In September each year members of the Lodge of Prudence No 8946 celebrate their Ladies' Festival. Traditionally, this is arranged over a long weekend and features a Saturday night dinner dance at a venue selected annually by the Worshipful Master. Importantly, the weekend incorporates the scheduled regular meeting of the Lodge which is held on the Saturday afternoon under Special Dispensation of the Provincial Grand Master in the Masonic Hall local to the chosen venue.
The 2010 weekend was held at Buxton which is in the Peak District National Park. This year was extra special for the Lodge of Prudence because, for the second year running, the Lodge business featured a ceremony progressing the Masonic career of a Lewis.
Last year, at Windermere in the Lake District, Bro Anthony Hilton, son of the current Worshipful Master WBro Eddie Hilton, was raised. This year Bro Andrew Constable, who was initiated in Stamford in May, was passed.
Sharing the ceremony with his father, Master Elect WBro Paul Constable, was his uncle and sponsor WBro Robin Hitchcock. Paul has spent the last few years working in Hong Kong returning to England less than a year ago. Together they gave Andrew a memorable ceremony.
On its conclusion the members and the many visiting guests rejoined their ladies who had spent the day visiting nearby Chatsworth Hall, the very impressive home of the Duke of Devonshire.
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(l to r) Paul & Sharon Constable, Andrew & Kirsty Constable, Robin & Cherie Hitchcock Eddie Hilton & his daughter Charlotte, Anthony & Emma Hilton |
That evening there was a most enjoyable dinner dance at the Buxton Palace Hotel where all guests were staying. The response to the Ladies toast was made in striking fashion by the Masters daughter Charlotte who was the principal lady for the event. Whilst some stayed on to further explore this beautiful part of England most parted company after breakfast on the Sunday, all with happy memories of the experience and all looking forward to the 2011 event which is planned to be in London.