Fun and fundraising were in the air as 55 Caribbean-themed clad revellers entered The Palace at St Annes. A gentle al-fresco-style waft of jerk chicken, rice and peas, skewers and ribs set against a musical carnival backdrop of reggae and calypso was getting everyone excited.
A warm welcome was given by South Fylde Group Charity Steward, David Jenkinson, supported by deputy group charity steward Jordan Brown, who explained the format of the evening and drew everyone’s attention to a special selection of rum available at the pop-up bar. This was a one-night-only special price kindly arranged by The Palace Steward, John Nicholls.
David explained the two raffles taking place, the second raffle prize being a very exclusive and attractive ladies’ pamper hamper kindly donated by David’s mother, Gina Topping. Jordan Brown expertly managed the topical themed Caribbean table quiz, which was won by Clive Tandy following a tough tie-break head-to-head with young Arran Gorry; who was thrilled to be presented with a bottle of special rum, kindly donated by South Fylde Group Chairman Ben Gorry.
Immediately following the delightful cuisine, a session of limbo dancing got the diners away from their tables, in line ready for their turn. Some spectacular and quite hilarious performances were for all to see! Following the first raffle, the pamper hamper ticket was drawn by Gina Topping, who was pleased to hand the hamper over to winner Emily Park, much to the delight of her father, Ian Park, South Fylde Group Vice Chairman.
In his concluding remarks, David Jenkinson thanked John and Pamela Nicholls for all their hard work and support along with Juan Topping for managing the rum bar and the excellent catering of Lee Munro and the staff of Masonic Event Catering. David thanked everyone in attendance for their involvement during the evening and their considerable generosity in helping to raise £550.
This was a very successful South Fylde Group event that combined fun, fundraising, family and Freemasonry. David had been very pleased during the evening, along with his father John Topping, to give a guided tour of the Palace lodge room to at least one gentleman, who had expressed considerable interest in finding out more about Freemasonry in St Annes.