John & Kathryn Pay Tribute to their Stars
John and Kathryn Lee have shown all the leadership qualities one would expect from a couple of their standing.
Having departed from having a traditional ladies evening, the couple opted to host an awards evening, the format for which, remained undisclosed to anybody but the family itself.
The Worshipful Master of Baines Lodge pointed out that they had already enjoyed a magnificent Christmas extravaganza, a Valentines evening, an Hawaiian Lua party, a Charity spectacular and a magnificent gourmet celebration. Their ladies evening in 2008, whilst equally enjoyable, wouldn’t allow the couple to pay sufficient tribute to lodge members, visitors and friends who had assisted them during their year.
Those who know John well are acutely aware of his dedication, commitment and passion to see Baines Lodge succeed. They’re likewise conscious of the unbelievable effort he regularly makes behind the scenes to make occasions, such as this, so very successful.
What unfolded was a creative blend of thought provoking subject matter, emotive conversation and sheer entertainment. Those in attendance consumed an outstanding four course meal, at the conclusion of which, they each purchased drinks and made their way into the award arena. There was a buzz in the air and the expectant audience were not disappointed. Almost all of the winners were reduced to tears before they had even left their seats. With enjoyable musical interludes, from Sweet Caroline to YMCA, the night couldn’t have gone any better.
The narrative presented by John and Kathryn is detailed below together with some photographs of our attendees and winners. It was a truly magnificent occasion for an unbelievable couple.
INTRODUCTION
Kathryn and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for attending this very auspicious occasion, for parting with your well earned money, whilst many of us are really feeling the pinch, and for spending with us that very precious commodity known as time. Your collective efforts have already made this a very special occasion for us, our family, we hope for you, and of course, for Baines Lodge which has played an integral part in my life since I was initiated in May 2001.
By way of background, I became a member of this lodge prior to meeting my wife Kathryn in 2002. We went on to conceive our first son Jack in 2003 and Jack became our first child of six. I can’t begin to tell you just how delighted and proud we both are, to be supported by all our children this evening, that also included Kath’s parents, Michael and Diane, who’ve been a wonderful foundation from which we’ve been able to build, develop and evolve as individuals, a couple and as a family. We love them all beyond words.
I was brought up on a popular belief that the secret of success is hard work and yet I’ve seen many people work hard without succeeding and so many people succeed without working.
The common denominator for success is forming a habit of doing things, that those who are unsuccessful in life, don’t like to do themselves.
My Masonic journey has undoubtedly been a real rollercoaster. There have been many highs and a few bitter lows, and on occasions, when I’ve been busy at work, or my family commitments have been even more intense than what is normal for me, it would be easy to walk away, to put myself before others and to seek new challenges away from freemasonry and this lodge n particular.
However, I have formed a purpose strong enough to make me do things that I don't like to do in order to accomplish the purpose I want to accomplish. Sadly for Kathryn, it’s a journey I’ve often required her participation in too.
Almost everybody can stay excited for 2 or 3 months. A few people can stay excited for 2 or 3 years, but THE TRUE winner will stay excited for HOWEVER long it takes.
The attitude “I'm going to stick my toe in and if I start achieving benefits, get a good rank or promotion, then I'll see it through”. Well, that's not the way it works folks.
Total commitment gives you that little extra ounce of courage you need to fight back through the tough times.
I became WM of this lodge for the first time in 2007. Going back in the chair for a second time, some 14 years later, has been an absolute pleasure and something I will never forget.
I always remember where I came from. I likewise know exactly where I am right now. But how do you go from where you are to where you want to be?
Well I guess you have to have enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a series of goals and you have to be willing to work for them more than anybody else ever will. If it was so easy then everybody would be doing the same. They’re not.
But few things can ever be achieved alone. We need others in our lives to have that same enthusiasm for life, to share those same goals and to also be prepared to see things through to a successful ending.
That now brings us to tonights awards ceremony.
Kathryn and I, had our “standard” ladies evening in 2008, but we wanted to publicly acknowledge those of you who’ve added considerable value to this lodge since December of last year. Please don’t be upset or disappointed if you’re not a recipient tonight. Everybody present is a winner in some capacity, but giving everybody an award, well that beats the whole purpose of the evening frankly.
The key to winning an award tonight is what we’ve found within each individual. It's their integrity, their moral fibre, their character, their commitment to seeing things through and fulfilling their promises in positive actions.
We can measure IQ, we can look at titles and qualifications but what would we find if we cut open their chests. Would we reveal the heart of a lion and a champion. The winners of our awards this evening can justifiably look in the mirror and be very proud of their own reflection.
