The third Tuesday of the month is the day when the local Fylde light blues get together in a café or similar venue for an informal morning cup of tea and a chat. The August 2026 meeting was held in the beautiful art deco café situated in the centre of Blackpool’s award winning Stanley Park and was attended by six brethren.
Vice chairman of the North Fylde Group John Topping, who a former group publicity officer over many years, thought it would be a good idea for the Fylde light blues to discuss publicity in Freemasonry and how to get the best local strategic publicity coverage for cheque giving, presentations and any other event which shows community engagement with Freemasonry at its very best.
Armed with a range of recent and quite historic press coverage news items as well as Provincial printed magazines going back over 20 years, John gave the team a quick walk through the stories and events contained within the material. The general consensus was that some of pictures could have been taken recently rather than 21 years ago, the content and context being very similar as today, except the characters making the presentations are now considerably older and some being no longer with us.
A discussion followed around the topic of social media and how best to work in partnership with it. In conclusion, John Topping suggested that Facebook material from the Fylde light blues would be better contained within the Fylde Coast region; so as not to get mixed up with social media content of other Provincial groups.
The team also discussed what is perceived as an over-use of American style Freemasonry symbols, icons and narrative in regular communications. It was felt by all in attendance that they should all be actively sourcing content that best supports the English constitution. The team also considered a number of ways to promote the social calendar of the Fylde Light Blues Club, so as to maximise attendance at all the events.
Two hours passed quickly and before the group departed, Chairman of the Fylde Light Blues Club Ian Fell, supported by secretary Del Hernen, thanked everyone for their attendance, he also thanked John Topping for his publicity themed input and for sharing such a wide range of local good news stories about Freemasonry at the meeting.
