Victoria Lodge No 2360 in Southport has long been a bastion of that most Masonic of virtues, charity. In addition to the normal regular lodges and charitable donations they run two special charity events a year. The events have been going for 23 years and now are organised by Peter Wall, who has become something of a superstar at organisation and promotions.
On a Friday night, Peter once again excelled himself by organising a comedy night with the superb comedian Mick Miller. Peter’s events are always well supported by Southport Freemasons in general, including the group chairman Phil Stock. But the presence of a set by Mick lead to an exceptionally packed hall as 122 people came to give of their time and money in support of charity. Despite Southport being blessed with a large main function room, the hall was packed to the point that no more tickets could have been sold!
After the usual greetings between old friends at the bar, Peter took his customary position as director of ceremonies for the night. The evening began with Peter orchestrating a verse of Give Me Sunshine performed by the entire room. To general mirth, Mick immediately imposed a well-deserved fine of £5 a person to be paid to charity for the poor performance!
A three-course meal was then served, with the new chef at Southport Masonic Hall once again excelling himself, with the roast beef main particularly effective at causing a lull in the chatter! The eating part of the evening concluded with a glass of port for all, (going down well, although not nearly as well as the roast beef), before Peter stood once again to honour the loyal toast.
Mick Miller began life as a goalkeeper, but has over 40 years’ experience in the comedy circuit and having lasted longer than many of his peers he has worked with the likes of Chuck Berry, Jonny Vegas, Jason Manford and Peter Kay. The Masons of Southport were very much the benefit of that experience as Mick rose to begin his set. The brethren were regaled with anecdotes, jokes and one-liners over a generous set that left the hall roaring and wiping away tears of laughter until late into the evening.
The evening then concluded with a Peter running the raffle and auction, one item raising £110 alone. A total of £1,529 was raised on the night, a princely sum for a single evening. Thanks, are of course due to Peter and Mick, not just from the charities but all those Masons attending. It was a truly exceptional evening and no doubt after a well-deserved rest over the summer, Peter will be asked if he is organising the next one!