41 diners attended the February festive board of the North Fylde Group’s Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope No 6937, at the Park Club Masonic Hall, Cleveleys. This was a ladies and gentlemen to dine evening following a short lodge business meeting skilfully led by the WM Ryan Gleeson.
Just before the starter course was served, the lodge charity steward Bill Rogerson introduced two store managers from the Lytham operations of the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Amy Milner and Tracey Howarth gave a powerful talk of the work of BHF and explained the challenges working in a retail store, where the high street shops are manned by volunteers.
They gave examples of the value of some donated items that when properly prepared, advertised and featured on specific online platforms, can raise substantial figures. Immediately following the BHF talk, WM Ryan Gleeson, along with three lodge members presented a cheque for £300 to Amy and Tracey to further assist the work of the British Heart Foundation and thanked them for their attendance.
During the festive board, Ryan made further presentations, this time to two lodge members who have been Freemasons for 50 years and 40 years respectively. Ryan gave John Gledhill a special 50-year lapel badge and a similar badge marking 40 years’ service to IPM Frank Howarth. Both brethren were most grateful of this recognition of their loyal service to Freemasonry. Also mentioned by the WM, was Jason Bleakley, the lodge’s assistant director of ceremonies who indicated that it was 13 years to the day since he was initiated. Jason also received a rapturous round of applause.
A Westhoughton raffle was well managed by lodge secretary Peter Clay, who successfully raised the impressive amount of £162. Four very nice prizes were distributed to the lucky winners. The WM rounded the evening off by thanking everyone for their attendance at the Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope festive board and their generosity towards supporting charities.
Report and pictures by John Topping, visiting officer for Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope Lodge and the North Fylde Group.