On Saturday the 30th September 2017, Freemasons from every continent attended the Grand Ball at Freemasons Hall to celebrate the founding of the Premier Grand Lodge in London in 1717.
Tickets were at a premium, having taken less than 60 seconds to sell out when they went on sale a year ago. Despite this, a handful of Masons from the Province, together with their partners, managed to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.
From left, Mrs S. Summerfield, WBro J C. Summerfield, Mrs E. Spence, WBro D. Genner, WBro J. Spence and Mrs P. Genner
From left, WBro J. Spence and WBro M. Constant
This “White Tie” event was spread over three floors of Freemasons' Hall and started with a champagne reception in the Grand Temple, which had been transformed into one of the largest raised dance floors in London.
Everything was included in the ticket price. There was entertainment to suit every taste including cabaret acts, ballroom dancing, The Oxford University Jazz Orchestra, and a cèilidh. There was also a Bandaoke and an English folk band.
Food was served throughout the evening. It included a mixture of canapés and finger food. There were also seafood, dessert, Indian, Thai & Tagine bars; even fresh pasta-making and antipasti.
The main bar area offered drinks to suit every taste. There were also specialist bars including The Cigar and Rémy Martin cognac bar in the courtyard, a single-malt whisky bar, a cocktail bar, and a gin bar. There was also wine tasting, a prosecco stall and, for those who wanted a taste of the past, the “Goose and Gridiron” alehouse.
Those in need of entertainment could try the crazy-golf course, virtual-reality and games room, casino room, or tea room. A foot and shoulder massage was available for those in need of a little TLC.
A survivors' breakfast was served at 2.30am and a final photo taken. Carriages were at 3am.
The survivors (click to view full-size)
The Grand Ball Committee have since advised that a positively heroic quantity of drinks was consumed on the evening, including over a thousand bottles of Grand Cru Champagne. Those members of the Province who were able to attend reported that they did their very best to contribute to this Grand achievement!