A bright autumn day at The Italian Orchard Restaurant at Broughton was a perfect setting for Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah’s past and present to enjoy a social lunch with their partners. The event was organised by outgoing club secretary Ian Cuerden and supported by nine other companions. The Nehemiah Club has been meeting as a social group twice a year, with the autumn event being a joint event with partners.
Following a brief introduction by Ian Cuerden, Chris Band and Ian Cuerden presented a beautiful chrysanthemum outdoor plant to Anne Clark as a tribute to her, following the passing during 2025 of her late husband Frank. Gina Topping was welcomed to the event and presented with a similar outdoor plant as the wife of the latest Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah, John Topping.
Ian Cuerden announced that Chris Band had very recently been promoted to the very high rank of Past Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland. Chris is a founder of Flowerden Chapter No 7576 in the Province of Cumberland and Westmorland and has been its first principal three times.
During a recent business meeting of Flowerden Chapter, the Grand Superintendent of Cumberland and Westmorland asked for Chris to be placed in front of him and then appointed him Past Provincial Grand Scribe Ezra. Everyone was delighted to hear Ian’s news and gave Chris a round of applause and many congratulations. Ian Cuerden also congratulated David Barr on his recent promotion to Deputy Grand Superintendent of the Province of West Lancashire.
The diners enjoyed a superb two-course Italian Orchard lunch and as the event was coming towards an end, the current Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah, John Topping, rose and thanked Ian Cuerden for his work in arranging this event and all the Nehemiah Club socials over many years. Ian received a round of applause from all in attendance. John has received many requests to continue holding their autumn social event at The Italian Orchard Restaurant.
