On Friday 5th June, members of the Fleet House Light Blues Club gathered at Sawbridgeworth Masonic Centre for what proved to be one of the most well-attended and enjoyable events the Club has hosted for quite some time.
The evening was honoured by the presence of our Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Neil Connolly, who kindly hosted the event and shared with us an engaging, entertaining and insightful evening of Masonic learning and fellowship.
Proceedings began informally with drinks and canapés in the bar, providing an excellent opportunity for members from across the Province to meet, socialise and strengthen existing friendships. This relaxed atmosphere continued into the Temple, where the PGM delivered a fascinating talk covering aspects of Masonic history, ceremonial best practice, common pitfalls, and practical guidance for Light Blues. Drawing upon his considerable experience and wisdom gained throughout his tenure as Provincial Grand Master, he provided valuable insights that many brethren may not encounter during a traditional Lodge of Instruction.
The focus of the evening was the often-overlooked half of our meetings: the Festive Board. Whilst Lodges of Instruction naturally concentrate on ritual and ceremony within the Lodge room, the traditions, structure and significance of the Festive Board are rarely explored in such detail.
Brethren then sat down to an exceptional five-course meal, accompanied by plenty of wine and good humour. Joined by Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro Paul Fairhurst, the PGM guided us through the customs and traditions of the Festive Board in real time as the evening unfolded. Through a mixture of humour, stories and practical demonstrations, we learned not only what we do and say, but also when we do it and, perhaps most importantly, why.
The instruction covered the origins of the Festive Board, tracing its roots back to the eighteenth-century Grand Feasts held in public taverns, along with the order of proceedings, key roles, wine-taking, formal toasts, Masonic Fire, the famous Hertfordshire Fire, and many other aspects that often prompt questions from newer brethren.
Most importantly, the evening embodied exactly what the Fleet House Light Blues Club seeks to promote: friendship, support and enjoyment among younger Masons throughout Hertfordshire. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring brethren together in a relaxed social setting, creating new friendships and strengthening old ones whilst making a daily advancement in our Masonic knowledge.
For many, the camaraderie continued long after the formal proceedings had concluded, with several brethren making their way into Sawbridgeworth to continue the conversations and fellowship late into the evening.
Our sincere thanks go to RW Bro Neil Connolly for giving so generously of his time and experience, and to W.Bro Paul Fairhurst for helping make the evening such a success. Special thanks must also be given to W.Bro Andrew Boxall, whose hard work and organisation ensured the event ran seamlessly and provided such an enjoyable experience for all who attended.
Brethren who were unable to attend are encouraged to review the accompanying Festive Board Instruction brochure, sent out in our monthly newsletter The Deacon, which contains a wealth of useful information and serves as an excellent reference guide for future study.
This was truly an evening to remember, and one that will undoubtedly be spoken about for some time to come.
