It just so happened that this year’s Provincial Grand Ball and Banquet fell on International Women’s’ Day, so fitting as it is always a special event when members and their partners get together to enjoy some of the best that Freemasonry has to offer.
In the surroundings of the Bolton Stadium, it is one of the few events when diners, in a colourful display, get to wear their full regalia accompanied by the ladies wearing their finest. Having been held for well over one and a half centuries, it is truly the most spectacular event in the Masonic calendar, and this year was no exception.
The Provincial Grand Master/Grand Superintendent Mark Matthews and his wife Debbie welcomed the guests, and a particular welcome was extended to all the ‘light blues’ in attendance. The atmosphere at the reception was electric, and Mark invited all light blue brethren attending the ball, installed masters and first principals to join him for drinks before the main event. It was great to see so many younger brethren taking up the opportunity to meet our Provincial Grand Master, and they, along with their partners, seemed to have a really good time in his company.
The evening officially began with Mark, accompanied by his wife Debbie and other distinguished guests and their partners, parading into the ballroom. Mark, Debbie, and all the distinguished guests were greeted with tremendous applause as they entered the ballroom. It was the role of Provincial Senior Grand Warden Michael Tax to say a few words and commence the formal proceedings.
Once everyone was seated, the meal was served, and it was a wonderful spread that didn’t disappoint. The room was filled with the laughter of happy people renewing old friendships and making new ones, all enhanced by the colourful display of the different regalia proudly worn and displayed.
No Provincial Ball would be complete without that famous tradition from centuries past, the Grand March. Led by Mark and Debbie and the other senior members of the Province, everyone, with their partners arm in arm, got in line, parading around the ballroom in all their finery as West Lancashire Freemasons had done previously for 162 years. It was, and always has been, a sight to behold. Well done to the DCs who again managed to keep everything running smoothly.
All were having a great time, with a buzz of excitement in the air, when the band came on to really get the party started. It was a delight to see everyone singing and dancing the night away.
The whole event from start to finish was fantastic and it was a great opportunity to share a drink or two and enjoy the conversation of friends both old and new. The 163rd Provincial Grand Ball was as it says, ‘GRAND’, and a great success, and a tradition that should remain for time immemorial.