So without further ado, let’s get this awards ceremony underway. Can we ask all the recipients of the awards to come up on to the stage via the runway. You will also be asked to say a few words in response.
I should add that none of the winners are aware of the categories or their nomination so they will be genuinely surprised and off guard. Please give them a huge round of applause when their names are called out. We hope the rest of you will enjoy the entertainment of the ceremony and likewise that you will engage in the many musical interludes between each category.
Please be upstanding, link hands with those on your left and right and get rid of any negativity that you’re now feeling. Let’s create a perfect mood and bond of friendship. Above all smile and enjoy yourselves.
The ‘Best Newcomer’ Award - ADRIAN MAY
The first award is for the category of ‘best newcomer’. Almost twelve months ago, the winner of this category was successfully balloted for, and duly admitted as, a joining member of this lodge.
He will recall facing a vigorous presentation via zoom, during those darkest of days, when covid obliterated our way of living, and when we were all effectively trapped inside our own homes.
At the end of the presentation he couldn’t be put off saying “Where do I sign”. I can still hear him saying those words now. “It doesn’t work like that” came my reply. We need to make sure that we’re right for you and that you’re right for us. We want to meet your wife and son, we want you to attend all of our social events, we want you to be prepared to get involved with every aspect of the lodge, be it within the temple, or by getting your hands dirty within the communities where we live.
This person has then gone on to design our lodge website, to commit to our marketing and communication channels, has cycled 1,300 miles for Child Action North West, walked up the big one, despite having a fear of heights and arthritis in his knee, has helped blockade roads for the Thornton Gala and has regularly taken out his camera and filmed masonic related events which has encapsulated all that is good about the collective deeds that we perform as a lodge. He’s also stepped in as a “super sub” during Lodge meetings and visited extensively across the Fylde Coast.
His wife and son are equally dedicated to him and to us, and they are undoubtedly, as important to this lodge as he is himself. They are the complete package, a proper Masonic family and our perfect fit.
Above all, this is a man of his word, his promises always yield positive actions, he’s formed close relationships with many of our members directly and his family have even survived two weeks in Florida with Kathryn, all the children and myself.
We know, no award can be big enough right?
I’m proud to say that the winner of this award is my brother in the craft, my companion in the royal arch, my fellow prince in the rose croix, but above all, he has become a king in my life and in the life of my family.
Please put your hands together for our Best Newcomer - Adrian May
The ‘Next Generation’ Award - OLIVIA WALTON
Family, work, freemasonry. Really, is that the real truth. Do we actually get those priorities in the right order?
Well we want you to imagine a world where family and freemasonry are the same thing. Where the whole family unit are as equally dedicated as the actual member himself. What a family that would be and what a lodge we would become.
The winner of this next award comes from such a family. A family we’re all proud to have within our ranks. They’ve attended all our social calendar, they’ve supported all our charitable events, they’ve joined in zoom meetings, even in fancy dress, they’ve recorded a video for YouTube, they’ve cared for our “Lodge Ladies” by dropping in on them at their homes, doing shopping, cards, gifts and providing company and support, when needed.
The winner of this award loves to dance, she loves music and she’s always smiling. She is revered by everyone for having a heart of gold and for adding that much needed youth and sparkle to our proceedings. My husband was also very touched when she said “my mum and I aren’t actual members of the lodge but we feel like we are. We feel like we have a voice”.
The winner of this award is one of the most important family members we’ve ever had. She’s proof that families do and can enjoy masonry together. That she can have an impact just as meaningful as her father and that the future is indeed in very safe hands under her sway.
Please put your hands together for the winner of our Next Generation Award - Olivia Walton
The ‘Life Blood of Freemasonty’ Award - SIMON & KAREN WRIGHT
This next award is entitled the ‘lifeblood of freemasonry award’.
Masonry is a charitable organisation enjoyed across the whole world. We break our countries down into provinces and our provinces down in to groups. Baines Lodge meets within the province of West Lancashire and is also a member of the South Fylde Group here in St Anne’s.
Each lodge has its own membership, and they in turn, host masons from other lodges, groups and other provinces.
Almost every mason will tell you that having visitors is the single biggest difference between hosting an actual meeting or simply having a regular practice. It makes the learning of our lines, the performance of our ceremonies and the enjoyment of our subsequent festive boards so spectacularly important. It also increases the charitable contributions we are able to pass on to our favoured charities.
