Harmonic Lodge No 216 occupies a special place within the Gladstone Group, being one of the oldest lodges in the group. It is also famous, or should that be infamous, for holding an exceptional ‘ladies to dine’ evening as well as other very enjoyable social events.
Following the celebration of the golden jubilee for Jeremy Clitherow last year, the annual social event did not take place after the last meeting of the season. So the brethren and guests of the lodge were especially looking forward to this years’ event, which was organised by director of ceremonies John ‘Sinatra’ Donnelly, who has also been enjoying his busy year as Provincial Junior Grand Deacon.
As this was the last meeting of the current Masonic season, and following a very successful format, there was no contest that the theme would be karaoke ladies to dine! The purpose of the event was to principally have a fun and enjoyable night, whilst at the same time raising funds for charitable purposes, not least of which are those funds raised to support the widows of the lodge.
The event has also evolved into a chance for members to bring along prospective candidates and introduce them to the fun side of Freemasonry. Director of ceremonies, John Donnelly, is well known for singing day and night, as having his own karaoke system which was assembled and setup ready for the event at the refurbished Sefton Suite at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool.
Current WM Phil Marshall, back in the chair for the third time, welcomed the brethren to the lodge and was assisted by Gladstone Group Secretary John Reynolds, who was standing in as senior warden, which is in good preparation as John has been appointed Provincial Senior Grand Warden of the Province. Geoff Holly stood in as junior warden and visitor Don Evans of Cecil Lodge No 3274 stood in as director of ceremonies. The meeting was a short one and once the necessary lodge business had been attended to, the lodge was duly closed and all retired to the Sefton Suite.
In parallel to the lodge meeting, some lodge members acting as stewards were welcoming visitors and guests to the ladies to dine evening in the Sefton Suite, performing that most important function of serving a delicious glass or two of dela rosa cava. WM Phil, who it must be said, has also been known to sing a song or two or three, was by now on hand to welcome all to the ladies to dine evening, resplendent in his stylish green velvet jacket ready for some serious karaoke later on.
A buffet style meal was served which was enjoyed by all and following a delicious dessert of Black Forest gateau with fresh cream, accompanied throughout by copious amounts of red and white wine, expertly served by the table stewards, ensured everyone was in the mood for a good evening. During the meal, Phil and his wife Chris, took wine with members, guests and of course all the ladies.
Director or master of ceremonies in this case, John Donnelly, then sang several firm favourites from the likes of Dean Martin, Billy Fury and without exception the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis. Following a short break from the ensemble, a game of standup bingo and a raffle took place, which raised a magnificent amount of over £200.
Then began the search for new talent, with no red X or golden buzzers, the real fun commenced. John invited members and guests to try their hand at singing a song from the 1,000s of tracks available. First up was WM Phil, who sang several country classics.
Following his example, the willing participants were led onto the stage, which was never empty as one after another a varied selection of songs were played including, pop classics, country songs and even songs from stage musicals like Les Misérables and the Rocky Horror Show resounded around the Sefton Suite.
All too soon the search for exceptional talent was drawn to an end and the guests bade goodbye and vowed to return next year to enjoy the hospitality of Harmonic Lodge, and who knows a star may have been born, in the search for Harmonic Has Got Talent.