The North Fylde Group Ball is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, bringing together Freemasons and their guests for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie, celebration and tradition.
Hosted in the heart of West Lancashire, this distinguished gathering embodies the core values of Freemasonry: brotherhood, charity and fellowship, while offering an elegant social experience.
This year, the ball found a dazzling new setting along the glittering Blackpool seafront, gracing the refined surroundings of the Sheraton Hotel. Perched on Queen’s Promenade, the venue provided breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, creating a sophisticated backdrop for an evening of tradition and celebration.
Renowned for its sophisticated atmosphere, the ball featured a formal dinner, live entertainment and inspiring speeches from distinguished members of the Masonic community. Guests arrived dressed in their finest evening wear, adding a touch of grandeur to the occasion. More than just a celebration, the event offered members the chance to strengthen bonds, welcome new initiates and share the joy of the fraternity with family and friends.
Before the evening’s main festivities began, North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross and his wife Shelagh hosted an exclusive meet-and-greet reception for the masters and first principals of the group. They were joined by the evening’s principal guest, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, John Robbie Porter and his wife Sue. Adding to the notable guests were Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Barr and his wife Helen.
As the reception concluded, guests made their way into the elegantly prepared dining hall, where they were treated to a sumptuous three-course meal, expertly served by the staff of the hotel. At the conclusion of the meal, John Cross proposed the toast to John Robbie Porter.
John’s toast started in his typical humorous style, with a look back at the life and times of John Robbie. Included in this trip was his love of playing the piano and his dedication to playing rugby, where his imposing physique and playing style earned him the nickname ‘nasty John’. John continued to play rugby into his fifties, and his love for playing the game has never diminished, now playing walking rugby, where I am sure he has lost none of his passion. John joked, “playing walking rugby, I can still be as violent, but not having to move as quickly”.
Pictured right from left to right, are: John and Shelagh Cross, Tony and Amanda Farrah, Sue and John Robbie Porter, David and Helen Barr, Elaine and Mike Brown.
John moved on to his university life, where he met his wife Sue and they have just recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. John Cross moved on to John Robbie’s career in teaching, noting two of his most memorable events, one winning a strictly dancing competition and the second was the fact that he taught sex education. John again joked, “when he asked Sue if he had learnt anything from it, she didn’t want to give the full answer”.
Completing his toast, John regaled John Robbie’s Masonic career, from being initiated into the Craft and rising to the role of Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. Finishing by reading a poem that one parent had written about John Robbie, on seeing his daughter in a school production of Bugsy Malone.
Once the toasts were completed, the top table was cleared away to make way for the entertainment which was provided by Barrie Richie. There was a grand raffle raising £750 for the group’s charitable causes. Flowers were presented to Shelagh Cross, Sue Porter and Helen Barr. The guests then danced the night away until it was time for goodbyes and carriages home.
Last, but certainly not least, we must mention with gratitude the hard work and meticulous planning of the organising committee made up of Mark and Christine Spragg, Jon Davies and Katie Holmes. Their tireless dedication ensures that every detail, from the venue selection to the entertainment lineup, is executed flawlessly. It is a night where tradition meets modern celebration, creating lasting memories for all who attend.