To have a guest you have to be a guest. In this day and age, you simply can’t expect a visitor to walk through your door without having put in the required effort beforehand. With the cost of living going through the roof the danger of losing visitors has never been greater. They are effectively becoming endangered so when you get them you must look after them, respect them and also visit them in return.
The winner of this next award has been a strong supporter of this lodge. He’s attended many of Baines’s lodge meetings, he’s hosted several members of this lodge at his own lodge on a very regular basis, and he’s always supported our many social events. What’s more his wife has too. Her support has been similarly meteoric.
I know that I’ve become immune to excuses over the years. I’ve heard so many of them and I’m sure a number of us in this room have too. I don’t feel up to it, I’ve got to get up early in the morning, I’m already out that week and the list goes on and on.
Commitment isn’t easy and being dedicated is likewise very difficult. The success of any lodge is entirely dependent on the loyalty we’re able to illustrate to our own members but also to those members from other lodges too.
This couple run a successful business, they’ve several children, he has several roles in his own lodge, a very important group office and they both visit extensively across the province. She even works behind the bar for free! They recognise the importance their actions can yield for freemasonry universally.
Our lodges are like flowers and our visitors are like water. If our flowers aren’t watered properly they will inevitably die.
The winners of this award are being recognised for showing absolute dedication and commitment to Baines but from outside of the lodge as opposed to from within it. For being strong friends to both Kathryn and myself during the last twelve months and for opening up their own home as a strong indication of the friendship we’ve enjoyed.
The winners of the lifeblood of freemasonry award goes to - Simon & Karen Wright
The ‘Best Right Hand Man’ Award - CREAG WILLIAMS
The next award encapsulates the concept of presence, reliability and the shouldering of magnificent responsibility for the greater good of others.
This individual always works quietly in the background, he gets the job done without wanting to be seen, without highlighting any fuss and without creating any unnecessary attention to himself.
His role is absolutely essential to the smooth planning or execution of any business within the lodge room itself, at the subsequent festive board and even at events such as this tonight.
This person rarely gets the plaudits he truly deserves because the true success of being a valuable right hand man, is not to be seen or heard unless the situation is such, that there is no other alternative.
I’ve been ably assisted by the winner of this award since December of last year. He’s never left my side for a single second and he’s always shown me complete courtesy and respect throughout. The enjoyment of my year would’ve been diminished significantly without him and so it gives Kathryn and myself considerable pleasure, dragging him out of the shadows and in to the spotlight to present him with this award.
The winner of the best right hand man award goes to - Creag Williams.
The ‘Family Friend & Mentor’ Award - JOHN STANLEY
Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them out and enjoy their riches. The memories we make within our families are absolutely everything.
There is an old saying that you can’t pick your own family but you can choose your own friends. On a very rare occasion, such a friend becomes family which has to be the greatest reward of all, particularly bearing in mind, that this individual is a freemason and from a different lodge within a different group altogether.
The individual in this room became a friend of John’s in 2016. By 2017, they were already close friends, I too became a friend having attended a number of christmas functions at his home address, and now he’s become a friend and mentor to our children, an adopted member of our family and a source of inspiration to us as parents as well as to our children themselves.
This individual is a ‘gentleman’. He’s got humility in abundance, moral fibre rushing through his veins, and abilities that few, if any, can replicate.
The whole family feels honoured and privileged to have this person in our lives. He is undeniably the best example of what freemasonry can do. But for John’s membership, this addition to our family would never have transpired.
The winner of the family, friend and mentoring award goes to - John Stanley
The ‘Team’ Award - ADRIAN & LAURA MAY, IAN & TERRI TYRELL, DAVID & CAROL PALLISTER, VICKY MODLIN, TIM & MEL WALTON, MICHAEL TAX AND GEOFF DIGGLES
Those of you who attended our “Hawaiian” evening on the 10th June will recall with fondness the success of the occasion. Such events require meticulous planning, attention to the detail, willing and able volunteers, and above all team work. No matter your role the wages remain exactly the same.
This social event was unlike no other. Singleton Lodge let us down badly. It was a venue we had enjoyed over the summer for a good number of years, but post covid, their enthusiasm for our summer social was questionable at best and big decisions needed to be made quickly and effectively.
A social committee was formed with a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. This committee featured members and their partners and was a sure sign that the lodge was starting to turn the corner by becoming the inclusive family lodge they’ve always advertised themselves as being.
