Following the completion of lodge business, the immediate past master of Crosby Lodge No 3714 Ron Elliott, joined his wife Victoria and guests at the bar for drinks and all gradually moved to the dining room for 7pm, where over 60 people were attending for what proved to be an exceptional evening of festivities, dance and reminiscence.
Between the lively and excited conversations, grace was said by the chaplain Roger Holt, following which the catering staff swiftly presented the wonderfully prepared seasonal roast turkey with ham, dauphinoise potato and seasonal vegetables. Crackers were cracked, jokes told, hats donned and laughter and conversations flowed. Christmas pudding was then enjoyed and stories exchanged. Thanks were given by Roger once again, reminding everyone of their own good fortune and also of those in less fortunate circumstances at this special time of year
A rousing toast to the King was then given by Ron, followed by Ormskirk and Bootle Group Chairman Graham Chambers leading the hall with a raucous, ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ with all at each of the eight individual tables standing and sitting in turn to sing their allotted verses, between which all present rose to join in unison with a very, very loud and lengthening chorus.
Spirits having risen, the room was now ready for an exceptional, amazing and acclaimed Diana Ross tribute act by Cherie Jade who sang a barrage of top 10 songs from the 60’s hits of the Supremes and also from her solo career of the 70’s to the naughty’s and on into the 2020s. The songs initially got the ladies dancing, but they were soon to be joined by partners and husbands. By the end of the first half, the room was heaving and bouncing to the fast and heavy beat of their powerful music memories of yesteryear.
During the interval, group chairman Graham Chambers invited Ron and Victoria to select the first and second winners of the raffle, who in turn went on to draw the following winning numbers. Since the many prizes had been donated by members of the lodge, £250 was raised for future charitable donations in relation to which the lodge had donated £200 to the local foodbank appeal from the previous year’s receipts.
The second half of the show was as engaging and captivating as the first with a full dance floor once again bopping to the lively and soulful rhythms of the Motown sound. Love Child, Chain Reaction, Where Did Our Love Go and Inside Out. These were later followed as the evening wore on by slower paced numbers.
As all good things come to an end, time passed and the music had to stop following a much-appreciated encore. The guests then slowly began to leave having had a memorable and enjoyable evening of fun, feasting, friendship, entertainment and nostalgia.
