This year’s festive season began at Litherland Masonic Hall with the jollity, fun and lively banter at FROTH’s annual Christmas Lunch, when the staff catered for more than 60 Masons, their wives, family and friends.
They provided a sumptuous and traditional Christmas roast dinner with Christmas pudding, all the trimmings and entertainment from a seven-piece band, ‘The Travelling Wannabees’. The afternoon began from 12pm onwards as guests arrived at the hall for a 12.30 start of the festivities. A touching grace was said reminding everyone of the gratitude we should have for our own good fortune when the less fortunate, who are always with us, are considered.
Following the busy clearing of the tables by the staff, the first toast of the afternoon to The King, was proposed by the master of ceremonies Graham Chambers, Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman. This was followed by the drawing of the Christmas raffles. The main prize of eight bottles of spirits, the second prize was for four bottles of spirits and the third prize being for two bottles of spirits. A collection was then taken and presented to Sally by Graham in recognition of the staffs’ diligence and hard work during the past year.
Raffle prizes had been provided by the many lodges that meet at the hall, with each traditionally donating up to two bottles of spirits. Being void of costs, the full amount raised of £1,400 by FROTH and its chairman Stephen Oliver. The monies will then be spent on enriching the hall for the benefit of the lodges and also the local community for whom it is both an asset and useful facility.
Many various prizes for a second raffle had also been donated by the individual brethren and guests. There had in fact been so many donations that nearly everyone won a prize.
Following the end of the raffles, Graham explained that events such as this are organised every year by the Friends of the Hall, known as FROTH, who help to finance improvement initiatives through garden parties, fetes, raffles, social gatherings and dances which are organised continuously over the year to fund the hall improvements for the brethren’s and companions of the group along with their family and friends.
Any monies FROTH raises through its activities go towards projects to improve the facilities in the hall. The Litherland Masonic Hall Chairman, Stephen Oliver, being away at sea, was unable to explain this, so the second toast of the afternoon was given, ‘To all absent and seafaring brethren and friends’
The live music entertainment was then begun, with the Travelling Wannabees starting with nostalgic ballads, on to memorable hits of the 60’s and 70’s, followed by livelier sounds for those wanting to dance. The afternoon ended at around 4pm with guests contentedly retiring to the bar and then sauntering away having had a happy afternoon of food, friendship and fun whilst the new attendees will have experienced some of the hospitality and generosity within our Masonic community.
