That is the comment frequently heard coming from the widows of the Masons from the South Fylde Group of after their Widow’s Afternoon Tea. This event was held again on a Thursday and Friday, hosted by the South Fylde Group.
Almoners from 13 lodges and 6 chapters were asked to contact their widows and invite them to come along to enjoy an afternoon of pleasant and relaxed conversation; whilst served with delicate sandwiches, sumptuous cakes, followed by scones with jam and cream and washed down with tea or coffee.
The event was held again at two venues, namely the Booths Cafés in Poulton and St Annes. The event has been running for three years now and continues to be very popular amongst the ladies. For many of them it is a chance to renew friendships, make new friends, or simply enjoy a few hours in different surroundings. Despite the adverse weather, 22 widows attended the Poulton venue with another 24 attending the St Annes store.
Group almoner Graham Smith said: “The funding for our Widows Afternoon Teas is generously offered to us from the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and thus facilitates this wonderful gesture to our Masonic widows. We are hopeful that the charity will always continue with this annual donation, so that the ladies can come together with us and still feel part of our South Fylde Masonic family”.
As the ladies finish off the splendid refreshments, they are all presented with a box of chocolates as a further reminder of their special afternoon out, with many of the ladies saying: “Thank you, that was lovely, will you be doing it again?”
The event was supported by South Fylde Group Almoner Graham Smith, South Fylde Group Chairman Ben Gorry, South Fylde Group Charity Steward Dave McKee, Tim Walton and John Robbie Porter (former South Fylde Group Chairman and Royal Arch representative).
Report and pictures by Graham Smith.