Smart Dining
 
19th August 2016
 
When the dress code for an event is given as “smart casual” I am tempted to give it a more liberal meaning than is usually the case on such occasions as this confusing and unspecific phrase is used. I am oft tempted to wear my dinner jacket and bow tie – smart, and combine it with shorts and flip flops – casual! Thereby very much conforming to the suggested mode of attire.
Pictured from right to left, are; Margaret Boon, Dawn Fitzgerald and Su Sear.
However the summer meal hosted by WM Barry Fitzgerald and organised by lodge stalwart Ken Jackson on behalf of Furness Mark Lodge No. 36 was not perhaps the right occasion for a step which to some would seem drastic so I dressed rather conservatively – although I am sure that some of the ladies would have enjoyed a display of my well-formed legs!
Pictured from right to left, are; Bob Herbert, Barry Fitzgerald, Ken Jackson and Ken Boon. 
The Fairfield Suite at Barrow in Furness Masonic Hall was the venue for the gathering. The dining facilities and bar have undergone major refurbishment over the past few years and it now presents itself as a more couples/families orientated place rather than the rather tired gentlemen’s’ club décor it previously sported. In fact it may be the off-season for Masonry but the venue itself has been kept very busy with christenings, birthdays etc.
Pictured from left to right, are; Stuart Collins and Barry Fitzgerald.
The catering was undertaken by Mike and Marie Elliot from the Crown at North Scale on Walney Island. It proved to be excellent quality, as usual, and was well worth the money.
A new innovation at the Fairfield has been the introduction of their own labelled wine, a Merlot which proudly sports the square and compasses on the bottle.  A sense of duty dictated that it be evaluated which necessitated opening a bottle or two. Very nice it was too.
Being a Masonic occasion with more than two or three gathered together there was of course the ubiquitous raffle to raise funds for the Mark charity.
In all it proved to be a successful and amiable evening featuring genial company, good food and a glass or two. As my wife Su commented, “What a really pleasant evening.” That, in a nutshell, sums the whole night up.
Article and Photgraphs courtesy of Dave Sear