Furness and South Lakeland Group Masonic Fellowship has had a remarkable year with several new and exciting speakers, trips out and activities, culminating in a very festive Christmas lunch which was enjoyed by 72 members and guests.
The fellowship’s guests this year were the group’s Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Schofield and his wife Michelle, group chairman Chris Gray and his wife Hayley, group secretary Tony Jackson and his wife Zoe and Past Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison and his wife Maureen, who are both good friends of the group and the fellowship. Tony was amazed and delighted to see so many members of the Fellowship present and commented how well things are going. All our visitors were thanked for supporting our fellowship.
After a drink’s reception, which this year included a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, everyone moved into the dining room which was decorated beautifully for Christmas. With grateful thanks to the decorators. After the chairman David Smith had welcomed everyone and said grace, everyone enjoyed a three course Christmas lunch and a selection of drinks which were served by volunteer stewards from local lodges. The stewards were thanked alongside the caterers when they all received Christmas gifts. David then returned thanks.
The guests then moved onto the festive fun which was again organised by the fellowship’s vice chairman Terry Ridal. The entertainment started off reasonably quietly with three traditional carols but was intentionally interrupted by Father Christmas who came to hand out table gifts to the lucky recipients who had their names pulled out of boxes. Once Father Christmas has said his farewells, everyone returned to the entertainment starting with the carol ‘We three kings of orient are’. The three kings taking part this year were Malcolm Brown, Albert Saunders and Jim Richards.
Next, came the carol ‘I saw three ships come sailing in’ which was devised as a round with each table taking turns with a verse and everyone singing the chorus. As there are only five verses some extra ones had to be devised so each of the nine tables could take part. As usual, mayhem ensued and it continued with everyone singing the carol ‘Jingle bells’ whist shaking their bells.
Terry then brought the excitement back down and finished off with his own very relevant poem outlining the real meaning of Christmas. David closed the afternoon festivities with good wishes and safe journeys home.