East Lancashire Masonic Charity

Comforts Fund Committee

 

Autumn Day Out -  Tuesday 16th September 2008

The Comforts Fund Committee continued their yearly program with an Autumn Day Out which took place on Tuesday 16th September 2008.

The day commenced at 9.30am when some 49 beneficiaries together with the Comforts Fund Committee Chairman, his lady, and other Committee members and guests, arrived at Middleton Masonic Hall for a coffee and biscuits reception. On this occasion we were delighted to welcome a small number of guests from Hewlett Court.

By 10.30am all were settled on the coach and heading towards the County of Shropshire.


The luncheon took place about 12.30pm at The Mercure Albrighton Hall and Spa Hotel, near Shrewsbury. We were soon enjoying a mouth watering soup or Melon starter. This was followed by Welsh Lamb together with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The excellent meal was accompanied by a glass of wine or if preferred a soft drink.

We departed from the hotel about 2.15pm and soon arrived at the afternoon venue which this year was the Blists Hill Victorian Town. This living and working museum is set in 50 acres of beautiful woodland, and forms part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum at Coalbrookdale, Telford.

As we entered the museum we realised that we were in fact walking into the world of a working community at the turn of the last century. We were able to meet the Victorian townsfolk and walk around the shops, cottages and work places which showed how people lived and worked about 100 years ago.

The Committee members and guests accompanied some of our beneficiaries around the museum. Despite the current uncertain economic climate many first visited the local Lloyds Bank and were able to exchange decimal money for Victorian token coins including pennies, half-pennies and farthings!

Some decided to take refreshment at the New Inn Public House and join in the sing a long whilst others visited the Sweetshop, Bakery and Butchers where related goods could be purchased with the Victorian money.

Although somewhat cloudy throughout the day the rain held off and it wasn’t long before it was time to leave and return to the real World. By 5pm we were heading back to Middleton Masonic Hall where we arrived a little later than usual at 7pm. It had been a long tiring day for some!

All agreed it had been a worthwhile and most enjoyable day. It had been nice to meet and chat again with friends not seen since the Summer Holiday.  

WBro Stephen Smith
Chairman,
ELMC Comforts Fund Committee

Spring Party -  Wednesday 9th April 2008

The Comforts Fund Committee started their traditional yearly program with the Spring Party which was held at Hemsley House, The Crescent, Salford on Wednesday, 9th April 2008.

The event was supported by the President of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity, RWBro Paul James Ernest Rink OBE, and a number of the Assistant PGM's and their partners.

From 4pm onwards the Comforts Fund Committee Chairman, WBro Stephen Smith, together with other Committee members and their partners, greeted some ninety two Beneficiaries, guests, and officers, for an afternoon tea and biscuits reception. It wasn’t long before longstanding friendships were being rekindled as many had not seen each other since the annual ELMC holiday last summer. We were also delighted once again to welcome a small group of residents from Hewlett Court.

The reception was followed in the early evening by a most enjoyable formal three course Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding dinner in the main dining hall. During this time relaxing background piano music was played by Ben Blackston.

After the dinner we were superbly entertained by a hearty male singer who had travelled from Yorkshire to be with us. WBro John Whitworth, a well known local mason himself, was accompanied by a very accomplished pianist, WBro David Rodgers.

We listened to a variety of songs including some from My Fair Lady, South Pacific and Fiddler on The Roof. Such a powerful voice had John that no microphone was needed here! Not much encouragement was needed and before long the audience joined in the singing. There was also much laughter at the intermittent short story told by John in his traditional Yorkshire accent!

During the evening the Committee members and officers were able to circulate and chat amongst the Beneficiaries. Each guest was presented with a small gift wrapped present in the form of a table handbag holder for the Ladies and an engraved pen for the Gentlemen.

A colourful flower display on each table was provided by Julie Wards’ mother Norma. Towards the end of the evening these wonderful arrangements were given away as table prizes.

The Beneficiaries are used to enjoying a pleasant and entertaining evening at their Spring Party and on this occasion they were not disappointed!

WBro. Stephen Smith
Chairman Comforts Fund Committee.

Outings in 2006      Outing in Spring 2007      Outing in Autumn 2007      Outings in 2008