Chingford Masonic Social Group

Chingford Area Masonic Social Group Broken Column Luncheon 16 December 2005

For the third year in succession, the Widows Christmas Broken Column Luncheon was held at Chingford Masonic Hall on Friday 16th December with 31 widows of departed members of Lodges who meet at Chingford.
The Provincial Grand Master W Bro John Webb and his wife Diana, APGM W.Bro Bill Gunary and his wife Shirley, Father Darren Collins of the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul Chingford also attended along with committee members of the Chingford Area Masonic Social Group, and representatives of the Chingford Masonic Hall. A total of 50 ladies and brethren enjoyed a thoroughly festive luncheon.
The Widows were welcomed by W Bro Bill Gunary, and before the Christmas Lunch W Bro Bob Urch our most eloquent Master of Ceremonies soon got everyone into the festive mood by getting one and all to join hand and in communal singing “Whatever will be will be” to much enthusiasm.
Father Darren Collins gave the opening prayer and everyone tucked into a full festive menu of soup, roast turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies. Between each course a Christmas carol was sung, with each table participating.
On the completion of the lunch, the PGM and his wife Diane then took wine with the Widows. There were Widows who had attended for the first time, and they each were presented with a Broken Column Broach.
W Bro Bill Gunary APGM, requested that we sing “Grace” followed by the National Anthem after which the Loyal Toast was given.
The festivities continued with everyone joining in the traditional Christmas song “The twelve days of Christmas” to much laughter and applause, as each designated individual attempted to stand up to sing their line at the right time, the PGM and APGM were given the line as the “2 Turtle Doves”.
The “guest of honour” Father Darren Collins delivered a short oration, and related a story of being locked out without a set of keys, something that probably everyone has done at some time in their life. It was so important to obtain the keys, as on this occasion it was crucial to attend a funeral service with the right appurtenances. Farther Darren giving emphasis on the perseverance to get the keys, despite several amusing mishaps, and linked this story with the dedication of the members of Freemasons Lodges who commit themselves to such time for comfort and support to those widows and members who have lost loved ones. Father Darren also mentioned the amount of good work that goes on in Freemasons Lodges, and in conclusion thanked everyone for inviting him.
Father Christmas (a.k.a. W Bro Ted Page) then arrived, circulated the tables and presented all the widows with a Christmas present and at the same time taking the opportunity of stealing a kiss from each Widow.
There was a superb display of many Raffle prizes and each Widow won something from a large cuddly Teddy Bear, Xmas Hamper, Chocolates, and may other gifts. On this occasion there were two Widowers in attendance and were each given a special gift. The members of the CAMSG then sang to all those attending “We wish you a merry Christmas”.
W Bro John Webb, PGM stood to say that it was a wonderful afternoon, and he was delighted to see so many Widows in attendance. The PGM also related to the departed Brethren who should and will be long remembered and went on to thank the Committee for their sturdy work for the Widows Christmas Luncheon. On behalf of himself and his wife Diane, he wished everyone a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.
The tables were tastefully decorated with a floral Christmas centre piece, balloons and lighted bottle candles, and everyone had a most enjoyable luncheon……W Bro Allan de Luca

Double click the photograph below to enlarge....you can also save it to your own PC and print if required. ....Allan de Luca Editor