We are hoping to run a coach to London on 7th June - 9th June 2010.

The trip will allow for those wishing to attend either Mark Grand Lodge on the afternoon of the 8th June or Grand Lodge on the morning of the 9th June.

The Hotel is situated in Bayswater near to a Tube station, which will allow for visits to Theatres, Site - seeing etc.

Cost around £145, Bed & breakfast. An evening meal can be arranged on the night of arrival at £15 extra.

Wives, Partners and Friends will be made welcome and should have an opportunity to see Grand Lodge, if arranged.

Members wishing to attend either or both Grand Lodges should book in the usual way.

Please contact :- Tony Harrison (Battersbys Coaches) 01524 380000
or Doug. Little 01772 435008

Please let us know a.s.a.p. due to the time limit allowed by the Hotel.

Brethren One and ALL,

What another fantastic themed weekend organised by Colin Svenson and ably assisted by Tom McLaughlin and totally supported by their ladies, Ann and Margaret.

To remind our reader’s, these weekend are run to raise money for Charity. Each year these two Brethren head a supporting team to create a full weekend of laughter and fun at various good Hotels throughout the area.

This year we went to Llandudno at the Chatsworth Hotel (5th,6th & 7th Feb). We were very lucky in that the weather was brilliant which enabled many of us to walk up and down the fabulous promenade to work off all the good food (and drink) which we all enjoyed.

This year’s theme was "Pirate’s" and everyone had to make it their obligation to dress up, otherwise we were assured that walking the plank was the alternative. The weekend got started on the Friday night with Barry Elman and Tom McLaughlin conducting a very good version of a popular TV programme called "Family Fortunes". This game saw a team of Boys very narrowly beating a team of girls to first place.

Saturday night, was Pirate night, when after a sumptuous meal and under the watchful single eye (other under a patch) of our Provincial Grand Master, Peter Connolly, everyone gathered at Ship Deck level to be entertained by Capt. Black Beard, Tom McLaughlin, and his Crew to a story about lost treasure, rum spiced with joke’s and again we had a great sing song from the beautiful and talented Sarah Chidlow.

Sunday morning we all returned to the main hall so that Colin and Tom could conclude the event, announce the winners of the quiz and also present a magnificent bottle of wine to the best costume, which came as no surprise to anyone when Bernie Ashley's name was announced for his brilliant "Parrot" costume.

Brethren, Mark Masons, their wives, partners, family and friends, we know it was a wonderful time together but the main winners were The Acorn Petting Farm, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 3AR. This is a small farm that allows children of all abilities to interact with a range of animals such as sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, horses, poultry, rabbits and of course guinea pigs. The Farm will receive over Three thousand pounds to have built, a safe and secure accommodation for some of these animals, so that our children can better enjoy the facilities.

As a foot note to this, the organizers of our weekend and the focal point for deciding where the donation will best be served, are always looking for similar places in the local area which could benefit from this type assistance. Please bear in mind the donation has to be taken as something specific that will directly help and not as a monetary token. So anyone knowing of such places in real need, will they please contact either Colin Svenson or Tom McLaughlin.

Some Pirate Leaders just sailed in from Wellington Group.

A selection of the assembled "Crew"

A Motley selection of a Caribbean Pirate’s

That Parrot with Bind "Phew" Pugh (aka Jack Parker)

Best Costume Winner, A Pirate Parrot, So who’s inside?

That Parrot, we now see, is Bernie Ashley resting on his perch so as to take on board some more seed.

Sarah Chidlow entertaining the Motley Crew.

Capt Black Beard and the full supporting team of Actors

The Play in full swing