Once again, many of the Southport light blues gathered together for a great social night out, in what is fast becoming the go-to date on the monthly calendar. The social group is fast gaining momentum, and a mighty 30 brethren first met up at the arranged muster point of Southport Old Market at 7pm.
Brethren were very grateful to have the company of the Provincial Grandmaster Mark Matthews, who was as keen to get to know the brethren as they were to meet him in a more relaxed atmosphere. Also present was group chairman Phil Stock. Thanks, are also due to the popular duo of Alister Sainter for coordinating the event and taking director of ceremonies duties to greet everyone, and group secretary Richard Jenkinson, for organising things in his usual warm but efficient manner.
Word is spreading that the light blues nights out are about making new friends, mixing with like-minded people, sharing experiences and building camaraderie. Equally important is good food with a couple of beers, or soft drinks for those who were driving home! Indeed, following on the success of last times light blues leading to a new Mason, there were amongst the crowd this time three non-Masons, who were curious as to what Freemasonry could possibly be about. It must be said the curious trio were made very welcome indeed by the mix of new and experienced brethren, with both light blues and dark blues represented in force.
After a couple of rounds in the Old Market, brethren headed over to New China City, where they were served a fantastic banquet consisting of several courses of really quality food. Then there was also a surprise celebration of a birthday, which New China City do very well. The staff gathered around the ‘birthday boy’, clanging pots and pans and singing along with fellow brethren a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’. At New China City, the tradition is that a shot glass of spirit is presented, to be downed in one, by the celebrant. This time, however, the birthday being celebrated was completely fictitious and secretly planned for the ‘water drinking’ Richard Jenkinson. He was rescued by his son, who stepped up to the mark and drank the shot.
Dessert followed and fortune cookies were given out. Fittingly, the organiser Alister Sainter’s message was that we should always remember to help others, which truly reflects what Freemasonry and this group in particular, is all about.
As the evening drew to a close, discussion turned enthusiastically to the next meeting. The brethren are lucky enough to have in their midst Tony Baker, a scholarly gentleman who is an operative Mason as well as a speculative. Indeed, he worked at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool for many years. Alister has promised to plan a visit for the light blues group (and any interested dark blues), and Tony has agreed to conduct a guided tour around the Cathedral. His expert knowledge of the architecture, the Masonic significance of the stonework and the history is fascinating and has already been the subject of a talk at Silver Jubilee Lodge of Installed Masters No 8818. Obviously, food and drink will also part of the event.
Information will be available on the group notice board and communicated by lodge secretaries soon, and all are encouraged to book in early as numbers are likely to be limited. Brethren interested in this, and other light blue’s events may also wish to join the brand spanking new Light Blue WhatsApp Group, which Alister himself is setting up.
After a brief, but vibrant, sing along of ‘Happy to meet, Sorry to part’, the brethren did indeed part, looking forward to next month’s catch up with eager anticipation as light blues continue to foster friendships that grow and grow.
