Paul Snape Thank You Diner Friday 8th June 2018
 
When a friend and more importantly a Provincial Grand Master’s Special Representative retires from a role he has occupied for six years, the chance of attending a diner in his honour was not to be missed.
At the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 24th April. VW Bro. Paul Snape, PGJO, retired as the PGM’s Special Representative for the eight Mark Lodge and five RAM Lodge that meet at Preston, Chorley, Leyland and Horwich Masonic Halls.
A View of the Room
It was essential, that the members of Pauls Lodges be given the opportunity to say thankyou in their own very special way, so: on Friday Evening on Friday 8th June 2018, around seventy Mark Men gather together at Chorley Masonic Hall to say, ‘Thank You’ to Paul for the years of dedicated service he has given to the Lodges under his ‘wing’.
Another View of the Room
Paul was also joined by the Provincial Grand Master, his Deputy and several of his fellow Special Representatives from around the Province.
The PGM adresses those present
The three-course meal was well received by all present and the staff served us in an efficient and friendly manner as is usual at Chorley.
Paul examines the Decanter
Following the meal, David Robinson, the newly appointed special rep addressed the gathering and set the scene for the Provincial Grand Master, Keith Beardmore, who the paid tribute for the many years of dedicated service to the Province provided by Paul. He explained that Paul had been appointed as District Grand Prefect in the Allied Masonic Degrees and, as such, should now dedicate his Masonic endeavours in that direction. Tom Jackson, a Senior member of the Mark, who just happens to be the Grand Master of the Allied, and in the room, listened very carefully, (see below).
Tom Listens, Very Carefully!
Following the PGM’s tribute, Dave Robinson, made several presentations to Paul. These include a Whisky decanter and tumblers, along with a bottle of Malt Whisky to charge it. He was also presented with a bottle of wine, (for Sally) and a bouquet of flowers, with Sally’s name on them but I’m sure both will enjoy.
Paul pulls out a bottle of 'Single'
In his reply and thanks for the evening and presentations, Paul made special mention of the joy and satisfaction that ‘freemasonry’ brings to those who are engaged in it. He also emphasised the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that the Mark offers to all those who join.
Wine for Sally!
All was about to end, when a certain individual, ‘Peter Schofield’, Ridgmont Mark, Etc, Etc, addressed those present. He gave a personal and sincere appreciation of Pauls dedication to the Mark and RAM, albeit with a Ridgmont slant, on the effect of Pauls Service to both Orders.
Flowers, Sally will appreciate those!
He was then joined in a dialog, by John Dawber, in a humorous, and very entertaining exchange, purported to be between the Admiral Lord Nelson, and ‘Hardy’ at the Battle of Trafalgar, but with the added complications of the Health and Safety ‘risk assessments’ and ‘political correctness’, Etc… Now Far be it from me to cast doubts on the admirable and good intentions of the HSE and others, but I have to say that everyone present enjoyed the dig! delivery.
Lord Nelson, (John Dawber) demands Action!
Hardy, Pete Schofield, replies (jobs-worth)
Following this we all tipped out in to the cooler evening air and made our way home.
 
Thank you, Paul for your service and David for arranging and enabling us to celebrate it.  
 
Words and pictures by Mike Beesley