This years annual trip to Lake Como, Italy, organised by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Master of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.154, V.W.Bro. Rodney Charles Bignell and his Lady, Jean was once again a roaring success.
Taking afternoon flights on the 20th the group of 51 attendees arrived at the stunning Grand Hotel Excelsior, Cadenabbia (also known as the Hotel Britannia Excelsior, Lake Como) the hotel website can be found here…. Hotel Britannia Excelsior and is pictured above.
Arriving in the evening provided just enough time to check-in, quickly unpack and then enjoy a stunning dinner by the lakeside and a chance for all of the attendees to get to know each other.
Thursday saw a number of the group taking an excursion to visit a local vineyard and wine producer for a visit to the vines, a tour of the winery and a tasting session as well as a very nice lunch. Others simply enjoyed t
he beautiful scenery, went shopping in nearby Bellagio or a hike to the quaint local Chapel of San Martino located in the hillside behind the hotel.On the Thursday evening the attendees enjoyed a bar-b-q by the pool with entertainment and dancing and also helping one of the attendees to celebrate her birthday with a surprise cake.
Friday was a day for visiting the nearby Villa del Balbianello in the picture perfect town of Lenno where some scenes from the 2006 James Bond, Casino Royal were shot. You can get there using the ‘land train’ shuttle, 
the hotel Britannia is perfectly located half-way on the route of this regular service, so you can easily explore up and down the coast with no stress.
We all needed to be back in good time because Friday evening was the Gala Dinner at the Lido Restaurant. We met for pre-dinner drinks at the lakeside pool before the short stroll along to the Lido for Champagne and finding our seats. W.Bro. Paul Nicholls was a perfect Toast Master for the evening, the staff were wonderful and ensured that the food kept coming and the wine kept flowing. The V.W.Bro. Rodney C. Bignell rose to thank once again the owners of the hotel and our most excellent hosts, W.Bro. Ross and Doriana Weildon and a splendid bouquet of flowers and a gift were presented to Doriana to great applause by all gathered. The evening was rounded-off with dancing by the poolside bar.
Saturday was understandably a day of rest with some taking the opportunity to have an extended ‘rest’ and rise a little later than usual.
In the afternoon a Lodge of Instruction was held for the Masons on the trip and there is a separate article on this in the Masonic News section of the website.
Sunday morning saw some of the party enjoying a Church of England service at the church located just 20 meters from t
he hotel. The Church of the Ascension, Cadenabbia holds an English service every Sunday, it is also a beautiful church that is well worth a visit, especially with is being on the doorstep of the hotel.
The mornings at lake Como invariably bring a beautiful sunrise over the lake and a chance to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful location. For the more adventurous a perfect place for some relaxing exercise.
Then perhaps a quiet breakfast by the lake, where better to work on those words for an upcoming Installation Meeting?
We do hope that you can join us at this amazing location next year.
