HEREFORDSHIRE’S Senior Freemasons were so intent on wishing a Welsh colleague well on his retirement they walked all the way from Kington to Abersytwyth to do it.

Eight members walked 60 miles in relay over a day to mark the end of Dr John Lloyd’s seven years as West Wales’ Provincial Master for Dyfed and raise money for the Freemasons’ Grand Charity at the same time.

Provincial grand master Rodney Smallwood said: “It was the wish of my province to send him our congratulations for his sterling masonic leadership in West Wales over the last seven years, and it was suggested that we arrange a sponsored walk, from the doors of Kington Masonic Lodge to the Aberystwyth Lodge, conveying a letter of congratulation while at the same time raising funds for our festival.” The Herefordshire province is in its Grand Masters’ Festival of Charity year and plans to raise £400,000 for the fund, which has given around £72 million to masonic and non-masonic charities since it started in 1981.

Dr Lloyd, who greeted the walkers when they arrived, said: “In thanking the Herefordshire Brethren for their tremendous efforts both in raising a magnificent sum in support of the grand charity, as well as braving the elements by walking the 60 miles from Kington, I am honoured to have been the recipient of this congratulatory letter that has travelled with the group.”