Victoria Lodge No 2360 in Southport has long been a bastion of that most Masonic of virtues, charity. In addition to the normal regular lodges and charitable donations, they run two special charity events a year. The events have been going for 23 years and as autumn descended the gentlemen of the town once again descended on Southport Masonic Hall for an evening of laughter and revelry.
The evening was once again organised by Peter Wall and Colin Jenkins, who had excelled themselves by organising a Sportsman’s Dinner. Both renowned ex-professional snooker player, John Parrott, and the sublime comedian Austin Knight, came to support the event and help raise money in aid of charitable causes. Peter’s events are always well supported, but the presence of these two superstars lead to a completely sold-out hall as 126 individuals came to give of their time and money in support of charity.
After the usual greetings between old friends at the bar, Peter took his customary position as director of ceremonies for the night. The evening began with Peter orchestrating a verse of Snooker Loopy performed by the entire room. To general mirth, John Parrott immediately imposed a well-deserved fine of £5 a person to be paid to charity for the poor performance! A 3-course meal was then served with the new chef at Southport Masonic Hall once again excelling himself, with the beef for the main course, particularly effective at causing a lull in the chatter! The eating part of the evening concluded with a glass of port for all, which went down extremely well, although not nearly as well as the beef. A quiz was distributed for the guests to ponder over while they enjoyed their food, with the more curious individuals working out most of the answers were in the booklets contained on the tables.
John Parrot then stood to give his talk. A supremely talented sportsman, John became a professional snooker player in 1883, and played with such talents as Ray Reardon, Steve Davis, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry. During one of his earliest televised matches, he came across the legendary Alex Higgins in the last 16, causing an upset by beating him 5-2! John continued to be one of the world’s top players for 30 years, winning a range of ranking events including the world and UK titles in 1991. He was and remains extremely popular among both fans and his fellow players, his legendary wit and friendly manner leading to a successful career in television and commentary.
In 1996, John he was awarded an MBE for services to snooker and his charitable works on Merseyside. John’s popularity amongst the audience was evident as soon as he stood to speak as a lion’s cheer rose across the room to welcome him. With his renowned warmth, John immediately reciprocated with an after-dinner speech filled with jokes and anecdotes that left the room in stiches and wanting more. At the end, an even louder cheer rang out to thank John for the exceptional entertainment, as well as the support he had shown in supporting the evenings charitable endeavour.
A quick trip to the bar for all and the attendees were treated to a second treat as popular comedian Austin Knight rose to give his set. Austin has been doing stand-up since the late 80s, and has written comedy for the likes of Les Dawson, Tommy Cooper and numerous TV shows and films. Austin is also an experienced after dinner speaker and clearly continues to loves his work, as he rose determined not to be outdone by his old friend John! The audience were treated to an exceptional set for the second time in the night, that left them roaring with laughter and wiping the tears from their eyes.
The evening then concluded with Peter running the raffle and auction. This included two pieces of artwork by local Mason Paul Hardman, which were produced in tribute to John Parrot and raised £210 alone.
A total of £3,213 was raised on the night, a princely sum for a single evening. Thanks, are of course due to Peter, John and Auston, not just from the charities, but all those attending. It was a truly exceptional evening and Peter and Colin continue to set ever higher expectations every time they organise an event.