There are few finer sights on a summer’s day than a barbecue in full swing, the smoke drifting, the burgers turning, and friends catching up over a cold drink. Add a healthy dose of Masonic generosity and you have the recipe for something truly special. That is exactly what the brethren of Wyre Lodge No 7704 served up on Saturday 11 July, when their annual summer BBQ raised a magnificent £4,600 for two much-loved local causes – Brian House Children’s Hospice and Great Arley School.
The Park Suite at Cleveleys Masonic Hall exploded into life at 2pm as more than 140 people rolled in for the biggest, loudest and sunniest barbecue the lodge has ever thrown. Members, families and friends packed the venue for an afternoon of fine food, laughter and fellowship in glorious weather. Proof, if any were needed, that doing good and having a thoroughly enjoyable time are natural companions.
Keeping the party in full voice throughout was the lodge’s own WM Mark Clifford – better known on occasions like this as ‘Mark Bomber’, host of his famous all-laughter karaoke show, who had the crowd singing along all afternoon, some more tunefully than others, though nobody seemed to mind.
The star attraction of the day was undoubtedly the raffle, with a top prize to set pulses racing: a week’s holiday for two in Tenerife, generously donated by David Parks. The lucky winners were Glenda and Dave Parkinson, who will soon be swapping the Fylde Coast for Canarian sunshine. Warmest congratulations to them both. The proceeds will be shared between Brian House Children’s Hospice and Great Arley School, Thornton, two organisations whose work makes a profound difference to families and young people across the Fylde Coast.
The lodge was delighted to welcome North Fylde Group Vice Chairman John Topping, who joined the festivities and drew the winning ticket. John said: “I was delighted to be asked by master of ceremonies Mark Bomber to draw the winning ticket for the top prize of a week’s holiday in Tenerife. Congratulations to the members of Wyre Lodge, together with their wives and partners, on such an enjoyable and impressive fundraising event and a special thank you to the volunteers, led by Dex Wilde, who spent two days preparing the grounds to make the day possible.”
Brian House, based in Bispham, is the only children’s hospice on the Fylde Coast. Part of Trinity Hospice, it provides specialist care for babies, children, and young people living with life-limiting conditions, supporting around 80 local youngsters and their families at any one time. Every one of its services, from respite breaks to bereavement support, is provided completely free of charge, and the hospice relies on the generosity of its local community to raise more than £1,000,000 every year to keep its doors open. It is a place where seriously ill children can play, laugh, and make precious memories, just as every child should.
Great Arley School on Holly Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, has been serving the Fylde and Wyre communities since 1963. The school provides a warm, family atmosphere for around 100 pupils aged 4 to 16 with special educational needs, helping every child to feel valued, supported, and able to flourish. Donations such as this help the school to provide the extra experiences and resources that make such a difference to its young students.
Wyre Lodge extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, donated, and helped to make this year’s BBQ such a resounding success, not least David Parks for his spectacular raffle prize, Dex Wilde and his team of volunteers for preparing the grounds, and Mark Clifford for keeping the entertainment flowing.
Every burger flipped, raffle ticket bought, and generous hand reaching into a pocket is translated directly into care and opportunity for local children. Kindness of this magnitude has a lasting impact, and the brethren are already looking forward to firing up the grill again next year. Events like this capture what Freemasonry in West Lancashire is all about: integrity, friendship, respect, and service, enjoyed in the very best of company.