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Southport
Group News
‘THE DOC’ COMES TO SOUTHPORT
A capacity gathering of more than 120 brethren and gentlemen guests packed into Southport’s Masonic Hall to attend the annual Victoria Lodge Sportsman’s Dinner.......<more>
Having a ball at Southport
The season was concluded with Southport Group’s premier event, the Group Ball, which was held this year in the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport.......<more>
THREE DEGREES CHAIRMAN CALLS TIME-OUT!
At the recent Group Officers’ meeting in Southport a special presentation of a Masonic Clock was made to Geoff Wilcock, the retiring founder chairman of........<more>
THE THREE DEGREES EXPLAIN THE FIRST DEGREE
Fellow Craft and Entered Apprentices from many of the Southport Craft Lodges gathered at a regular meeting of West Lancashire Lodge No1403 for.....<more>
UNITY SAYS THANK YOU TO QUEENSCOURT
The early Spring sun graced the grounds of Queenscourt Hospice as a small, proud band of brethren gathered there to present a cheque........<more>
WHEN DOUGIE MET CHARLIE
Last season, Perfect Ashlar Lodge No 5246 was able to donate the splendid sums of £500 to Derrian House and £250 to the Macmillan Nurses organisation but, perhaps, the favoured charity of the then Worshipful Master, Doug Drysdale, was.....<more>
A MAGICAL NIGHT OF SONG AND LAUGHTER
Brethren and gentlemen guests gathered in the Scarborough room of Southport’s Masonic Hall for an Olde Englishe Nite (sic) in aid of MAGIC.......<more>
EXALTATION DEMONSTRATION
Grammarian Chapter No 6776 in the Southport Group played host to a visitation from the Third Provincial Grand Principal.........<more>
Southport’s Masonic Masquerade
The Scarborough Room at Southport Masonic Hall was transformed, overnight, into a sumptuous old Venetian banqueting scene........<more>
A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR VICTORIA LODGE
Bro Michael Robinson had one of the most unique nights of his Masonic life when he was installed in the chair of King Solomon of Victoria Lodge.......<more>
A MAGICAL SPORTSMAN’S NIGHT IN SOUTHPORT!
The eleventh annual MAGIC Sportsman’s Evening was held in October at Southport Masonic Hall. MAGIC was founded in 1994 to assist......<more>
ALL CHANGE AT SOUTHPORT MASONIC HALL
The new season sees some changes made at the Southport Masonic Hall. The most noticeable is in the bar lounge area.......<more>
A BBQ IN THE GLASSHOUSE
More than 170 family members and friends converged on Porter’s Fuchsias on Southport Old Road, Formby for Formby Lodge’s tenth annual Family Barbeque.....<more>
Pipe band’s second visit to Tithebarn
David Phillips, IPM of Freshfield Lodge No 8165 and a retired prison officer, received a phone call from Bobby Fisher, the band leader of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band, asking........<more>
Charity comes to the aid of Southport Rangers
The 27 leaders and girls from the Trinity Hesketh Rangers and 8th Southport Guides are travelling to a North West England Guiding event in Amsterdam......<more>
Joyce retires after 26 years at hall
A group of brethren and staff from Southport Masonic Hall gathered to make a surprise retirement presentation to Joyce Howard........<more>
A sporting way to raise £2,000
The annual Victoria Lodge No 2360 Sportsman’s Dinner was held at Southport Masonic Hall where a capacity crowd of more than 130 brethren and guests sat down to.....<more>
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‘THE DOC’ COMES TO SOUTHPORT
A capacity gathering of more than 120 brethren and gentlemen guests packed into Southport’s Masonic Hall to attend the annual Victoria Lodge Sportsman’s Dinner. They had come to listen to football legend Tommy ‘The Doc’ Docherty.
The evening opened with what has become a tradition at the event - a rousing rendition of ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ led by MC for the evening and organiser of the event, Peter Wall. This choral battle was followed by a sumptuous roast beef dinner finished-off with an excellent cheese board and glass of port! The room and stewards were liberally adorned with England flags as the event happened to fall on Saint George’s Day. This convergence had not been missed by the resplendent Eric Morris, who arrived in a dazzling waistcoat fit for a king. One elderly and somewhat confused brother was overheard asking what degree this regalia represented as he had never seen it before!
When all had been sated and mellowed by good food and good wine Tommy Docherty stood to enthral, amuse and generally entertain with his stories of his football career as both manager and player. This was then followed by a very successful and informative question and answer session.
