The Lodge of Dawn, a Masonic Lodge in Leeds, West Yorkshire. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason in Leeds, or you would simply like more information about Freemasonry in Leeds then please visit them at
On Sunday 2 July 2017, a group of intrepid West Yorkshire Freemasons successfully cycled over 200 miles from Freemasons Hall in London to Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Leeds, in an impressive 15 hours. The L2L Cycle, which featured 11 Freemasons from a number of Lodges across West Yorkshire, raised over £6000 for both the West Riding Masonic Charities Fund and local support centre, Breast Cancer Haven Yorkshire.
The L2L Cycle was spearheaded by Lodge of Dawn member Nigel Ziff who, as a cyclist himself, was keen to bring together cycling Freemasons from across the region to raise money for charity and to celebrate the Tercentenary of United Grand Lodge. Nigel said, “The concept of cycling from Freemasons Hall in London, back to Leeds had interested me for a while, it was just a case of galvanising other masons who were mad enough to attempt it in under one day!”.
Freemasons Hall Start
Freemasons are well known for their commitment to supporting local causes and this occasion was no different. Nigel learnt about Breast Cancer Haven through a fellow mason whose wife had been supported by their Yorkshire centre. The Centre provides free support to anyone affected by breast cancer, aiming to achieve the best possible quality of life as they cope with their diagnosis and the side effects of their medical treatment. Breast Cancer Haven Manager, Debra Horsman, commented on the support from the ride saying, “We are so grateful to all the masonic cyclists for raising money for Breast Cancer Haven through this incredible challenge. We rely entirely on charitable activities such as this to fund our Yorkshire centre, so we are extremely thankful for their support.”
The challenge also raised money for West Riding Masonic Charites Ltd, the designated charity of the Masonic Province of Yorkshire West Riding. The charity supports past and present Freemasons and their dependants and assists the non-masonic community with grants for community projects and general donations. Only recently the fund donated £10,000 to the Manchester Bombing Fund.
At the half-way stage in Melton Mowbray the group had a surprise boost with an appearance from W.Bro Raymond Diamond from the Lodge of Dawn and at the final rest point in Doncaster, the group were joined by several other cyclists.
Supporters including Brian Robinson, the first British cyclist to complete the Tour De France and Anthony Llewellyn, The Assistant Provincial Grand Master welcomed the team of riders back to Castle Grove Masonic Hall in Headingley. Despite covering the 215 miles and climbing over 10,000 ft in 15 hours, all the riders were full of smiles when they arrived back in Leeds.
In a message, Tom Robertshaw, Fundraising Manager for Breast Cancer Haven, wrote:
“On behalf of Breast Cancer Haven I would just like to send a huge thank you to everyone involved in [Sunday’s] L2L Bike Ride. It was an incredible achievement and you should all be extremely proud of yourselves.
“The money you have helped raise will go towards helping the women, men and their families who are trying to cope with the devastating impact of breast cancer. For those that may not be familiar, Breast Cancer Haven is a support centre which provides, free of charge, a wide range of support services and therapies to anyone affected by breast cancer so they can achieve the best possible quality of life as they cope with their diagnosis and the side effects of their medical treatment. We don’t receive any government funding here in Yorkshire and so rely entirely on the generous support of people like you. If anyone would like to come and visit our centre here in Leeds so you can see what your fundraising will support then we would love to welcome you down for a tour, just contact me direct and it can be arranged.
“It was great to meet you all at Castle Grove last night and the fact that so many people turned out to welcome you back is a testament to how much support you guys had. A big thank you also to Leonie and Co for putting together such delicious refreshments for everyone.”
A final presentation to the charities is due to take place at the Yorkshire Show in Harrogate on 11th July, where West Yorkshire Masons will have a stand to promote Freemasonry.
Anyone wishing to support the ride can donate by visiting www.facebook.com/London2LeedsCycle or via paypal www.paypal.me/LondontoLeedsCharity with all the money donated being split evenly between Breast Cancer Haven Yorkshire and the West Riding Masonic Charities Fund.
Finish at Castle Grove Masonic Hall
The Lodge of Dawn, a Masonic Lodge in Leeds, West Yorkshire. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason in Leeds, or you would simply like more information about Freemasonry in Leeds then please visit them at