Lodge of Triumph Xmas Sunday Lunch Social in St Annes on Sea

A late November Sunday afternoon social in St Annes on Sea was the perfect way for Lodge of Triumph No.1061 members, family and friends to raise charitable funds ahead of the lodge’s January installation.

Pictured left: WM’s table with Will Buchanan (centre) toasting everyone. Pictured right: Sam Wood (left) with family, Dave and Helen Barr, Daz Collins and family.

The lodge was particularly pleased to welcome gentleman Chris Winchcombe and his partner KC Marie Tyson to gain a feel for the social and fundraising side of Freemasonry and the Lodge of Triumph in particular.

43 diners gathered at The Bedford Hotel in the resort and were directed to their tables by the lodge’s social secretary Graham Smith, supported by his wife Denise alongside fellow organisers Ted and Glenda Rhodes.

Following a formal welcome by Graham and a grace offered by lodge honorary member and chaplain, Peter Gratrix, the first course was served. As the starter was being enjoyed by all, a ‘£1 in the brown envelope’ enabled fundraising to commence. At a suitable point in between courses the lucky envelope draw was made and the winner was Gwyneth Raven. Gwyneth visited the splendid raffle table and had first pick of the wide range of prizes.

Pictured left from left to right, are: Will Buchanan, Gwyneth Raven with her £1 in the bucket prize and Graham Smith. Pictured centre from left to right, are: Will Buchanan, Chris Winchcombe, KC Marie Tyson. Pictured right from left to right, are: Aly Brennan (Peter’s granddaughter), Peter Gratrix, Wendy Brennan (Peter’s daughter).

As envelopes containing raffle tickets were successfully sold by Denise Smith and Glenda Rhodes, Ted Rhodes visited the five tables and sold the infamous stand-up bingo strips. The rules for stand-up bingo were carefully explained by Ted and within 10 minutes the contestants still in the running to be stand-up bingo champion were down to two remaining guests. Sue Buchanan, the mother of lodge WM Will Buchanan was runner up, whilst the undisputed winner was Mary Kenworthy. Mary was invited to collect a prize from the raffle table closely followed by Sue Buchanan.

The raffle was drawn and the fantastic range of prizes collected speedily by all winners. In his closing remarks, WM Will Buchanan thanked the event organisers for all their hard work, The Bedford Hotel staff, guests who contributed raffle donations and everyone for attending this last major fund raiser during his year in the chair.

Will made special mention of his fiancée Laura for her continued support and promoted the Lodge of Triumph’s Christmas meeting which invites ladies and gentlemen to experience the wonderful Palace catering and the Xmas sounds of the Chorley Silver Band. The fund-raising afternoon swelled the lodge charity account by a very impressive £456.50

Pictured left: Well stocked raffle table before the draw. Pictured right: Will Buchanan thanks everyone for their support including his fiancée Laura.

Report and pictures by John Topping.