In March 2025, Peter Newell and Mark Foster of Corinthian & Borsdane Lodge No 2350 joined forces with the 69th Field Artillery Regiment (Peter is an active member) to raise funds for the Great Tommy Sleep Out.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a fundraising challenge designed to support the estimated 6,000 veterans that are experiencing homelessness in the UK right now. Every £1 raised from the event helps to support these homeless veterans in the UK, allowing the Royal British Legion to provide safe homes and to support veterans who need to get back on their feet.
In March, the RBL asked fort members of the public to brave a cold and potentially wet night and sleep out under the stars, while fundraising for their most vulnerable veterans. The challenge does not replicate rough sleeping, but it does give the public an idea of the situation far too many of our Nation’s heroes find themselves in.
A JustGiving page was set up with a goal of raising funds towards this worthwhile charity, with fundraising coming from brethren of Wigan Group, members of the public and friends and family. The members of the group reported for duty at 10:00 hrs on Sat 15 March at a haulage firm located in Kearsley, Bolton, owned by a founding member of the 69th Field Artillery.
On arriving at the site, the customary cup of tea and coffee was consumed before the assembled troops were put to work servicing the array of WW2 artillery equipment owned by the Regiment. Peter is well accustomed to working on these types of guns and vehicles; however, it was the first time for Mark. Ably assisted by his 14-year-old grandson, they got stuck in and were soon covered in grease, oil and sand from the Regiments display at Southport Air show in 2024.
At 14.00 hrs, the regiment provided light refreshments to all the volunteers, and it was an ideal time to pull up a sand bag and discuss the roles of both Freemasonry and the Regiment. Following this lively discussion, work resumed with all assembled getting stuck in to their tasks.
Once everyone had finished for the day, work commenced at camp for the sleep out. Due to an unexpected problem with restricted access to the open space next to the haulage yard, a command decision was made to set up camp within the haulage yard grounds. A gazebo was set up for those gathered that wanted to sleep under cover, with the rest sleeping in the open. Camp beds were supplied to enable all to sleep comfortably.
This gave the Regiment time to prepare a black powder round to fire at the official start of the sleep out. Mark Foster had the privilege to fire this salute in memory of all those who have fallen in conflict, those who have subsequently passed away and those who continue to fight their own battles long after the guns fell silent, before everyone retired to their beds after a few well-deserved night caps.
To ward off some of the night chill, a suitable container and wooden pallets were sourced in order to maintain a fire throughout the night, there being nothing finer than sleeping outside next to a fire looking up at the sky.
During the night, the rain kept off, however on waking, Pete Newell discovered his sleeping bag was covered in a white coating he believed to be ash from the fire. However, on sitting up he discovered that it was actually a thin covering of frost had formed on him during the night.
Once everyone was awake and warmed up with a cup of tea or coffee, bacon and sausage barms were handed out before the camp was put away and people headed home, satisfied in the knowledge that in addition to having a great night outdoors, they had raised £425 towards a great cause.