Ian Tyrell chaired numerous meetings, Terri Tyrell kept accurate minutes, the Vice Chairperson Carol Pallister formed a formidable relationship with the Treasurer Vicky Modlin, and other members such as David Pallister, Adrian & Laura May, Tim & Mel Walton, Michael Tax and Geoff Diggles went to work.
It’s fair to say that Carol and Vicky dealt with Singleton Lodge very well indeed, and moreover, they sourced a great venue with an enthusiastic workforce within hours of their termination. The event was a magnificent success enjoyed by members, partners, friends, our Lodge Ladies, and especially John and myself.
Teamwork makes the dream work, or in this case, the cocktails, mocktails and limbo, such a great success.
The Team Award goes to Ian & Terri Tyrell, Vicky Modlin, Carol & David Pallister, Adrian & Laura May, Tim & Mel Walton, Michael Tax & Geoff Diggles.
The ‘Behind the Scenes’ Award - TONY FARRAR, DAVID THOMAS & RYAN MODLIN
There are numerous offices within any given lodge which must be filled year on year. Some of these offices can be dealt with by junior members whilst others can only be appointed to experienced masons who’ve developed a vast amount of experience over many arduous years of service.
The production of Lodge minutes, Lodge summonses, table plans, place cards, confirmation of bookings, electronic invitations, payment of meals, banking and many other administrative tasks are many. They simply don’t take care of themselves. When done well nobody notices but when done badly the whole lodge grinds to a halt.
Our Lodge secretary and treasurer work tremendously hard for our collective benefit. They’ve also been supported by a third brother who has taken our Lodge in to the 21st century by using electronic booking systems, arranging for the payment of meals on bank cards and even having a QR code on the summons for the payment of any charitable donations.
The success of any Lodge invariably happens behind the scenes. Baines is no different. It goes without saying their input, service and commitment is immeasurable. Only from a solid foundation can true potential blossom.
The winner of the behind the scenes award goes to Tony Farrar, David Thomas and Ryan Modlin.
The ‘Charity Plate’ Award - DAVID & PAULA MCKEE
Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable organisations in the world. Our entire membership is made up of volunteers who effectively give up their time and give away their hard earned money in the hope that it will bring comfort and support to the most vulnerable people in society.
From the homeless, to those with life threatening disablement, to stocking up our local food banks who are always so desperate for support amid what is fast becoming a dire economic climate. Every single second of time given and every individual penny donated, really does make a difference.
We’re exceptionally lucky within this lodge. We have many members who have given up time and invested monies to good causes. We were likewise the driving force behind the largest food bank support ever seen in the North West, and we frequently, and without hesitation, do what is needed in a world which presents so many worrying outcomes.
The winners of our next award are a couple who represent charity within this lodge like no other. He’s the lodge charity steward and the group charity steward. She unconditionally supports him at all masonic social events as they’ve both done tonight. Their respective roles also go well beyond this lodge, and in particular, Blackpool Care and Share.
Their conjoint work ethic is motivational and awe inspiring. They go about their roles quietly and effectively but their hard yards allow us all to practice those fundamental virtues we should all profess to admire.
Please show more kindness than seems necessary because the persons receiving it need it more than any of us will ever know. They do and we’re so thankful to them.
It is with love, pride and respect that we now present the ‘Charity Plate’ award to David & Paula McKee.
The ‘Social Media’ Award - ROBERT & ANITA LAIDLAW
I want you to think back to March 2020. It seems such a long time ago, and yet, the ramifications of that period are still crippling our world and this country time and time over.
Covid 19 felt like the end of the world, and sadly so many lost their lives to a sickening enemy that we couldn’t see or properly protect ourselves from.
I saw changes at police stations and court rooms up and down the country. For the first time, we dealt with prisoners remotely and had to endure live links being used in court cases. It became a regular feature of my everyday working life. We also became experts in zoom and teams meetings, and some of us, took to social media to communicate with the masonic world as a consequence of being unable to meet in person.
I’m the biggest critic of social media because I regularly bare witness to the evil and harm it can cause in so many walks of life. That said, I opened a twitter account in April 2020, and after a period of trial and error, I made masonic acquaintances across the country and indeed the world.
One of those acquaintances, and his wife, are in this very room tonight. Until this evening, we’d never met in person, and yet our bond has been strong, our contact regular and the sentiment of our communications has likewise been strong, emotive and at times needed.
Social Media can work and does work. Yes you will find madness and lunatics but when one sieves the rubble you can sometimes find the gold.
The joint winner of this award tonight was fit and strong. A man of tremendous moral fibre and a guy who got his hands dirty within the Province of Yorkshire and West Riding.
