The Palace, St Annes on Sea was the venue for a first ever South Fylde Group Oktoberfest event. Organised by group charity steward David Jenkinson and deputy group charity steward Jordan Brown, this charity event was themed very much around the original German Oktoberfest with attendees encouraged to wear traditional German clothing and accessories, if they wished.
The bar was buzzing with anticipation as a famous Bavarian guest lager, namely Dortmunder Pils was being efficiently served by Frau Pamela Nicholls alongside bar meister John Nicholls. As the sounds of typical bierkeller music gently wafted around The Palace, David Jenkinson welcomed everyone and explained the fund-raising activities that were taking place, namely topical German general knowledge quizzes, nine dart highest score, grand raffle accompanied by a very special prize. David also explained the timings for the evening German themed cuisine created and served by the in-house Masonic Event Catering. On the menu was loaded pretzel bun pork burger, bratwurst sausage, coleslaw, followed by apple strudel and cream or custard.
The nine dart bierkeller championship was expertly managed by Lodge of Triumph No 1061 member Jack Todd who oversaw the contestants and explained the rules. At the end of the night after much rivalry, the winner was Juan ‘Tornado’ Topping with a score of 187, who received an impressive glass stein and bottle of authentic Bavarian bottle beer. It was nice to see youngsters in attendance with their parents, especially Arran Gorry aged 11 who enjoyed the nine dart experience.
Prior to raffle tickets being sold, John Topping explained that his wife Gina had donated a very special 1991 Christmas bell which was an unopened and sealed ceramic Bells whisky decanter which had 22 carat gold decorations. The condition of this Christmas bell was described as immaculate. The 100 special raffle tickets sold within minutes and raised £200.
At the presentation the lucky Bells draw was won by Dave McKee who was delighted with his success and the prize was presented by Gina Topping. The quiz winners were Jen Markham and James Shuttleworth who also received a stein and Bavarian bottle beer.
David Jenkinson said that he would like to give a special thank you to John and Pam at The Palace for all their efforts and support with the evening, also to Lee Munro and his Masonic Event Catering team for the delicious Bavarian themed food and to his school colleague Jack Todd for organising the darts. The charity team has been blown away by the level of support and ultimately the amount we were able to raise for charity. We have raised the magnificent sum of £732 towards Masonic and non-Masonic funds. The evening couldn’t have been a success without you all, your efforts are greatly appreciated. From discussions around the room I think we have sparked interest in at least three gentlemen wishing to join Freemasonry.
Report and pictures by John Topping