Members, partners, family and friends once again gathered at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool for Harmonic Lodge No. 216 ever-popular Ladies to Dine Karaoke Evening. Following the success of previous years, the event returned to the Sefton Suite for another evening of fellowship, entertainment and fundraising.
As has become tradition at Harmonic Lodge, the final meeting of the Masonic season was followed by the social event, which has grown into one of the highlights of the lodge calendar. The evening provides an opportunity for members to enjoy the company of their partners and guests whilst raising funds for the lodge’s charitable activities.
The lodge meeting was presided over by the master Ian Elsby, who welcomed the brethren to the final regular meeting of the season. Once the necessary business had been completed and the lodge closed in due form, the brethren retired to the Sefton Suite where guests had already begun gathering and enjoying pre-dinner refreshments.
As always, director of ceremonies John Donnelly was the architect of the evening’s entertainment. Well known throughout the Gladstone Group for both his organisational skills and his love of music, John once again transformed the Sefton Suite into a concert venue with the aid of his own karaoke system and an extensive catalogue of songs.
A delicious buffet meal was enjoyed by all, accompanied by excellent company and plentiful refreshments. Throughout the evening members of Harmonic Lodge and Ian mingled with members and guests, ensuring that everyone received the warm welcome for which Harmonic Lodge is renowned. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, with plenty of laughter and conversation around the room.
Following the meal, lodge members and guests enthusiastically supported the traditional raffle and other fundraising activities, helping to ensure another successful evening in support of the lodge’s charitable causes, with a magnificent total of £335 raised on the night.
The entertainment then moved centre stage as John opened the karaoke proceedings with several popular classics before inviting members and guests to demonstrate their own vocal talents. As in previous years, any initial hesitation quickly disappeared and before long the stage was rarely empty.
One of the highlights of the evening came courtesy of past master Phil ‘Elvis’ Marshall, who treated guests to a memorable alternative rendition of Eric Clapton’s classic ‘Wonderful Tonight’. The performance was received with great enthusiasm and generated plenty of laughter and applause from those present.
A varied selection of songs filled the Sefton Suite, ranging from pop favourites and country classics to well-known songs from stage and screen. Members and guests alike embraced the spirit of the occasion, proving once again that Harmonic Lodge can combine friendship, hospitality and entertainment in equal measure.
All too soon the evening drew to a close and guests reluctantly departed, many already looking forward to next year’s event. Once again, Harmonic Lodge had demonstrated that whilst Freemasonry is founded upon important principles and traditions, there is always room for fellowship, laughter and the occasional karaoke classic.
Whether or not any future recording contracts emerge from the performances remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, Harmonic Lodge once again hit all the right notes.