Guests were again able to have their pictures taken and the event was covered by the Champion news group, who devoted a whole page to it in the latest edition of their society magazine, GR8 life.
More than £2,000 was raised and this money will go toward the hall building fund and charities within the local community.
The night proved to be one of the best to date leaving brethren and guests alike keenly looking forward to assembling once more for next season’s event.
The Doc with organiser Peter Wall
Eric Morris in that waistcoat!
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Having a ball at Southport
The season was concluded with Southport Group’s premier event, the Group Ball, which was held this year in the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport.
The event was run, for the first time, in association with that blossoming and important organisation, the Three Degrees Club and was a themed Black and White occasion.
On entering, it was encouraging to see how many of the guests had acceded to the wish of the organisers and dressed in black or white or combinations thereof.
After a grand piano lounge reception the guests took their seats in the dining room and were introduced to the principal guests.
The room was an absolute treat and it was obvious that a lot of expertise and hard work had been undertaken in planning and decorating it. The menus were either profiled white figures on a black background or vice versa. There were also separate black and white figurines, which were eventually given as table prizes. A raffle was held with many prizes including a blue-ray DVD player and a superb amount was raised for Masonic and non-Masonic charities.
Black and white feathers adorned every table together with the stage, where the excellent ‘Pyramid Band’ played a broad selection of tunes for all to enjoy and dance to.
Alas, one of the main organisers, Eric Morris was unable to get home in time from abroad due to that Icelandic volcano eruption. What a pity that Eric was not able to see the room fully decorated and to receive the accolades that he and his fellow helpers so richly deserved.
Here’s to 2011!
The Dining Room awaits its guests.
The Pyramid Band in action
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THREE DEGREES CHAIRMAN CALLS TIME-OUT!
At the recent Group Officers’ meeting in Southport a special presentation of a Masonic Clock was made to Geoff Wilcock, the retiring founder chairman of the Three Degrees Club.
Geoff has been an inspiration and driving force behind the success so far of this group, which has built a keen reputation for the very successful themed balls and dinners it has organised each season.
Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Chris Hamilton observed that, in the last few years, the club had been able to discover and nurture talent from newly initiated Masons, who have fast tracked through to establish themselves as group officers and senior committee member whilst still Master Masons. He recognised that this had only been made possible from the guidance and enthusiasm shown by Geoff Wilcock and his team.
Geoff Wilcock receives his Masonic Clock from Southport Group Vice Chairman, Charles Paton.
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THE THREE DEGREES EXPLAIN THE FIRST DEGREE.
Fellow Craft and Entered Apprentices from many of the Southport Craft Lodges gathered at a regular meeting of West Lancashire Lodge No1403 for an explanation of the First Degree given by members of the Three Degree Club committee.
The ceremony itself was enacted by officers from West Lancashire Lodge. Many Masons old and new later remarked that the event had been very entertaining, interesting and informative. Later at the festive board the visitors were warmly welcomed and entertained royally! A great night was had by all.
The Three Degrees Club was created some five years ago fundamentally as a group to organise social events for young Masons allowing them to come together to form new friendships with other new Masons and get to know the more established brethren in the group. The Explanation Lecture was compiled by Alyn Rimmer of County Palatine Lodge No 2505. His handing over of the text to the Three Degrees Club establishes an exciting new departure for them in their future development. They will continue to organise their excellent social evenings during next season but also hope to develop the Explanation event with their own team of officers and narrators. This will enable the team to travel without the necessity for rehearsals with brethren from the host lodge. The club also intends to work more closely with the mentoring and membership officers to establish a more structured procedure of enlistment, placement, instruction and retention of the new and keen candidates so that they may become the future strength and backbone of Southport Freemasonry.
Entered Apprentices and Fellow Craft masons with officers who took part in the Explanation ceremony and lecture.
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UNITY SAYS THANK YOU TO QUEENSCOURT
The early Spring sun graced the grounds of Queenscourt Hospice as a small, proud band of brethren gathered there to present a cheque on behalf of all brethren of the Lodge of Unity No 613, Southport Group’s oldest Lodge.
The presentation team consisted of Worshipful Master, Jef Sumner, Andrew Powell, the charity steward and Roger Kay, who organised the highly successful Halloween ‘Black Bat Ball’. Through his sterling efforts Roger was able to raise the magnificent sum of £1,000 for the hospice.
This donation was particularly poignant for Andrew; for early in November of 2008 his young wife, Jackie, finally lost her battle against cancer. This distressing period was made much more bearable for her, Andrew and their young family by the tremendous palliative care given to them by the staff at Queenscourt during Jackie’s final days.
