W Bro Joseph J Kershaw reports with photos from Daren Lewis and Gerald McLean

Temperatures, activities and attendees… Saturday 16^th July truly was a day for breaking records, and there was nowhere better to experience all of these than at the spectacular Met Grand Lodge, Summer Party held at the staggeringly beautiful Queens Mere estate. The day was provided by our generous hosts, W Bro Dr Pavlé Matijevic SLGR and his wife Sladjana, with the guest of honour, RW Sir Michael Snyder MetGM.

Set on 80 acres and featuring fishing lessons, tennis courts, a swimming pool, woodland walk, forest and an 11-acre lake, the venue could simply not be more stunning. Champion boxing demonstrations, award-winning live singers and musicians, tennis, swimming, professional beat-boxers, circus performers, Zorb balling, table tennis, “Keep Sailing”, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are just some of the activities on offer to those that were fortunate enough to attend this sell-out event.

As the exceptional food and drinks continued to flow throughout the day, so did the warm, friendly and jubilant atmosphere that welcomed all those present. Sir Michael greeted and mingled with the guests, whilst the wonderful team of Met Grand Stewards, who had given up their entire day to help, led by Ellis Osei-Wusu, under the collective lenses of the event organisers, W Bros John Parry, Gary Beckwith, John Flaine, Alan South, Michael Snell and photographers Daren Lewis & Gerald Mclean ensured that all guests enjoyed a fantastic family event. With an incredibly wide range of activities and events, there is truly something for everyone, and with beautiful garden surroundings, one can be as active or as relaxed as they choose.

If you have not yet attended the MetGL summer party, I cannot emphasise enough how thoroughly enjoyable this day is, for all family members, young and old… indeed the main draw-back is that the event is only for one day!

This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 49 August 2022 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in the Arena Issue 49 here.