Honoured guests at Blackpool.

On Monday, March, 29^th, 2010,  the Masonic Hall, Blackpool welcomed the R.W. Bro Peter John Hosker. O.B.E. Provincial Grand Master. W.Bro.Terry Hudson.P.S.G.D. Assistant Provincial Grand Master, and E.Comp.Peter G.Elmore.P.G.Std.B. Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals.

This special  celebration was to honour  the Blackpool Group of Lodges and Chapters at their bi-annual Group Dinner.

Twenty Lodges were represented by their Worshipful Masters and Immediate Past Masters, plus First Principles and  I.P.Z’s of six Chapters.

 Also in attendance were numerous Freemasons from the Blackpool Group.

Each Lodge and Chapter representative was given the opportunity to meet and speak with the P.G.M. over a cup of tea, before moving on to what was to become a lively and very informative question and answer forum.

On conclusion of the question forum the P.G.M. thanked all those who had taken part, saying that some of the more relevant questions needed further investigation.       

At the festive board, Ex,Comp. David Thomas, I.PZ. Peace and Unity Chapter. 3966. proposed the toast to the Provincial Grand Master,

He firstly congratulated the P.G.M. on being awarded the O.B.E. then went on to explain and praise the hard work the P.G.M. carries out, not only for Freemasonry but for the community in general.

The P.G.M. responded by explaining in detail the new vision for Freemasonry in the Province of West Lancs., the importance of recruitment and retention of new members by the introduction of Group and Lodge Mentoring. He also explained that a new Provincial Web Site would be introduced after the summer recess, bring information about Freemasonry more easily and readily accessible not only to Freemasons but also to the general public.

The P.G.M. presented the Group Chairman with a 2010. Grand Patron Certificate.

The toast to the Blackpool Group of Lodges was given by W.Bro. David Daisley Durling.

Provincial Junior Grand Warden. He congratulated all the brethren of the group who were about to receive their Provincial Honours and promotions. He explained that the Masonic Hall in Blackpool was one of the first to open its doors to non-masonic functions and its success had gone from strength to strength.

The Group Chairman, W Bro. Ian J.Robertson then responded.

He concluded by handing over a cheque for the sum of £400-00P to the P.G.M on behalf of the Blackpool Group.

The evening was closed in true Masonic fashion with the Tyler’s Toast.

Top      A sunny Blackpool welcome.
Left to right;  Peter Bentham. Group Vice- Chairman.  P.G.M. Peter Hosker.  Ian J.Robertson. Group Chairman.

 Bottom Left    A  captive audience  at the Question and Answer Forum.