St. George Mark & RAM, No's. 553 celebrate |
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HRH, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in great style at Garston Masonic Hall. |
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| On Saturday 14th April 2012, St. George Mark and RAM Lodges met for their annual celebration of England’s Patron Saint, St. George but on this occasion there was more to celebrate with HRH, Queen Elizabeth II forthcoming Diamond Jubilee in June of this year. | |
| The Provincial Grand Master and Lynne joined 82 other Brethren and Guests for a splendid evening of dinner and entertainment. The Garston Masonic Hall dining room was very tastefully decorated to suit the occasion having borrowed some of the PGM's flags and standards who, as we all know is a very keen Vexillologist. (for those in the know - from the Latin – Vexillum - flags). He was showing his patriotism with his union waistcoat dress but was in competition with the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. | |
V.W.Bro. Eric Hughes and many others who had dressed for the celebration. |
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The PGM in his finery and competition from V.W.Bro. Eric Hughes and Kath. |
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The W.M. W.Bro. Jack Stewart, |
W. C. W.Bro. Bryan Humphries and Brenda with Lynne Connolly. |
| The Worshipful Master, W. Bro. Jack Stewart of St. George Mark (92 years old) and Worshipful Commander W. Bro. Bryan Humphries, were pleased to welcome all the brethren and their guests to this special occasion. They were able assisted by some of the brethren from both Lodges viz; W. Bro. David Withey, Secretary and Scribe, V. W. Bro. Eric Hughes, acting as the MC for the evening, W. Bro. Ken Baxter, Eric’s assistant, W. Bro. Graham Sinden, our Treasurer, W. Bro. Norman Long, our Charity Steward and finally, Bro. Peter Barker, the Hall Caterer and his staff for a splendid meal and Mrs Carol Ball and daughter Karen who not only decorated the Hall on our behalf but gave us splendid service from the bar which was well patronised. | |
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W. Bro. David Withey and guests |
W. Bro. Ken Baxter and Ann.(on his left) |
W.Bro's. Norman Long and Jack Parker extracting money with raffle tickets (standing at rear) |
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A happy Treasurer (seated centre) |
Bro. Peter Barker and Sue (centre) |
As always on these occasions, the prime object was to raise money for our Mark Charities and this was achieved through the generosity of the brethren and guests and the magnificent sum in excess of £400 was forthcoming for our worthy causes. The only toast of the evening was to HM Queen Elisabeth II and was enthusiastically followed by the National Anthem. After dinner we were entertained by “Robert Paul” and it wasn’t too long before a makeshift dance floor provided the men with some exertion but a delight to watch the ladies cavorting in their usual energetic style. |
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A crowded dining room. |
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| During the course of the dinner W. Bro. Barry Tomlinson and Linda received the good news, via email on his mobile that they were yet again proud Grandparents to a lovely boy called, appropriately “Noah”. | |
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Proud Grandparents Barry (centre) with Linda (on his right) |
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| Tired but happy, the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and Lynne departed home on the last train from Garston as did many others but the night had been a resounding success due to the friendly atmosphere and generosity of Garston Mark Masons. | |
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