Not the home of the reigning monarch but an equally impressive building known as the St Annes Palace, home to the Freemasons of St. Annes-on-Sea and the surrounding area. This was the wonderful venue for afternoon tea.
And on a warm summer Sunday afternoon in the elegant Blue Room Dining Suite at The Palace, 63 diners comprising local light blue Freemasons with their families and guests convened together to enjoy an afternoon tea with a sumptuous feast of sandwiches, savouries and cakes created by Masonic Event Catering.
The afternoon tea was organised by the committee members of the hardworking Fylde light blues, and the event was a truly inclusive occasion for Masonic brethren, friends and family members of all ages that included toddlers right through to nonagenarians.
Following a warm welcome by the Fylde Light Blues Chairman Ian Fell, the amazing and beautiful displays of food were quickly consumed, with guests on every table commenting on how wonderful and delicious the afternoon tea was.
The Fylde light blues have been very busy during the Masonic recess period having organised a series of four Masonic, informative lectures being held at the Masonic hall at The Park Club in Cleveleys. In addition to these lectures there has been a Sunday breakfast held at The Tramway, Cleveleys with another Sunday breakfast scheduled to be held at the Tractor Shed Bistro at Farmer Parrs in Fleetwood. Information about the remaining two lectures and the Sunday breakfasts can be obtained by contacting Ian Fell at Ian.westlancs58@hotmail.com
Immediately following the afternoon tea, the Blue Room was buzzing to the musical notes of saxophonist James Drake, who himself is a light blue Freemason. James played many famous tunes interspersed with a series of vocal favourites that had everyone’s feet tapping.
Towards the close of the event, committee members of the Fylde Light Blues invited everyone to take part in a raffle for which tickets had been sold throughout the afternoon. The raffle table was well stocked with 20 prizes, generously donated by those in attendance. With great skill and experience, the numbers were drawn and prizes were speedily taken to the lucky winners.
In his concluding remarks, Ian Fell thanked Lee and Janine Munro of Masonic Event Catering, John and Pamela Nicholls of the Palace, James Drake, his committee colleagues and everyone else for their attendance and support at this splendid social afternoon tea. He announced that the raffle had raised an impressive total of £340, which would be shared across Masonic and non-Masonic charities, and Ian especially thanked those who had kindly brought raffle prizes.
