Come Rain, Come Shine, the Mark Fund Day is a Great Success |
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Sunday 28th June 2015 |
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| For the first time the Annual Mark Fun Day was held at Wellington Park, Leyland with part of the rear car park being taken over to the various rides, slides and swings for the children and some adults as well. | |
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The kids loved the birds |
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| Although it was gloomy and cloudy when the day opened and we all had to seek shelter from a heavy shower, the sun came out and visitors began to arrive in good numbers and by 2’o’clock it was warm and sunny and the children, parents and grandparents were really having a good time. | |
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The magnificent Harris Hawk |
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| With Donkey rides, face painting and a new attraction, the Stocks, the kids were not short of things to explore and many were attracted to Barn Owl Bill’s Charitable Trust stall where, three Owls, a Barn Owl, a Tawny Owl and a Burrowing Owl, together with one of stars of previous Fun Day’s, the magnificent Harris Hawk, a native of the USA, were on display and children were encourage to hold the birds on a gloved hand with many having their photos taken. | |
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The Tawny Owl – one eyed as a result of an accident |
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The Barn Owl |
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| Gloria Hickson, supported by husband Ken, made sure that Bucks Fizz and soft drinks were provided for the adults and the children were given a packet of goodies to break the ice for them on arrival, after which they quickly settled to down to enjoy the day. | |
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‘The Three Musketeers’ – Motto- “None Shall Pass” (without paying!) |
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The Jam and Cake stall |
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Everyone gets out of the rain |
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| Our new PGM Keith Beardmore, accompanied by, DPGM, Geoff Lee and Assistant’s, Michael Clarke and Ian Nairn made sure that everything ran according plan. Paul Snape and Stuart Cowburn were always on hand to help out when needed and Peter Connolly, our recently retired PGM was busy as usual helping alongside his wife Lynn. | |
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Except Mia Glover who braved a heavy shower on a donkey ride |
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| The Walls family, father and son, selling Mark goodies | |
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Watch me hit them! |
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| Everything in full swing | |
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| He’s in charge – Keith Beardmore and Peter Connolly on board – they didn’t get far! |
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| Food was provided once again by our intrepid trio of Andy Baker, Tony Shaw and John Sarti, who provided some excellent burgers and sausage and which proved very popular with the visitors. Well done lads for your superb fayre. | |
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What a machine – the Honda Gold Wing trike |
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| That way!! | |
| A big attraction was a magnificent Honda Gold Wing motor tricycle belonging to Peter Harding of Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Lodge, especially for Keith Beardmore and Peter Connolly who took great pride in sitting aside this enormous machine, whilst posing for photographs, however that’s as far as it got. No riding today boys! | |
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Coppull Brass Band entertain |
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| One of the slides | |
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The children loved the Jumping Jack |
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| Later in the day, two interlopers were caught and put in the stocks, Geoff Lee and Keith Beardmore took a soaking from the crowd which had gathered to watch them receive their punishment for helping to organising such a great event. A whip round among some of the Mark members raised £140 for charity in a mere fifteen minutes, how about that for Masonic generosity!! | |
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| Bucks Fizz anyone? – Gloria Hickson provides the refreshment | |
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Just time for a chat – Tony Shaw and David Rotherham enjoy the sunshine |
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| Ok, Ok I’ll buy a tie (Ian Nairn submits to the expert salesmanship of Steve Walls) | |
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You mean I have to pay for it? |
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| Coppull Brass Band proved to be very popular by providing a good variety a music which was very much appreciated by everyone. Thank you for agreeing to come along to entertain us. | |
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| Guess whose next in the stocks? | |
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Got you! The DPGM takes his punishment |
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| I’m nearly ready | |
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Can I wipe the sweat from your forehead, Keith? |
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| Thanks also goes to the staff at Leyland Masonic hall who provided tea and coffee as well as a superb selection of cakes and snacks in the hall. | |
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| The burger stall was very popular. | |
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Kids enjoy the ride |
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| And the Bungee | |
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Blowing bubbles |
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| Make sure you tell your colleagues in your Mark lodges about the Fun Day. Let’s make sure they come along next year, they and their children don’t know what they are missing. |
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Watch out for the date!! |
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| Article and Photographs Courtesy of Fred Lomax | |