Andrew said: “Words cannot express the gratitude and admiration I have for the help given and work done by the staff at Queenscourt for our family and for Jackie.”
As day visitors Jackie and her family were taught how to cope with the illness and to prepare for the inevitability of her passing. Andrew said: “Without them the journey would have been unbearable. I just don’t know how they do it day in and day out!”
Jackie was taken into full-time care in her final days and passed away peacefully at the Hospice.
Queenscourt depends entirely on donations from the general public. The hospice has very expensive daily running costs, which means a lot of hard work needed for the fund raising team led by Brian Halliwell. Brian is never at a loss, however, for words to praise the sheer ingenuity and generosity of hundreds of benefactors who bring in a constant supply of necessary funding to help this most valuable charity to survive and strengthen. One only needs to talk to one such as Andrew Powell for a few minutes to realise the necessity this palliative work has become for the transitional journey to death for so many of our local sufferers and their families. Long may such work continue and thrive.
Pictured, standing from left to right, are Roger Kay, Brian Halliwell and Jef Sumner. Seated are staff from the hospice with Andrew Powell, who is presenting the cheque.
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WHEN DOUGIE MET CHARLIE
Last season, Perfect Ashlar Lodge No 5246 was able to donate the splendid sums of £500 to Derrian House and £250 to the Macmillan Nurses organisation but, perhaps, the favoured charity of the then Worshipful Master, Doug Drysdale, was that of the North Meols Carriage Driving Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association. They also received £250 from the lodge and has in recent past also received £1,500 from the WLFC.
The North Meols Carriage Driving Group is a completely self-financing organisation, which does a great deal of good for a few disadvantaged and disabled members of society by making excellent use of their time and resources. Doug said “Although we understand and maintain strongly our support for Masonic charities, we feel it is important to support local charities in the community as well.” A sentiment strongly lauded by the Provincial Grand Master.
Doug was keen to see the work of this group himself and recently visited the centre in Crossens, where he was able to meet their senior horse and much loved mascot, Charlie.
Carriage driving gives an opportunity for people with disabilities to enjoy an outdoor recreation and social time. It also provides mobility for those confined to wheelchairs.
This is the only group doing this work in Lancashire and relies entirely on volunteer help and charitable donations.
If you or your lodge wish to contribute then please contact Anne Sugden on 01704 880584
Doug meets Anne Sugden and the much loved Charlie
Are you sure he won’t eat my hand as well?
Disadvantaged youngsters can take a course in horse maintenance.
Southport Group Chairman, Bryan Henshaw accepts Perfect Ashlar’s donations from WM, Doug Drysdale.
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A MAGICAL NIGHT OF SONG AND LAUGHTER
Brethren and gentlemen guests gathered in the Scarborough room of Southport’s Masonic Hall for an Olde Englishe Nite (sic) in aid of MAGIC, the group’s own Masonic Action In the Community.
Eric Morris had, once again, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this night a particular success. Bunting criss-crossed the ceiling and tables were adorned with jars of pickled beetroot, red cabbage, onions and tomato ketchup all displaying MAGIC’s own personalised labels!
Bags of change were quickly distributed by colourfully decked stewards and it was not long before there was heard some consternation in the ranks as it slowly dawned on the assembly that they had paid £5 for £4.50 of coins…the first fine of the night!
Before the feast could begin the second fine quickly followed as brethren had to pay another £1 for their cutlery! Eric then astounded the motley crew by parading into the hall two boar’s heads; one being decorated and displaying two fine tusks. This was followed by trays of the most enormous home baked loaves for each table thus setting the mood for a veritable Tudor banquet of fine wine, fine food and fun!
After the meal the guests were treated to the excellent and good humoured haranguing of Chief Tapster, John Mawdsley, who was able to draw fines from the unsuspecting ensemble with a rapidity that quickly relieved them of their precious booty.
Barely recovered, the gathering was then treated to a side splitting delivery of gags from the incredible talent of Alan Ravey. Several of the brethren, including Chairman of the Group, Bryan Henshaw were seen to be left helpless with laughter and gasping for breath. The Chief Tapster then led all in a medley of Good Old Day’s songs being ably assisted by Peter Leary on trombone and Roger Watkins on piano.
A truly excellent night was finally drawn to a close in the very capable hands of Doctor David Karsa of Southport Lodge, the Past Master of the Chorley Raffle. Brethren and guests then retired lighter in pocket yet drained from laughter and happy with their spoils of raffle prizes, pickle jars and a commemorative mug.
