East Lancashire Masonic Charity

Comforts Fund Spring Party 15th April 2009

Once again the Comforts Fund Committee held their customary Spring Party which this year took place in The Goulburn Suite at Freemasons’ Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester on Wednesday, 15th April 2009.

The event was supported by the President of the East Lancashire Masonic Charity, RWBro Jack Price, together with the Deputy, and several Assistant, PGM's and their partners.



From 4.30pm onwards the Comforts Fund Committee Chairman, WBro Stephen Smith, together with other Committee members and their partners greeted some ninety one beneficiaries, guests, and officers, for an afternoon tea and biscuits reception. The room was soon full of chatter as longstanding friendships were renewed. Many present 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 an enjoyable formal three course Dinner consisting of Melon with freshly selected Berries followed by Braised Steak with Wild Mushroom and Madeira Sauce. The meal was rounded off with Citrus Tart and Crème Fraîche then Coffee and Mints. Red and white wine was also served during the meal whilst relaxing background music was played on the keyboard by Dave Russell.

 

 

After the dinner we were treated with song, story and humour by an accomplished entertainer and singer, Tony Berry. He began with the familiar Matchstick Men and continued to feature some familiar songs from bygone days. Travelling down memory Lane on the ‘Blackpool Belle’ it wasn’t long before the audience participation was becoming a feature too along with ‘Pennies from Heaven’ and ‘Dirty Old Town.’

 

During the evening the Committee members and Officers were able to circulate and chat amongst the beneficiaries. Each guest was presented with a gift in the form of a scarf for the Ladies and a travel clock for the Gentlemen.

A colourful flower display was once again provided by Julie Ward's mother Norma who undoubtedly has a special talent when it comes to flower arranging! Towards the end of the evening these wonderful arrangements were given away as table prizes.

 

Once again the Spring Party was a huge success and all agreed that it had been a most enjoyable and pleasant evening.

The Chairman would especially like to thank Julie Ward and Karen Hall for assisting in the arrangements which undoubtedly contributed to the success of the evening.

W.Bro. Stephen Smith
Chairman,
ELMC Comforts Fund Committee