Singleton Lodge Country House Hotel, a unique three-storey Georgian hotel set within five acres of grounds in the village of Singleton near Poulton Le Fylde was a perfect setting for the brethren, families and friends of New Sanctuary Lodge No 6604 to meet on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon. This popular venue has been a firm favourite for North Fylde Group’s New Sanctuary Lodge for a number of years.
Prior to the first course of fanned Galia melon, smoked Scottish salmon or pan-fried field mushrooms, the 54 diners listened intently as lodge secretary and charity steward Del Hernen welcomed everyone on behalf of the WM John Laughton, who was sadly unable to attend due to illness. Del also welcomed North Fylde Group Chairman Eddie Wilkinson along with his wife Jeanette. Sat alongside Eddie was vice chairman John Topping.
Del announced that John’s parents, Jack and Lillian Topping, were also present, who only the previous week had celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Jack and Lillian received a rapturous round of applause and were presented with some beautiful flowers by Del and Polly Hernen. A grace was given by chaplain and lodge treasurer Mark Heelis.
During his welcoming address, Del thanked everyone for the generous raffle gifts and informed the guests that Polly and Trudy would be coming round shortly to sell raffle tickets. Del also referred to the small brown envelopes on the table which were for an extra draw for a special limited release of a one litre bottle of an 18 year old single malt whisky, kindly donated by John Topping.
The main course included slow roasted leg of lamb, Scottish salmon fillet and roasted vegetable lasagne, accompanied with seasonal vegetables. A dessert of sticky toffee pudding, chocolate and orange torte or ice cream was the perfect way to complete the delightful cuisine. Mark Heelis returned thanks after everyone had finished dining.
At the appropriate moment, Del skilfully managed the whisky draw which was won by Emily Williams to great applause. The numerous raffle numbers were swiftly called and prizes expertly distributed by Mark Heelis and lodge junior warden Andy Chappell.
The Sunday lunch was brought to its conclusion by lodge stalwart Alan Dean who, on behalf of WM John Laughton thanked everyone for their attendance and generosity, wishing everyone a safe journey home. Del Hernen announced that the raffle had raised the sum of £360 which combined with £115 from the whisky draw amounted to the splendid total of £475.
