It hardly seems like yesterday when members of the Gladstone Group expectantly gathered for the last group dinner, which coming just after the COVID restrictions had finally been lifted, meant a return to normal was on the way. On reading the email from Gladstone Group Vice Chairman Matt Casson, that the Gladstone Group Dinner would soon be upon us, it was reminiscent of that famous quote: ‘Another one!’ from Brenda of Bristol, back in 2017, after being informed by a journalist from the BBC of a snap general election called by then Prime Minister, Theresa May.
However, on looking at the calendar, it was indeed two years since the last Gladstone Group Dinner and with arrangements made and tables booked, members of the many lodges and chapters of the Gladstone Group were indeed looking forward to gathering at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool for the Group Dinner once again.
At the reception desk were the team of Tom Murphy, Liam Buchanan, Dave Owen, Dave Beckett and Chris Barnes, with group secretary Patrick Kent and treasurer Paul McLachlan on hand to give a warm welcome. With a glass of sparkling wine and a name badge it was time to enter the reception arranged in the Empire Room for entered apprentices, fellow crafts and newly made master Masons, plus master’s and first principals in office. It was soon busy with conversations with the Gladstone Group executive present, and of course principal guest, the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews in attendance, who was attending his first Gladstone Group Dinner since his installation as Provincial Grand Master.
Accompanying Mark were members of the Provincial team, Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald, Provincial Senior Grand Warden Michael Tax, Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Rigby, Provincial Deputy Grand Secretary Mick Southern and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes.
Ian Sanderson, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, was accompanied by the Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar, vice chairman Matt Casson and group secretary Patrick Kent. Group treasurer Paul McLachlan, charity steward Sean Keyes, almoner Stephen Riley, membership officer Malcolm Hodgson and publicity officer Mike Fox were all on hand to speak with the many guests present at the reception.
By now the remaining guests had begun to arrive and the reception area was busy with name badges and welcome drinks being handed out in equal measure. The guests making their way to the Pearce Suite and finding their tables from the table plans. Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Barry Fitzgerald announced would guests start to take their seats, and all stood and applauded as Mark Matthews accompanied by Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar and other distinguished guests took their places.
A delicious meal was served, consisting of a goat’s cheese and caramelised red onion tart, traditional roast chicken main with all of the trimmings and favourite apple pie and custard, with a carefully curated selection of red and white wine, and port on each table. In-between murmurs of appreciation for the meal, the conversation flowed as guests caught up with each other and enjoyed the companionship around each table.
Following the meal, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes, called for the attention of all present and directed Joseph Williams, of Croxteth United Services Lodge No 786 to give a presentation to the Provincial Grand Master and all present. Joseph who has only recently become a master Mason, talked about the Gladstone Group Light Blues’ Club.
Showing a selection of photographs of the club’s social activities, with 30 members already having joined the club, Joseph explained that they try to meet for a social activity once a month with the aim of providing support and friendship for new Masons, and a social scene where they can meet outside of lodges. Joseph explained that they had attended a whisky tasting event, at the Puffin Rooms in the city centre, and showed a number of photographs of the event with all present clearly having an enjoyable evening. On that occasion over £100 had been raised for charitable causes, they are always looking for new members and asked all those present to let any new or ‘light blue’ Masons know about the club, and to let Joseph know so that he could talk with them about the light blue club.
Joseph was warm and humorous and clearly is passionate about the light blue club and is looking forward to spreading more news about the club to the wider group. At the culmination of his presentation, he was rightfully applauded and the Provincial Grand Master thanked Joseph for his impressive presentation and that he should be prepared for an Influx of new members!
Mark expressed his wish that all present should enjoy their Freemasonry, and judging from the happy faces and camaraderie around the room that was clearly the case. Praising the Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar, vice-chairman. Matt Casson and secretary, Patrick Kent for all their considerable hard work in running the Gladstone Group. Mark also mentioned to the group, with regards to the illness of John James, Assistant Provincial grand Master with responsibilities for the Gladstone Group, and that he was sure from all attendees that we all wished John a speedy recovery.
Group chairman Paul Storrar, in response then rose and asked all present in a word, to describe the group. Paul summarised the various responses as ‘quirky’, with many lodges and chapters all of whom are very different, both in their rituals, traditions and ‘quirks’. That he was proud to lead the group, and in-turn, also thanked Matt for his considerable organisational skills and Patrick for his assistance as group secretary.
Paul explained that a new team would be set up as a form of a lodge of instruction. which could be invited to any lodge in the group and would explain in detail all of the various ritual nuances, meanings and symbolism we have all come to observe but perhaps could advance our Masonic knowledge from a lodge of instruction. Further details would be forthcoming with the general consensus being that it would be interesting to observe and learn from a lodge of instruction.
Paul also explained that following the appointment of acting officers within the group, John Donnelly of Harmonic Lodge No 216 as Provincial Junior Grand Warden, Anthony Collins of Lodge of Grace No 6418 and Mike Fox of Adelphi Lodge No 6819, both as Provincial Grand Stewards, he had asked John Reynolds of Cecil Lodge No. 3274, to advise newly appointed and promoted brethren as regards their responsibilities and expectations as a Provincial officer.
It was then the turn of Provincial Grand Senior Warden Michael Tax, who proposed a toast to the health of the Gladstone Group, Michael explained that the group contained some of the oldest lodges in the province, St Georges Lodge of Harmony No 32, Lodge of Perseverance No 155 and Harmonic Lodge No 216, all of whom have been meeting since the mid to latter part of the 18th century. With Grassendale Alliance Lodge No 667 and Imperial Sefton Lodge No 680 following on in the 19th century, and then in the post war period, University Lodge of Liverpool No 4274, Lodge of Grace, Adelphi Lodge, to name a few, that there was a wealth of history, tradition and modernity across the group. Coupled with meeting places at the Adelphi, Athenaeum, and Artists Club, the group was different in that all its lodges and chapters don’t meet in a Masonic hall. Which in an echo to chairman, Paul’s comment earlier helps to preserve it’s ‘quirkiness’.
Michael thanked the group for it’s hard work, praising not only current group chairman, Paul Storrar, but also previous group chairmen from whom the strong foundations of the group have been built praising Bill Culshaw who was also present, as well as John James. Michael also thanked Matt Casson for organising the event, and secretary Patrick Kent, along with all the group officers present for their work in support. At the culmination of his toast a well-deserved round of applause was due to Michael for his excellent toast to the health of the group.
Vice chairman Matt Casson was then called to perform a pleasant duty, and assisted by Provincial Grand Steward, Liam Buchanan, presented the Provincial Grand Master, Mark with flowers, as well as a gift for his own personal enjoyment. Matt also presented Ian Sanderson, Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals, with a gift in token of thanks for all Ian does for the group. In a surprise move by Matt, he also presented group chairman, Paul Storrar with a gift as well, in recognition of the work that Paul does for the group.
As with all occasions, all good things must come to an end and so Joe Williams was called upon for the last toast of the evening, and with the tyler’s toast, a successful, Gladstone Group Dinner was called to an end. We’re all already looking forward to ‘another one’!