The Liverpool Group held their bi-annual Masters and First Principals Dinner at the historic and majestic Masonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool. The Group was extremely pleased to have as its principal guest the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers. He was accompanied by John James Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ian Sanderson Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, Anthony Humphrey, Mike Silver and Mick Southern Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary.
Prior to the dining and official toasts, the principal guests informally met the brethren and companions present. This was greatly appreciated by those present, and set the foundations for a very friendly and celebratory evening. Everyone present was delighted to officially welcome the principal guests and Liverpool Group Chairman Dave Johnson into the dining hall with elated applause.
The brethren enjoyed a beautiful meal of melon boat, leg of lamb with seasonal vegetables, gateaux with cream or ice cream, tea or coffee, with a selection of wines. The wine-takings, toasts and general formalities, were overseen in an exceptionally professional manner by the two Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Ryan Modlin and Dave Boyes.
Steve Dovaston, secretary of Royal Victoria Lodge No 1013, delivered the toast to the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Frank Umbers. Steve welcomed Frank back home to Liverpool and gave an interesting overview of his Masonic career. Steve also pointed out that it was a delight to have seen Frank attending the parade at Southport for the remembrance service. Steve also expressed how pleased the brethren and companions of Liverpool lodges and chapters were to share his first ‘group dinner’ representation.
Frank thanked Steve for the toast to his health and thanked the brethren for the warm reception he had received, expressing how delighted he was to be in the Liverpool Group. He acknowledged the hard work done by the Group Chairman Dave Johnson and his executive team. He also thanked John James and Ian Sanderson for their support. Frank then thanked the two grand officers present, Roy Ashley and Rob Fitzsimmons, together with the wardens of the Province, Mark Humphrey and Mike Silver. Frank thanked Mick Southern and his colleagues in Provincial Office for their support. Thanks were also given to Ryan Modin and Dave Boyes for their work on the night, and throughout season.
Frank gave an overview of the UGLE 5–7-year strategy, including the three pillars, noting how community engagement was being evidenced within the group using Hope Street by various community groups. He also thanked the group for finishing 2024 with a growth in membership.
Mark Humphrey was responsible for the toast to the Liverpool Group, making mention of the splendid Hope Street building, and the ethos that fits with the values and ideas of Freemasonry. The building within its amazing history is something to be proud of.
Dave returned thanks to Mark for his warm and cheerful toast to the group. Dave followed on with the theme of the history of the building from its formal opening in 1858. Dave mentioned a recent visit by Sir Michael Snyder Deputy Grand Master, who was very impressed with the building, describing the colourful Royal Arch Egyptian Suite as one of the most beautiful and colourful he had seen in the country.
Dave thanked the brethren for their continued generous charitable giving since the last Group Dinner two years ago. Over £9,500 has been donated to a local foodbank, £33,000 raised from lodge and chapter events, including the Group Golf Day, Group Ball and Burns Supper, and been given to other local good causes. £15,500 had also been raised allowing the group to purchase of a blood bike that is now serving the City of Liverpool. These are outstanding amounts of money, and the group should be extremely proud of its charitable achievements.