The Alan Locke Suite within Widnes Masonic Hall was beautifully laid out on to welcome the WM of Victoria Lodge No 4629 Andy Pope and his wife Pat, along with almost 90 guests to help them celebrate their Ladies Evening.
After enjoying a welcoming glass of fizz on arrival, the guests were called to order by the well-seasoned DC for the evening, John Baldwin, who announced that dinner was to be served and once they were seated the WM officially welcomed them and wished them all a fantastic evening.
The menu for the evening had been selected by the principal lady and consisted of tomato and basil soup, honey baked ham with parsley sauce and roast vegetables, individual lemon cheesecakes and concluded with a selection of fine cheese and biscuits.
Red and white wine was provided on the tables and the brethren of the Lodge ensured that their ladies and guests glasses were kept full!
After a very enjoyable meal, thanks were returned, and the WM gave the first toast of the evening to His Majesty the King, for the first time in 70 years at a Victoria Lodge Ladies Evening.
Following the toast to the ladies proposed by the senior warden David Lewis, the principal lady Pat responded by saying how wonderful it was to see everyone there and how important the night was for her husband Andy as well as herself, and how it was made very special for them both by the presence so many guests there.
Pat went on to say that her husband was always eager to tell people that he wore the trousers in their house but what he neglects to say is that it’s her that tells him which ones to wear! Adding that this is only after she’s washed and pressed them! Pat concluded her response by asking the guests to remember the friends and family that were unable to be there with them on the night, adding that they will always be in our thoughts and never forgotten.
Long standing friend of Victoria Lodge brethren, Norman Pritchard, responded to the principal lady’s speech by delivering the Ladies Song in his own inimitable style which was warmly received by everyone. He went on to present roses on behalf of the WM to some of the ladies and the principal lady herself.
The live entertainment for the evening was provided by the excellent five-piece band, The B Sharps, who really got the room rocking with their perfect playlists spanning two sets.
While the band took a break after their first set, the brethren of Victoria Lodge distributed gifts to the ladies and the principal lady made the draw for the raffle. Spirit and wine hampers were among the raffle prizes and were presented to the lucky winners by the WM.
The B Sharps band then returned to the stage for their final set and packed the dance floor into the wee small hours eventually bringing an end to a glorious evening enjoyed by all.