A great deal of gratitude should be given to all those who helped to make this night such a success and MAGIC should be pleased to learn that just over £500 was raised on the night for their benefit.
Alan Ravey stands as he is introduced by W Bro Trevor Rimmer, founder member and Chairman of MAGIC.
Chief Tapster John Mawdsley hones in on an unsuspecting fine target.
View across the room.
Condiments showing their MAGIC labels.
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EXALTATION DEMONSTRATION
Grammarian Chapter No 6776 in the Southport Group played host to a visitation from the Third Provincial Grand Principal, the Rev. Harry E Ross, who was accompanied by the Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals and former Chairman of the Southport Group, Chris Hamilton.
After the Convocation was duly opened by the three Principals the special guests entered and were welcomed by MEZ, WC Dobie. There followed a demonstration of the Exaltation Ceremony. Later at the festive board Harry congratulated the MEZ and his officers on the execution of the ceremony that had just taken place. He then went on to observe that, in general, more explanation should be given to newly exalted companions and that all Chapters should go out of their way to ensure that, coupled with the explanation of the ceremony and Chapter furnishings, all experienced companions should see that every new companion fully understood as much as possible about the Royal Arch so that they may develop and grow their enjoyment of the Order.
This is something that has been taken very much to heart within the Southport Group under the guidance of Ian Beecham and his sterling work as new Royal Arch Lead for the Group.
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Southport’s Masonic Masquerade
The Scarborough Room at Southport Masonic Hall was transformed, overnight, into a sumptuous old Venetian banqueting scene. Lights sparkled amid cascades of multicoloured ostrich feathers and drapes shimmered in the candlelight. Guests arrived in full formal dress; all hoodwinked in every shape, size and colour of mask to make the vision complete. This was to be the main social event in Southport Group’s Three Degrees Club calendar.
The Three Degrees Club was set up to organise social events at which newly admitted brethren and prospective candidates can meet with mentors and experienced brethren to form new bonds of friendship. Every new brother automatically becomes a member of the Club, without charge, for at least three seasons or until he is a Master Mason if this is longer.
The Three Degrees Committee have been building somewhat of a reputation for organising exceptional themed events over the last four years since inception and this last event has been, arguably, the best – thanks in no small way to the very inventive, furtive mind and hard work of WBro Eric Morris its Secretary, who continually seems able to magic props and effects out of the ether from virtually little or no budget at all!
Many guests commented on the ‘Wow!’ factor they experienced when entering the room – and so a magical masquerade was had by all with fine festive board and excellent musical accompaniment from singer, George Starr.
The event produced a healthy profit, which allows the Club to produce further events and donate generously in the future to its chosen charities.
The hard working Committee returned early the next day to restore the room to its former elegant self; stirred but not shaken! They were not allowed to rest on their laurels, however, as many of the guests were demanding to know when the next event was to take place and what the next theme was to be. They are already working on something to exceed even this year’s success. Watch this space!
The room bedecked and ready to receive its masked marauders!
A cacophony of spangles, masks and gowns with a kneeling Eric Morris, who arrived desperately understated as usual!
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A SPECIAL NIGHT FOR VICTORIA LODGE
Bro Michael Robinson had one of the most unique nights of his Masonic life when he was installed in the chair of King Solomon of Victoria Lodge No 2360. The night was made very special as some very special guests arrived to witness his installation.
The Lodge meeting was honoured by the presence of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Brother Peter Hosker accompanied by his Provincial Senior and Junior Wardens, Bro’s Barry James and David Durling. Many other Grand and Acting Provincial Grand Officers also attended the meeting.
The evening began with a most excellent ceremony lead by the Installing Master, WBro Roy Crawford followed by a very enjoyable Festive Board.
Certainly this was to be a night for Michael to remember for the rest of his life but there was, perhaps, one star among the glittering array of guests that would have shone more brightly than the rest – that being of his grandfather WBro Norman Isherwood, who was surely the proudest of Masons that night!
Left to Right: Provincial Senior Warden, Barry James, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, John V Moore, Provincial Grand Master, Peter Hosker, Provincial Junior Warden, David Durling and Southport Group Chairman, Bryan Henshaw.
The Provincial Grand Master congratulates Worshipful Master, Michael Robinson.
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A MAGICAL SPORTSMAN’S NIGHT IN SOUTHPORT!
