It’s common knowledge that a meeting at Old Huttonian Lodge No 7614 is one to remember, usually for several reasons each time, but they certainly go above and beyond for their annual Old English Night, which is always a well-attended and enjoyed evening.
With a total of 60 gentlemen dining, including a handful of traveling Freemasons and non-Masons, it didn’t take long for the comedy to start at the meal with several members and guests doing stand-up which had everyone in fits of laughter; although some might comment that the comedy atmosphere started much earlier during the lodge meeting…
It was past masters of Old Huttonian Lodge who struck first and set the bar high with Bill Pearce perfectly delivering his planned jokes for the evening. There was more from David Topping and David Johnson who followed soon after, with some jokes landing better than others.
One thing that always goes down well at an Old Huttonian meeting, is the open bar which is included as part of the price of the festive board. With beer, ale, cider, wine, spirits and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available there is just one rule to consider, ‘you have to pull your own’, unless of course someone offers to get you a drink.
As the three-course meal was coming to an end and the red wine decanters on the table topped up, it was time for the main event. A brother from London, Howard Lythgoe, took to the floor first and entertained everyone with an over-the-top performance which had people laughing for many different reasons.
The evening was already a great success, but it was completed by a comedy battle! Richard Dennison and Ken Parker both took to the floor and volleyed jokes back and forth, one after another, each one setting off more and more guests into howls of laughter and applause.
Members of the lodge rounded off a fantastic night with a handful of final jokes and our London visitor did stand for a second time, but everyone was left wondering: “What happened to the second man?”
As with every Old Huttonian meeting, there were plenty of raffle prizes to be won, with 15 guests winning prizes, from whisky to wine and cheese to tea bags. A total of £515 was collected on the night for charity and as everyone left happy there was only one thing to say: “See you at the next one.”