Old Huttonian Lodge No 7614 of the Chorley and Leyland Group is a member of the Federation of School Lodges and meets five times a year within the school hall of Hutton Grammar School. With April being the fifth and final lodge meeting of the season, the members always look forward to a brief business meeting followed by a splendid old English night of fun and frivolity in the school dining room.
The lodge meeting was efficiently led and managed by WM Trevor Partington who dealt with all aspects of business in his usual skilful manner. He was delighted to conduct a ballot for two new joining members which proved successful. Both brethren will be welcomed into Old Huttonian Lodge at its September installation meeting. During the meeting lodge almoner David Dickinson gave a health update regarding a number of members and the WM thanked him for his hard work and continued commitment to this important office.
The lodge was closed in due form and the furniture, regalia and all equipment speedily stored away till the next season. All members and visitors retired to the dining room for much needed refreshment and for a number of brethren to meet their gentlemen guests, ready for the start of the festive board. The main feature of liquid refreshment was a 72 pint barrel of Lancashire ale.
Following an official welcome from WM Trevor, a grace was given by the acting chaplain and all 50 diners tucked into the starter course of black pudding and soft poached egg on a bed of salad. At the end of this course, WM Trevor was pleased to take wine with grand officers Ben Gorry and Neil Ward. He continued to share wine with his immediate past master John Topping followed in turn with his wardens and lodge officers.
A main course promptly followed with a delicious home-made steak pudding, mash and peas which was enjoyed by all. Old Huttonian Lodge is always grateful to Masonic Event Catering based at The Palace, St Annes on Sea for their consistent very high-quality food and service.
A cheese and biscuits platter was served by Old Huttonian members as the usual perfect complement to the previous two courses. Any remaining cheese following this dessert course is quickly bagged up to be given as raffle prizes.
A brown envelope raffle was conducted efficiently by lodge treasurer and charity steward Dave Johnson. It was pleasing to see a good number of gentlemen picking up raffle prizes including the bagged cheese and biscuits to enjoy later at home. The raffle raised £265 and the charity plate in the lodge raised £83.
Immediate past master John Topping congratulated WM Trevor on this, his last meeting prior to the September installation ceremony and wished him well for the summer break. John commented on the positive ballot for two new joining members and wished them every success for their membership starting in September. Trevor James Partington thanked John for the kind words and he expressed his gratitude to everyone for their attendance.
The toast to the visitors was in the capable hands of junior warden Luke Walton who thanked all visitors and gentlemen for their attendance and hoped that the gentlemen would return to the old English nights in the future. A response to the toast to the visitors was announced by director of ceremonies Ian Heyes who introduced Martin Parker of Longton Lodge No 6237 and Richard Dennison of Heyham Lodge No 4108.
Both Martin and Richard entertained the festive board for over thirty minutes with their own repertoire of stand-up comedy, for which they received a rousing round of applause. The tylers toast was delivered by Damian McKeand which brought the 2026 Old Huttonian Lodge’s old English night to its end.
