Family time during masonic suspension
Olivia Walton is 12 years old and the daughter of a well-respected Mason. Since a young age, she has attended a large number of social events hosted by Baines Lodge No 7844. She has likewise supported her father Tim Walton, the lodge almoner, when he has visited widows at various destinations across the Fylde Coast.
Olivia has undoubtedly provided a much-needed breath of fresh air to all around her and even the widows themselves, who have enjoyed contact on those occasions when she has been out and about with her father and mother Mel.
For many of the lodge’s members, Olivia epitomises why Baines is regarded as a ‘family lodge’. Whether it be the annual Ladies Evening or Summer Ball; or even the Christmas Party, ‘Gourmet Night,’ or ‘Valentines Evening,’ No event would ever be the same without Olivia’s presence, enthusiasm and passion for life.
John Lee, a member of the Lodge, recalled how he and his fellow brethren had been inspired to host the lodge’s first ever ‘Zoom Social Event.’ It followed a telephone call from Tim, who mentioned in passing, his daughter’s disappointment about some lodge social events being cancelled. In fact, he explained that Olivia had been saddened not to take part in a recent quiz and game of bingo which had taken place online.
The members duly got together via various means of communication, and a discussion took place about hosting an event which would be predominantly aimed at both partners and children. There was to be a music quiz, several games of bingo, a quiz for the children and the all-important raffle.
Prizes were to be donated by members and the lodge’s charity account would successfully attract donations from each member and their partners for entry into all the games and the raffle. The children would be guests of the lodge and their happiness would dictate whether the event would be regarded as a resounding success.
The time soon came around for the first social event of its kind. At 7pm on the appointed day, some 9 children, 11 partners, 11 members and 4 guests took to their screens. Even those who couldn’t attend the event made generous donations to the charity account. There followed an abundance of fun, hilarity, camaraderie and the odd blunder too.
Olivia was visibly delighted, the other children were suitably content, partners were appropriately involved, the coffers were greatly improved and the lodges members were satisfied that Baines Lodge was indeed living up to its reputation in these precarious times.
