The highlight for me was the unveiling of the ear of corn near to a fall of running water! The 5 noble orders of architecture and the 7 liberal Arts and Sciences were then paraded around the Lodge. Many members of the Lodge acted as E.A. and F.C. freemasons, scene shifters, banner bearers and generally helped in the smooth and professional delivery of a very interesting, educational and humorous portrayal of the Second Degree Tracing Board.

A cheque for £880-00 was given, to mark the occasion, for the Mark Benevolent fund. W. Bro. Geoff. Crossland ( P.G.Std.Br. Des) coordinated the evening in his capacity as Lodge Secretary and with 109 dining he was kept on his toes. At the Festive Board a freshly minted Mark Token ordered by the Worshipful Master was available, with the proceeds going to the charities.

After the Prov. Grand Master had thanked the Lodge on their sterling efforts, he was presented with a set of miniature tracing boards. On a sad note it was the last Team Visit of a very successful year and thought to be a year of record attendances by the acting Provincial Officers, all are to be congratulated; there were one or two moist eyes as they handed their “Gongs” back to the Provincial Secretary.

The last speaker of the evening was W. Bro. Bob Mc Gown P.G.A.D.C. Chairman of the Blackpool & District Association of Mark Lodges who thanked Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge for an exceptional evening and called on W. Bro. Alan Gould, Master of Prince Setanta Mark Lodge No. 1446. to host the Festival next year, who was delighted to accept.