With the MCF having been rebranded as simply ‘The Freemasons’ Charity’ in May this year, Scunthorpe Freemason Pete Adams and his wife Sallyanne hope to be the first freefalling parachutists to raise money for it under the new name when they leap from 15,000 feet as what’s believed to be the first-ever ‘Freemason and wife’ parachute jump.
Pete, the current Master of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge and Treasurer of Pharos Lodge in Scunthorpe said: “The Freemasons’ Charity supports very many worthy causes, and we’re hoping to raise additional funds in support of it. The recent rebrand aims to align the charity’s public identity more clearly with the community support it provides on behalf of Freemasons.
“Sallyanne and I are going to do a simultaneous tandem skydive from 15,000 feet, and we’re really looking forward to it – it’s something we’ve talked about but never actually done before. We’ll personally cover all of the costs, so every single penny raised will go directly to the charity. We hope fellow Freemasons will support this fundraising event; charitable donations will be certain help many people and support groups.
“Sallyanne and I will jump out of an aircraft flying at 15,000 feet, hopefully attached to somebody who knows what they are doing (and also wearing a parachute). Gravity dictates that freefall is a given, and hopefully landing at less than 120mph can be arranged. If not, the Stewards’ Lodge will need to sort out a stand-in WM for September’s Installation meeting.”
Pete said comments have included ‘are you crazy’ and ‘at your age?. He added: “During my time as Master of Lincolnshire’s Provincial Grand Steward’s Lodge I wanted to make the most of it and to boost funds for charity. ‘If only’ is a remorse that Sallyanne and I aren’t too keen on. She’s wonderfully supportive and enthusiastic about what us Freemasons do.
“Living life to the full involves risk. But it’s good to look back and remember some amazing sights and adventures. ‘If ony’ doesn’t match that philosophy. ‘What next’ seems to be a better fit.”
“Risk’s unavoidable, whatever the task. Reducing it involves shared trust and confidence in oneself, others and systems. The extremes of irresponsibility and timidity can be equally dangerous.”
The skydive is currently pencilled in for a date in August, subject to weather conditions. “And perhaps aviation fuel availability,” added Pete.
He has set up a Freemasons’ Charity fundraising page here where donation is very simple and all money goes directly to the Freemasons’ Charity. It’s ring fenced there and its distribution will be controlled entirely within Lincolnshire.