Freemasons visit pop-up town of more than 10,000

Lincolnshire Freemasons have visited a pop-up town of more than 10,000 people at the heart of the county which has sprung into existence to bring together scouts and guides from around the world for just one week.

The numbers involved, at about 10,500, make it the 12th largest settlement in Lincolnshire, and its creation has been three years in the planning. It’s the Lincolnshire International Guide and Scout Jamboree at the Lincolnshire Showground.

At the invitation of Howard Nelson, Senior Lead Volunteer for Lincolnshire Scouting and a member of Horncastle-basaed Rudyard Kipling Freemasons’ Lodge, Provincial Grand Master Dave Wheeler and Community Engagement lead Jez Hyland were invited to visit the site to see the huge range of activities on offer to scouts and guides from around the world.

Dave said: “The vast range of activities available was very impressive and the logistics of planning the event takes over three years. It was incredible to see so many youngsters enjoying themselves, and the only thing that struck me was that they would be spoiled for choice in choosing what to do.”

The activities ranged from learning to drive, axe throwing, a full-sized funfair, kart racing and many, many more. Jez said: “It was unbelievable to see so many young people not only getting involved but doing so in a very well-behaved and calm manner. The young adults who showed us around were also very impressive and super role-models for young people today.”

The Freemasons’ Provincial gazebo, staffed by Freemasons from Lincolnshire and the Order of Women Freemasons, will be on site on Thursday.

In our main picture are, from left,  Jez Hyland: Sara Coughlin, County Commissioner Girl Guiding South Lincolnshire; Howard Nelson, Senior Lead Volunteer for Lincolnshire Scouts; and Dave Wheeler. Below, Dave tried his hand at axe-throwing, and Jez emulated Bob the Builder in a mini digger!