The Provincial Mark Ball Saturday 21st October 20017
Preston Marriot, Broughton
 

The Ball this year attracted over 140 Mark men and their Ladies to the Marriott Hotel just outside Preston, to enjoy a wonderful evening amongst good friends. 

Despite a few last-minute cancellations, the room was buzzing with atmosphere. The Marriott did us proud with great food and service, and Pyramid excelled themselves this year with the best music yet - at times we struggled to get on the dance floor!   A massive thank you to all who attended. 

At 6.30 we started to be introduced to Keith & June Beardmore as we entered the dining room, and then our Provincial Grand Master formally welcomed the assembled audience ahead of a superb meal, and plenty of liquid refreshment.  After dinner we had a few great jokes from Keith, and the dancing began after a presentation of flowers to Mrs June Beardmore by the Provincial Wardens, for letting Keith lead our Province, and to Sandra Berkley to thank her (and her husband Giles, who just does as he is told!) for all the work in organising the Ball.

The night went really well, but it is time for a change - The Mark Grand Ball will be held at a new venue next year!  The Foxfields Country Hotel, Billington, near Blackburn BB7 9HY - this is a beautiful, family-run hotel with magnificent facilities including a swimming pool, an adjacent golf course, and beautiful countryside all around.  Their brand-new modern restaurant facilities are nothing short of first class.  For the Ladies, Boundary Mill is only about 30 minutes away, and Pendle Hill is only about 20 minutes away (The Snapes & Bicknells could climb it before lunch, Keith & June may ski down it if we have snow!)  This would make an excellent weekend away, to thank our Ladies. 

You will see from the attached pictures that everyone had a great time, and the Provincial Grand Master, and his lady June, look forward to welcoming you to the stunning new venue next year!

Booking details for the 2018 event will be on the website very soon
 

Pictures by Craig Scott, story (and a big sigh of relief) from Giles, and yes, we were the last to leave the bar, after 2.30 am Sunday morning........ once a Steward, always a Steward!