Members of the South Eastern Group, along with their wives, partners, families and friends enjoyed an enjoyable evening, despite the miserable weather, at a Bonfire Party organised by members of Hand and Heart Lodge No 4109.
The event was staged at The Venue, Urmston Masonic Hall and even the rain failed to dampen the spirits or indeed put out the fireworks. The evening began with a firework display as intrepid lodge members Darren Gregory and Rick Wiles risked life, limb and pneumonia by setting off rockets, Roman candles, fountains and other somewhat louder missiles. All this whilst children of all ages from five to 65 stood and watched drawing fiery patterns in the air with sparklers!
After the pyrotechnics had finished, all present beat a retreat from the weather, repairing to the Venue lounge for a most welcome selection of hot food, ranging from hot-pot to chilli all prepared by chef Nadeem, together with the odd drink or two.
Following the food, a raffle was run which returned an excellent £420 with all proceeds going to a local charity, the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, which helps terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children throughout the North West of England.
The evening then continued with a disco, music and dancing with a brief interlude to congratulate Hand and Heart stalwart Steve Masters, whose birthday it happened to be and who was presented with a gift from the lodge together with a cake which was promptly divided into thin slivers, distributed to all within reach and devoured!
A successful and enjoyable evening finally concluded around midnight with all wending their way safely home.
