A bright and crisp Sunday at The Palace in St Annes-On-Sea was a perfect setting for the first social event of the new Masonic season of Old Huttonian Lodge No 7614, part of the Chorley and Leyland Group. A number of brethren and their guests travelled across the River Ribble to the Fylde coast and the beautiful Masonic buildings of the South Fylde Group. This fund-raising Sunday lunch quickly followed the recent installation of John Topping as the new master of Old Huttonian Lodge, a member of the federation of school lodges.
Upon arrival at the upstairs blue room, 65 guests enjoyed a drink at the bar before making their way to their places at the impressive layout of round tables. The chairs were beautifully dressed in mustard-coloured covers and navy-blue ribbons. A warm welcome was given by John Topping, who introduced pianist and Lodge of Triumph No 1061 member Gary Fletcher, who played a range of easy listening tunes, whilst diners enjoyed their three courses by first-class caterer Lee Munro.
Old Huttonian Lodge members and guests are no strangers to the menus of Lee and Janine Munro, as Masonic Event Catering provide food at all the Old Huttonian festive boards. John introduced his brother Neil Topping and upon taking the microphone, Neil presented a short 20 question quiz, to be worked in pairs following the first course, that was prepared at John’s request. Neil explained how the quiz is all about people, places and other facts relating to areas and places of South Ribble, comprising Penwortham, Hutton, Longton and slightly further afield. Will Buchanan of the South Fylde Group and a frequent visitor to Old Huttonian Lodge was asked to be acting chaplain and he delivered Grace.
The blue room was buzzing throughout all three courses with lively conversation, quiz fever and eager anticipation of the possibility of securing one of the 30 great raffle prizes, all generously donated by members and guests. During the meal, lodge charity steward Dave Johnson, accompanied by lodge member and South Fylde Group Charity Steward David Jenkinson, visited each table to sell the strips of raffle tickets.
Following the main course, John Topping announced that his father Jack Topping, who was present with mum Lillian Topping, had reached the magnificent age of 91 years just the day before. A resounding rendition of Happy Birthday, played by Gary Fletcher was sung by all in attendance and Jack waved his appreciation to everyone.
At the end of the dessert course, the lodge director of ceremonies Ian Heyes requested that everyone be upstanding whilst the master John proposes the loyal toast. John proposed the toast and announced the singing of the first verse of the National Anthem which was sung by all, with great feeling.
As the tables were cleared, Neil Topping gave out all the answers to the local quiz and he asked whether anyone had full marks of 20/20. To everyone’s surprise and delight this top score and first prize was won by Mirela Hughes. Mirela came forward and received her prize of vouchers for Bon-Bon in Penwortham. The raffle draw quickly followed and a wide range of prizes included body creams, boxes of chocolate, bottles of wines and spirits and a crystal bottle stopper were efficiently distributed around the seven tables.
John Topping brought the afternoon to a close by thanking his friend and work colleague Gary Fletcher for playing the piano so beautifully throughout the meal and presented him with a gift. John thanked Lee and Janine of Masonic Event Catering along with their staff. He commended The Palace Steward John Nicholls and his wife Pamela for their sterling work in creating such a stunning environment for this Old Huttonian Sunday Lunch.
Presentations were also made to Neil and Julie Topping for organising a brilliant quiz. John also praised lodge treasurer and charity steward Dave Johnson and secretary Colin Mills for their work behind the scenes in making the event so successful. John Topping announced that a great amount of £435 had been raised throughout the afternoon from the proceeds of the raffle including a donation.
During his concluding address, John spoke about the charity monies raised during the previous year by the immediate past master Damian McKeand and how Old Huttonian Lodge has covered the £1,500 cost of refurbishing Hutton Grammar School’s very old and beautiful Honours Boards to a very high standard. John Topping said that his other brother in attendance Ian Topping was a former head boy in 1977 and how Ian would be pleased to see these now restored to former glory.
John Topping thanked everyone for their company and support during the afternoon but especially for their patience in listening so intently to his address. He wished everyone a safe journey home.
