A thoroughly deserved celebration retirement dinner was held at Litherland Masonic Hall, to thank Graham Chambers, former Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, for his outstanding service to the group. Graham was greeted with rapturous applause from the many grand officers, brethren and companions as he entered the dining hall.
Graham was accompanied by the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers, Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas and Malcolm Sandywell, Vice Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, escorted in by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Greg Pinnington
Amidst the mirth and merriment at the tables, old friends caught up with each other and new friendships were forged. A sumptuous three course meal was then enjoyed by everyone. The food was exquisitely prepared and cooked for the last time, by the caterers, Sally and Jim. They have provided delicious food at Litherland Masonic Hall for the last 10 years and they will be sorely missed as they undertake new ventures.
After the toasts to the King, the Grand Master and the Provincial Grand Master, Gary Thornhill, Secretary of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group rose to read a tribute to Graham on behalf of Stephen Dunne, Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, who was unable to attend the dinner due to being in hospital.
Gary said that Graham had always demonstrated unwavering determination, quiet strength and steely determination. He then went through the history of Graham’s Masonic career, saying that Graham was initiated in 1980, passed and raised in 1982. He received the rank of PPSGD in 1997 and in 2005 was promoted to PPJGW. Graham was exalted in 1982 and became a ProvGStwd in 1996 and was later promoted to PPSN. Graham went on to achieve the ranks of PAGDC in Grand Lodge and PGSB in Supreme Grand Chapter.
In 2010, Graham became the Membership Officer for the Ormskirk and Bootle Group. In 2017 he took on the role of vice chairman and in 2018 the role of Chairman of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group. Gary finished the tribute by saying that Graham had always demonstrated dedication, integrity, humility and respect for his peers. In toasting Graham, Gary thanked him for his service and hoped that Graham’s example would continue to inspire everyone for many years to come. Another enthusiastic round of applause followed the toast.
Graham then rose and thanked Gary for the toast. He said that he thought that he was an easy person to get on with. But, during his time as chairman, he had been through five vice chairmen, four secretaries and three treasurers. But he joked, that it wasn’t his fault. He continued, that he had served under three AProvGMs, two DProvGMs and two ProvGMs. He again joked, that this wasn’t his fault either. Graham then said that he had enjoyed his time as chairman, but during his time seven lodges were lost. Again, he joked that this wasn’t his fault. He did add, that all the brethren from the seven lodges had found new homes in other lodges.
Graham then stressed how important retaining and recruiting members was and he thanked the Group Membership Officer John Wooten. A new meeting time has been established for a lodge within the group, Formby Lodge No 5659 has become a daylight lodge and West Derby Castle Lodge No 5821 had also joined the group. Graham said that the best way to recruit new Masons is through good social events, where invited guests thoroughly enjoyed the function and their guests encouraged them to become Masons. He also thanked John Thompson, the Group Pastoral Care Officer and the Group Almoner, as he said that there had been 90 widows at one function. The newly instigated widows’ days out were also a great success. He then thanked Derek Gibson and Ken Rouse, the Group Event Organisers, for the events held within the group, such as the 60s Night.
Graham was very proud that during his time as chairman, the group had introduced the Christmas Fayres at Litherland and Ormskirk Masonic Halls, the ladies’ group, garden parties and HOME to help Ormskirk Masonic Hall. Graham thanked Stephen Oliver, Chairman of FROTH and Rory Green, Chairman of HOME. He finally wished the group all the best for the future and that it would do very well under Stephen Dunne. He also thanked everybody for a great evening and for everybody’s assistance over the last eight years.
Graham was then presented with a gift by Malcolm Sandywell, from the lodges and chapters of the Ormskirk and Bootle Group, three tickets for the Puissance at the Horse of the Year Show and an overnight stay in a hotel with breakfast, for which he thanked everybody. Flowers were then presented to Mark Matthews and Graham for their ladies, who both thanked all the brethren present for the gifts. The dinner being at an end, the brethren and companions retired to the bar for further refreshment and a good old natter.
