Saturday,24th March, saw the gathering at the Hotel Masa Torrevieja, of the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Norman Barrall, his Wardens and Brethren of Logia de las Salinas with their Ladies, Guests and members of Other Lodges to celebrate their ‘Ladies Gala Dinner Night’.
A cava and canapé reception was held prior to the assembled guests being called to dinner promptly at seven thirty The President for the evening, Worshipful Brother Norman Barrall and His Lady, Carol, were introduced by Worshipful Brother Clifford Gingell Director of Ceremonies of the Lodge, who (by special request) as a ‘Professional Toast Master and Master of Ceremonies’ came out of retirement and donned his red Toast Master rig for one evening only.
The one hundred and five guests were wined and dined with excellent meals, with choices of Asparagus soup, Seafood Cocktail, Sole fillets with Menuiére sauce, Loin of pork with Pepper sauce, Banana cheese cake with Berries and Custard or Strawberry Cake, accompanied with copious amounts of wine.
The Toast to the King was made by the President ,Worshipful Brother Norman Barrall, followed by the toast to the Ladies proposed by Worshipful Brother Keith Hutchinson, The Ladies song was sung by Worshipful Brother Colin Harlow, who was accompanied by the Brethren of the Lodge who formed a choir to sing the Corus.
The Presidents Lady, Carol, responded to the Toast and the Ladies Song extending thanks to all those who had assisted in putting the evening together and thanked all of the guests for supporting the evening. Norman and Carol then made a number of presentations, including a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Joan Waddington who’s Birthday fell the next day, the assembled guests all stood and sang happy birthday and raised their glasses to Joan. Carol concluded the presentation by presenting Norman a ‘Half Hunter’ Masonic pocket watch.
The Master of Ceremonies introduced Mrs Mary Chambers co-ordinator of ‘Debra’ who gave a short but moving talk on the Masters chosen charity for the year. The charity ‘Debra’ supports ‘Butterfly Children’. The Butterfly Children suffer from extreme fragility of the skin, and need lifelong support. The proceeds of the evenings raffle which raised seven hundred and seventy-five Euros will be donated to the charity. More information on the Charity can be found at www.butterflychildrencharity.com
The formalities concluded, the President and his lady, Norman and Carol led the dancing, with the first waltz of the evening; they were joined in quick succession by all of the guests, Music for the evening was provided by Karen Noble a female vocalist who sang a wide range of songs from the fifties through to the present day including a selection from the operas and musicals, during the interval the guests were entertained by Brother James Bowyer whilst conducting the raffle, The evening continued with more dancing and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all until the time for carriages came all to soon; guests departing to fond farewells, some gliding to waiting cars whilst other stumbled upstairs to bed. Many thanks again to all concerned for a wonderful and memorable evening.