This year we took 45 widows and Brethren some with wives to the Inn on the Prom at Lytham St. Annes, from Sunday 8th June until Sunday 15th June.
For the first time we had the services of W.Bro. Michael Jessop with his coach. It was a delight to see that Mick had on the coach destination board “The Cleeves and Whitehead Trust”.
The weather was brilliant and hats and suncream were requirements on most days. The hotel ticked every box for us. The food was first class and all ate very well. The staff were very attentive and considerate with nothing too much trouble and all with permanent smiles on their faces. We found that this was even more remarkable as the staff were young, but they performed their duties in a wonderful friendly way. They were a credit to the hotel.
During the week we had three trips, Liverpool Albert Dock, Southport and finally the trip to Morecambe was rearranged for a large garden centre near Lancaster due to some very unusual adverse weather. All the trips enjoyed by all.
What this holiday does and has done for many years is to bring people together from all over the Province, some suffering loneliness, others ill health and provides them with company, friendship and laughter. The amount of good it does for people is hard to put into words but to see the laughter, fun and smiles certainly shows the benefits this holiday provides.
As is usual the guests were gently advised if they wished to donate it would be very much appreciated but is by no means necessary. Over the week, I was presented with various donations which were three times the amount taken on earlier holidays. This simply tells you just how good the holiday was. The appreciation, comments and thanks we received was overwhelming.
Our provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. J. Trevor Bolton and Pamela joined us on the Friday and stayed overnight. Everyone was delighted to see them both and spend time chatting and enjoying the sunshine. They were even more appreciative when receiving gifts from Trevor which were presented on Saturday, the last night.
All together a wonderful week and a credit to our Province. The holiday does not happen without a lot of hard work by several people and my thanks must go to:
W.Bro. David Whitelaw for his administration over many weeks in pulling the arrangements together.
W.Bro. Tony Brailsford, W.Bro. Steven Hides and his wife Jane for all their help on the holiday.
W.Bro. Mick Jessop for his driving and advice and help during the holiday.
Debbie the Hotel manager and staff for all they did.
Trevor and Pamela for their support and visit.
My wife Sue for all her help and support throughout the week. The Province for providing such a memorable Masonic event.
And finally the Cleeves and Whitehead Trust for their wonderful generosity on behalf of our members.
With Thanks to
W.Bro. Paul Leach
Prov. G. Almoner