The eleventh annual MAGIC Sportsman’s Evening was held in October at Southport Masonic Hall. MAGIC was founded in 1994 to assist local older Masons and widows in obtaining help when needed, by supplying the name and contact details of local tradesmen with a good reputation to undertake repair work at reasonable rates when problems arise.
Fund raising activities such as the Sportsman’s Evening provide finance for the running costs, such as the purchase of the pagers for the twenty four hour – three hundred and sixty five day cover needed for emergency call-outs, as well as funds for several of the local charities. Last year, for instance, MAGIC donated over £1500 toward Queenscourt Hospice, Derian House Children’s Hospice and the Hall Foundation.
This year’s event was, yet again, a tremendous success with a capacity crowd attending. So popular has it become that all tickets had been allocated before the event was even advertised and a tremendous total of over £3,000 was raised from advertising, sponsorship and money donated on the night!
The main speaker this year was Kevin Lynch, a former FIFA and Premier League referee, who treated everyone to an hilarious journey through his life in top-class football. A former president of the Association of Premier League and Football League Match Officials, Kevin has had a somewhat infamous career. He still holds, for instance, the Football League record for the most red cards issued in one match after sending off five players during a Wigan v. Bristol Rovers match. Four of these players were from Bristol alone – the maximum number allowed before abandonment of play becomes compulsory!
Kevin was supported by northern comedian, Bobby Beran, who enthralled all with an hilarious performance. The wine flowed; the food was excellent – another Sportsman’s night to remember!
The chairman of MAGIC, WBro Trevor Rimmer, wishes to thank sincerely all sponsors of the event, both advertisers and attendees, for their most generous support. Once again MAGIC is left in a very healthy state and here’s to another great event next year!
Waiting for the Penalty Kick! From left to right: Eric Morris (Vice Chairman of MAGIC), Bobby Beran, Trevor Rimmer, (Chairman), Kevin Lynch and Jo Williams (Secretary).
Another controversial decision? Kevin is sent off with the star prize of a giant bottle of red wine!
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ALL CHANGE AT SOUTHPORT MASONIC HALL
The new season sees some changes made at the Southport Masonic Hall. The most noticeable is in the bar lounge area, which has been redecorated and a completely new modernised bar featuring more spacious drinks and wine coolers have been installed.
Catering has also seen some changes. WBro Billy Nolan had to retire at the end of last season because of ill health and everyone wishes him well and many thanks for all the hard work achieved. The incoming chef is another Southport Mason, WBro David Townes of North Meols Lodge No 5828 who, with his wife Ursula, has got off to a great start.
Good progress is being made on the rear exterior of the building where stonework is being reset and the annex should be completed by the end of October. New air conditioning has also been installed in the bar and Hannay Temple.
Southport’s new caterers, David Townes and his wife, Ursula.
The new bar at Southport
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A BBQ IN THE GLASSHOUSE
More than 170 family members and friends converged on Porter’s Fuchsias on Southport Old Road, Formby for Formby Lodge’s tenth annual Family Barbeque.
Each year John Porter and his family open their giant glasshouse nursery to hold this very enjoyable feast of food and fun. This year’s event was in aid of the Southport Offshore Trust, Southport’s independent lifeboat rescue service.
Guests sat down to be dined and entertained before a backdrop sea of floral colour under a vast ceiling of glass; safe from the vagaries of the British weather. Outside, lifeboat crew members were hard at work roasting up a mouth-watering selection of steaks, burgers, sausages and hams, which were served with a selection of side salads of choice with a delicious selection of puddings to follow. Meanwhile wives of crew members manned the bar to serve copious amounts of beverage to the delighted guests.
Entertainment at these events has always focused on the children and this year was no exception. In the past inflatables had been installed but with the ever increasing restrictions from health and safety it was decided, this year, to book children’s entertainers and this proved to be the most successful idea yet! Barnaby and Barrington are entertainers in their own rights but, on the night, proved to be a very successful double act.
Formby Lodge has been able to create an excellent partnership with Barclays Bank for this fund-raiser. Barclays match the Lodge’s fund pound for pound.
This year saw £750 raised and with the donation of £750 from the bank this made a magnificent total of £1,500 for Southport Offshore Trust. Over the 10 years of holding this event Formby Lodge and the Porter family have managed to raise between £15,000 to £20,000, which has been donated to both Masonic and non-Masonic charities. Long may such an excellent and enjoyable event continue!
A good time was had by all at Formby Lodge BBQ.
Taking Stock! – Group secretary, Phil Stock and family decide whether to join in the action or not!
Well..There they go!
Far too good to resist!
John Porter caught in the act after a hard evenings work.
