Round Table Thames Valley Lodge Supports Haddenham Youth Football Festival

Friendship, teamwork and community spirit were very much on display as members of Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697 supported this year’s Haddenham Youth Football Festival.

Members of Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697 were delighted to support the recent Haddenham Youth Football Festival, sponsoring Pitch No. 1 and spending the morning enjoying some excellent grassroots football.

For us, supporting an event like this is about considerably more than sponsorship. It is about being involved in our wider community and supporting organisations that give young people opportunities to develop, make friends and grow in confidence.

A special family connection

This year’s festival also had a particularly personal connection for one of our members, W.Bro Peter Jordain.

Peter’s grandson, Isaac Bewick, was competing in the tournament and had the honour of captaining the Haddenham Rangers Under-14s.

Peter was joined at the festival by his wife, Bro David Spruce and Bro Darren Morris-Spruce, and the four thoroughly enjoyed supporting Isaac, his teammates and the many other young players taking part.

Although Haddenham Rangers didn’t quite make it onto the podium this time, there was plenty for the team to be proud of — not least the commitment, enthusiasm and sporting spirit shown throughout the competition.

Shared values on and off the pitch

There is a natural connection between many of the values encouraged through youth sport and those we hold important within Freemasonry.

Friendship. Respect. Teamwork. Fairness. Service.

Youth football provides young people with much more than exercise and competition. Being part of a team teaches the importance of supporting others, accepting responsibility, showing respect, dealing positively with both success and disappointment, and working together towards a common goal.

Those lessons can remain with someone long after the final whistle.

For Round Table Thames Valley Lodge, this is exactly the sort of local activity we are proud to support. Freemasonry is not simply about what happens inside a Lodge meeting. Being an active and positive part of the community around us matters too.

Congratulations to Haddenham Youth FC

Organising a football festival involving numerous teams, young players, coaches, parents and spectators is no small undertaking.

Our congratulations and thanks therefore go to everyone at Haddenham Youth FC, together with the coaches, officials and volunteers who gave their time to make the festival possible.

The event was extremely well organised, welcoming and enjoyable, and it was wonderful to see so many young people out on the pitches enjoying grassroots football.

And, of course, a special well done to Isaac and the Haddenham Rangers Under-14s!

We are already looking forward to the 2027 Haddenham Youth Football Festival — and hopefully another morning of excellent football and community spirit.

More than a Lodge

Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697 meets in Henley-on-Thames and brings together men from Henley and the surrounding area from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Alongside the traditions of Freemasonry, our Lodge is about friendship, personal development, supporting others and making a positive contribution to our community.

If you have ever wondered what modern Freemasonry is actually about, you don't need to know a Freemason to find out. We are always happy to have an informal conversation with anyone interested in learning more.

Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697

Oxfordshire Freemasons — Integrity • Friendship • Respect • Service

Interested in finding out more?📱 WhatsApp: 07515 549542✉️ hellorttv@gmail.com🌐 www.rttv9697.com

Pictured: Bro Darren Morris-Spruce, Bro David Spruce, Haddenham Rangers Under-14s captain Isaac Beswick, and W.Bro Peter Jordain.