Blackpool moves up a Division.

The new Blackpool Masonic Club President, Colin Goodwin, who only took office in 2008, put forward to his committee a revolutionary five year business plan.  This included a full regeneration of the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool. His plan included a complete refurbishment of the hall, and included a move to increase the financial situation of the club and also to widen the scope of Masonic and Non-Masonic functions, and one of the hardest aims was to increase the numbers of members.

 In a very short time, Colin with the help of a dedicated team and well assisted by the Club Secretary, Tom Inman, have achieved all these objectives, and to their credit they have not sat back on their laurels, buy have moved on to even higher aims.

 The committee advertised and interviewed for a new Club Steward. From a short list they employed Peter Lewis and his partner, Pauline. These two have proved a very popular choice as all the members have taken them to their hearts, this only adds to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which on entering the hall greets the members and their guests. By good management, the price of alcoholic drinks have now been reduced and the bar prices are proberly the cheapest in the area.

The first year of the plan saw the Main Bar and lounge full modernised, with a new ceiling, new surround bench seating, plus new lounge chairs and tables.  Even a completely new covered area was created for members who required a cigarette.  The toilets have also been modernised and brought up to date.

In the second year of the plan, the snooker room, which also doubles as a cloakroom for the Grand and Provincial Officers has had a complete refurbishment.  The snooker table which stands in the centre of the room has been recovered and state of the art lighting installed.

This summer recess will see a full revamp of the Fylde Suite.  This room suffered some damage due to a leaking roof. The entire room will be redecorated and the unique sprung dance floor will be sanded and re-varnished to restore it to its former glory.  Work for 2010, the list seems endless.  The two main corridors, one upstairs and the other down, plus the main staircase, all to be repainted and varnished.  The Tyler’s Room situated outside the main Lodge Room to be re- decorated, plus new carpets for all the corridors.

The Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, Ian J.Robertson is now spearheading another new project, that of a complete modernisation of the downstairs Lodge Room.

He has already arranged two presentations which have been well received by the members and club committee. These presentations ended with an open forum where questions and ideas were put forward.  This is truly a very exciting time for the Blackpool Masonic Hall.  The aim of the President and the members of the committee is that when all the work is complete, the Blackpool Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, will be a jewel in the crown of the Province of West Lancashire.