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Pipe band’s second visit to Tithebarn
David Phillips, IPM of Freshfield Lodge No 8165 and a retired prison officer, received a phone call from Bobby Fisher, the band leader of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band, asking if David would like the band to perform for the residents of Tithebarn. On behalf of the residents and staff David was please to say yes and so, with fellow prison officer and Lodge DC, Paul Carr, co-ordinated the visit with the help of Mary Pierte from Tithebarn.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band was back in Southport to attend the Prison Officers’ Association Annual Conference. While in Southport members of the band used their spare time to perform at various venues for charities such as local hospices and schools. Many of the band members are Freemasons and they requested that they may visit Tithebarn again as they did in 2007. During the visit of 2007 many of the band members attended the installation meeting of Freshfield Lodge. That visit was on behalf of The Bootle Group but this year they were pleased to attend on behalf of Freshfield Lodge and the Southport Group.
The band was collected from Southport and members made their way to the small road opposite Tithebarn, where they prepared for their entrance. It was a warm pleasant spring day and the residents from Tithebarn were sat outside the home awaiting a ‘surprise’ visit. The main road was closed-off for a few moments as the band started-up, marched across the road in procession and then down the leafy walkway into the grounds of Tithebarn. They gave a display of formation marching, whilst playing the pipes and drums. This lasted for approximately 40 minutes and, on completion of the display, band members mingled with the residents and staff for photographs. Members were then treated to beer and sandwiches from the grateful staff and residents at Tithebarn. This was the second visit the pipe band had made to Tithebarn and now want to return in 2011, when next in Southport.
Band members with some of the Tithbarn residents.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service Pipe Band approaches Tithebarn in formation.
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Charity comes to the aid of Southport Rangers
The 27 leaders and girls from the Trinity Hesketh Rangers and 8th Southport Guides are travelling to a North West England Guiding event in Amsterdam this summer. They badly needed to raise funding for replacement fleece jackets and tops for the trip.
Fortunately Southport Group vice-chairman, Charles Paton heard about their plight and was delighted to be able to present a cheque for £600 from the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
Leader, Carol Bennion said that the clothing will remain with the unit for use by Rangers at future events and camps and wishes to thank West Lancashire Freemasons for their generosity. She has also promised a report and photographs of the girls’ trip.
Southport Group vice-chairman, Charles Paton presents the cheque to Rangers leader, Carol Bennion at Holy Trinity Hall, Southport.
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Joyce retires after 26 years at hall
A group of brethren and staff from Southport Masonic Hall gathered to make a surprise retirement presentation to Joyce Howard as a mark of their appreciation of her long and devoted service to Southport Freemasonry.
Joyce has been a vital part of hall life for more than years!
Group chairman, Bryan Henshaw, presented a gift and large bouquet on behalf of all brethren and hall manageress, Julie McGee, presented gifts on behalf of the hall staff.
Everyone is sorry to lose Joyce and wish her a long, peaceful and happy retirement.
Joyce is almost lost behind the large bouquet!
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A sporting way to raise £2,000
The annual Victoria Lodge No 2360 Sportsman’s Dinner was held at Southport Masonic Hall where a capacity crowd of more than 130 brethren and guests sat down to a feast of sumptuous roast beef and great entertainment.
The organiser, Peter Wall, began the evening by splitting the hall into two halves; each to sing a full chorus of “Bring Me Sunshine”accompanied by howls of derision from the opposing half in pure pantomime style. Thus suitably fired-up and with the ice well and truly broken the night could not fail to be the great success that it was!
After-dinner speakers this year were former Everton legend and Manchester City manager, Joe Royle and local comedian, Jed Stone. Joe regaled all with a very enjoyable account of his life in football from his early schoolboy days up to present times, with some great quotes and humour thrown into the mix. The evening was rounded-off perfectly by Jed Stone with his own inimitable style of humour.
To add to the enjoyment of the evening, replicas of the FA and European Cups were on display. Brethren and guests were able to have their photographs taken with the cups and Joe Royle was on hand to be included in many of those photo calls. Even the new group chairman, Bryan Henshaw, got in on the act!
Later in the evening Joe spent some considerable time autographing pictures, shirts, books and other soccer paraphernalia. The evening was recorded for local press by a reporter from Southport’s local magazine, GR8LIFE.
The success of the evening was reflected in more than £2,000 being raised for such local charities as Queenscourt Hospice, Rainbow House and the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust
Paul Hardman with guest speaker, Joe Royle and event organiser Peter Wall.
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