The Barton Bash: laughter, leisure, charity and a legendary drum solo
Jamie Barton and his wife Natalie provide a memorable ladies night weekend of unity, entertainment, and charitable success
Jamie Barton’s Ladies’ Night Weekend, held from 27–29 March at Potters Resort, was an unforgettable celebration from start to finish. Organised by Jamie Barton of the Henry de Gray Lodge No. 6627 and his wife Natalie, the weekend brought together more than 125 Freemasons, family members, and friends of all ages for a truly memorable occasion.
The event struck a perfect balance between relaxation and high energy. Some guests chose to unwind in the spa, while others embraced a competitive spirit that quickly took hold. Bowls matches became fiercely contested, snooker games carried serious bragging rights, and quizzes were filled with laughter. Even the golf course had its own twist, where every shot—good or bad—came with a ‘fine’ payable in a shot of spirit. No activity was safe from being turned into a light-hearted yet fiercely competitive challenge.
As evening arrived, the atmosphere stepped up another level. The silent disco had everyone on the dancefloor, from the youngest guests to the most senior. Ladies’ Night itself was, of course, the highlight of the weekend, featuring wonderful speeches from both Jamie and Natalie, alongside members of the Henry de Gray Lodge Festival Committee. The live band played long into the night, with one standout moment: an explosive and outrageous drum solo that would have made Keith Moon proud, bringing the entire room to its feet.
Jamie Barton, Chairman of the Essex Light Blues Association*, continues to set the pace as one of the Province’s most active Freemasons. Having also representing Essex alongside Provincial Grand Master Paul Tarrant at the historic consecration of Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10,000^, this weekend revealed another side of his dedication—bringing people together for a brilliant experience filled with laughter and lasting memories.
Alongside all the fun, the weekend also raised an incredible sum of over £3,200 for the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation. The charity supports teenagers and young adults facing cancer by providing care, promoting wellbeing, supporting families, and funding vital research into the causes and effects of cancer in young people.
Reflecting on the weekend, Jamie and Natalie said:
“We just wanted to say a massive thank you! We had the best weekend ever. Although we are absolutely shattered, we’re still buzzing. Thank you for all the hard work and support—it was definitely worth it, and everything ran so smoothly from start to finish. To raise £3,200 in a single raffle was absolutely amazing, far more than we ever expected.”
A superb weekend from beginning to end, and huge credit to Jamie and Natalie for delivering something truly special.
To read more about the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, click the link to their website: https://www.tombowdidgefoundation.org/
‘*’ Essex Light Blues Association are brethren who have not achieved a Metropolitan, Provincial, or District rank
‘^’ Lodge Sine Nomine No. 10,000 was consecrated in March 2022 for brethren who have not achieved a Metropolitan, Provincial, or District rank. Sine Nomine is a Latin phrase meaning ‘without a name’.
Photos:
Top: Jamie and Natalie with their guests
Right: Jamie and Natalie and the Silent Disco in full swing
Left: The boys enjoying their golf
