The Provincial Mark Ball
Foxfields Country Hotel, Whalley Rd, Billington
Saturday 29th October 2022
 
How has that year passed so quickly since the last Mark Ball? It was a year full of ups and downs for all of us I guess, but today we have left our homes in all parts of the Province to meet up with old friends and make some new friends in our wonderful degree, “The Magic of the Mark” The location for the Ball is first class surrounded by lawns, woodland and beautiful countryside in all directions. Park up in the large car parking area and enter the very pleasant reception where you get a warm smile from the hotel staff who are happy to check you in and point you in the right direction for your allotted room.

We quickly settled in and after hanging up our clothes for the evening, lots of wardrobe space, we settled into the comfy chairs complete with a nice cup of coffee and biscuits watching some rugby or something on the TV, I’m afraid I nodded off.

Before too long it was time to put the dicky bow on (and suit of course) and accompany my lovely wife to the 6.30pm reception, lots of friendly faces, smiles, handshakes and chat from all over the Province and beyond. We found our seats and I got some liquid refreshment then it was time for our PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore to enter accompanied by June his wife and the other executives of the Degree and their wives, all looking superb, including the gents!
Once everyone was seated and welcomed to the Ball, a first-class meal was served up by the very efficient and friendly hotel staff, plenty of wine was flowing and lots of smiles all around. Several small, interesting speeches followed including one of Keith’s famous jokes, a bunch of flowers was presented to June by the Pr.G.S.W.  David Durling and then it was time to dance the night away to the sound of The Backbeats.
Thanks to everyone who had a hand in organising another great event and here’s to next year, hotel booked already, if you couldn’t make it this year put it in your diary for 2023.
Now just enjoy the pictures, let them do the talking.
'The Magic of the Mark'
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No. 1173