golf Club with relatives.
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During the 2nd World War he served for 5years in the RAF.
In January 2018 Vernon transferred to Burnham on Sea Lodge 123 following the closure of Bristol 22 Lodge
We send you our very best wishes, Vernon, on your special day!
In January 2018 Vernon transferred to Burnham on Sea Lodge 123 following the closure of Bristol 22 Lodge.
We send you our very best wishes, Vernon, on your special day!
Vernon joined Moose on 8th January 1951 and has held many offices during his almost 73 years of membership. He became Grand Governor in 1987 and served for many years on Grand Council. His elevation to Fellow came in 1978, and to Pilgrim in 1986. Life membership followed in 2003.
Photographs by kind permission of Gareth Griffith.
Successful Burnham One Moose Harvest Supper
Moose members and guests enjoyed a tasty ham salad meal at last nights Harvest Supper in Berrow Village Hall (7 September 2024). This regular event is held to support Burnham Moose Ladies' Circle, Lodge 123, funds. Catering by Ladies' Circle President Sandra Nicholson, and aided by members Carol, Kay, Margaret and Pat plus many others.
With 54 tickets sold, entertainment by talented local musician Tim Dean, a charity auction and of course the usual Moose raffle, the evening was a terrific success.
Berrow Village Hall is a great venue, and the reason why Burnham's Moose members choose it as their headquarters.
Burnham Moose Ladies' Circle President Sandra Nicholson gave thanks to all her volunteers, with further thanks to Junior Vice President Terry Cornelius for conducting the auction of produce, which raised £86, and also thanks to Liz and Pat for administering the raffle of donated prizes which raised £136.
Photographs and story by kind permission of Mike Lang.
Air Ambulance Open Day
On the 14th September 2024 10 members of Burnham on sea Moose were invited to Henstridge Airfield the HQ of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. They were given a tour around the helicopter and hangar together with meeting the air crew and support staff explaining how it all works like clockwork to save lives.
This was a thank you to the lodge for all the years of collections they had done, raising in total around 75k. There was a hasty retreat when the helicopter actually had a call out during the visit.
Photograph and story by kind permission of Pete Nicholson.
A Delightful One Moose Baguette Lunch
A very successful Baguette & Sweet Lunch was held in St John’s Church Hall Highbridge on the 14 Oct 24. This was in aid of the President’s appeal the R.N.L.I. in Burnham.
It was organised by Past National Lady President Mrs Margaret Jefferies. Although only 19 were there supporting it, everyone had a lovely time and really enjoyed the lunch which was a choice of five different fillings for the baguettes and six different homemade sweets. The event raised £203.50 for the appeal of which Rita thanked everyone for coming and also Margaret and the caterers for all their hard work.
Photographs and story by kind permission of Rita Harris.
An Enjoyable Race Night at Burnham 123
On the 2nd of November 2024 Burnham 123 Lodge held a highly enjoyable social race night, it was a brilliant evening at Berrow Village Hall. All the race horses lined up excitedly and were roaring to go and Pete and Jim were ready to serve drinks but until we had eaten they had to wait.
We were served by Circle President Sandra and her caterers with massive jacket potatoes and a great assortment of fillings with various salads and then we were ready to bet.
We had a wonderful assortment of raffle prizes which at the end raised £96.
Any funds left over from ticket sales will go into social funds to be used in any way the lodge requires, including donating to local charities.
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We all had a very sociable evening with plenty to laugh about as Martin Eley, Clerk of the Course, was extremely entertaining.
Photos show members and friends enjoying themselves.
Photographs and story by kind permission of Rita Harris.
Burns Night at Burnham 123
Burnham-on-Sea Moose lodge 123 President Rita Harris organised a successful Burns night in Berrow village hall, last Saturday 25 January.
The event started with poetry being read by members Jinty Jackman and Brian Hood, closely followed by a suitably attired John Kerr, who addressed the haggis in traditional fashion. Then followed by the catering, delivered by Moose Ladies’ circle President Sandra Nicholson and her catering volunteers of haggis and cottage pie, followed by the desserts.
After the catering, entertainment was delivered by talented James Vincent from Wells. His smooth voice and keyboard skills were popular with the enthusiastic audience, as James delivered a mix of old, new and party style music. There was also some dancing.
The evening concluded with drawing of the raffle (No Moose event runs without a raffle). Funds from this event go towards Rita’s nominated charity of the year, which is the RNLI, and there will be a presentation at the lodge’s changeover night in March.
Photographs and story by kind permission of Mike Lang.
That's The Way To Do It !!
‘Punch and Judy artist’ Professor Paul Wheeler was the special guest speaker at last Thursday’s Burnham-on-Sea Moose International meeting, 27 Feb 25. He entertained all those present with snippets of Punch and Judy history and practical demonstrations of the art.
Paul also gave a short performance to the Moose members and guests which was well received, with much applause from those present. Afterwards, members were able to examine the puppets and involve themselves with an enthusiastic questions and answer session
Burnham’s Moose President Rita Harris thanked Paul for his presentation; ‘This was a highly entertaining and informative session, which we all thank Paul for attending.’
Paul has operated a punch and Judy show for well over 20 years, at Burnham-on-Sea and surrounding areas, and his presentation appeals to both adults and children. He can be seen on the Burnham-on-Sea esplanade, amongst other places, and usually attends the local Eat festivals.
Photograph and story by kind permission of Mike Lang.
Successful Ladies' Night 2025 for Burnham Moose
Thirty seven members and honoured guests attended the Batch Country Hotel for their annual Ladies’ night, on Wednesday March 20th. A slightly different format this this year and a new venue for us, but the catering was smartly done, with efficient table service and great food.
The top table Officers were clapped in before the start of the meal, which was promptly served with a delicious three course meal. Of course the meal was followed by the usual loyal toasts, announced by Terry Cornelius, compere and toastmaster for the evening, plus the drawing of the raffle, which raised £111 towards the expenses of the event.
Moose President Rita Harris said; ‘A terrific night out was enjoyed by everyone who attended our Ladies Night on March 20th as usual, the company was brilliant and it was lovely to have support from members of Rotary as well as our Moose members. The lucky recipient of the special gift for one of the Ladies was Carol Lang. I understand that Pete Nicholson has already made a booking for next year’s event so we hope to see you all there!’
Photograph and story by kind permission of Mike Lang.
Moose International in Great Britain Association
Burnham on Sea
Moose