He was vaccinated and even shared photographs on twitter of the injection being administered. Sadly, he contracted covid and was hospitalised. He was critically ill in intensive care and was placed on a ventilator. His life was turned upside down, but so was the lives of all those who knew and loved him.
This individual came out of intensive care, had to use oxygen at home, could barely walk and still fights the after affects of such a devastating illness to this day. Despite that, he remained on twitter, remained in constant communication with my husband and never once moaned, complained or informed anybody of the magnitude of the issues he was facing or which continues to face even now.
It’s an absolute pleasure and an honour to welcome Bob and Anita tonight. There presence this evening is the one good thing that we can take from that awful period in our history. Their bravery, their humility and their generosity of care and support knows no bounds so please put your hands together for the winners of the social media award - Robert & Anita Laidlaw
The ‘Unsung Hero’ Award - ALI HARRIES
This penultimate award is a unique award to a very special lady. Her partner isn’t a member of this lodge yet she supports my husband and I unconditionally. We’ve never known any different.
From her creative flare at social events to her amazing voice when called upon at ladies evenings or other formal functions. She really steps up to the plate over and over again.
Her personal turmoil in recent times has been absolutely horrendous. From the serious fall taken by her partner to the ongoing difficulties being felt and experienced because of illness within the family.
This lady has courage in abundance, is braver than anybody we know and she’s got a heart made of gold. She even drops off cards and gifts to our children which is such a beautiful thing to do by such an amazing person.
We appreciate her efforts, her endeavours and her presence tonight. These events wouldn’t be the same without her. It therefore gives us great pleasure in presenting the unsung hero award to Ali Harries.
The ‘Ambassador of Baines’ Award 2022 - TIM WALTON
And now to the big one! The final award of the evening.
Before the age of 50, many of us have a desire to purchase nice things which are commensurate with our means and our standing in society. From the age of 50 years onwards, we are more motivated to buy time and memories.
Time and health, aren’t commodities that money can buy, and as such, we should all spend what health and time we have, wisely.
The winner of this award gives of themselves each and every day in the hope of offering comfort, support and happiness to those in need of love and care.
Whether its fixing a car, maintaining a garden, doing some shopping, listening, counselling or jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane, the vast majority of their personal time is dedicated to helping others in time of need. His virtues sum up freemasonry and what all freemasons should aspire to achieve.
The winner of this award understands the benefit of charity having been on the receiving end of critical care. He had an horrendous fall following a ladies evening. The fall was so catastrophic it nearly took his life. He had to learn to walk and talk again and the effects of that accident will always plague his own mental health. He continually demonstrates the tremendous depth of his character by devoting his life to others in only ways that he can possibly achieve. His compassion is infectious and this lodge wouldn’t be anything like it is without him.
He’s a much loved son, a doting father and at times a challenging husband who continually strives to be the very best he can be. A friend to many and a revered figurehead to all the members of this lodge.
From napkins, to lodge ties, to hoodies, birthday cards, flowers, bottles or just a good old chat, this individual is an outstanding freemason of epic proportions. He’s also the best almoner this lodge has ever had.
Please be upstanding and give a huge round of applause to the winner of Baines’s outstanding ambassador award - Tim Walton
The ‘Best Mum in the World’ Award - KATHRYN LEE
The winner of this award never stops. From the moment she gets up in the morning, until the last moment she goes to sleep at night, she works tirelessly, endlessly and unselfishly for myself, my brothers my sisters and for our dad.
Growing up in a house with 8 people is challenging. Both of our parents work long hours, some of us are at primary school, some of us go to secondary school, we have some attending sixth form and then Jack goes to university. My parents have to endure daily car journeys to school, college and work. Jack is taken to a bus stop at 7am most days. Then some of us are taken to work at weekends and collected when finished.
The washing machine, dryer and dish washer are never off. The amount of clean clothes and uniforms which are needed every week is extensive. Then there’s money for lunches, dinners, trips to friends houses, parties and going out. We accept the list of chores is endless and a constant headache for both our parents.
The winner of this award has given up 19 years of her life just to make us happy. She puts us before herself and always has done. Her personal sacrifice for our family is incredible and her love for each of us is unquestionable.
We have a warm home, a nice house, nice food and drink, meals out all the time and absolutely brilliant times with each other on a daily basis. We want for nothing. Factor in that she works as a manager in retail, helps my dad with his Masonic commitments, does all the ironing and cooking, sometimes making three or four different meals in one sitting and also does so much to ensure social events like this happen, is testament to who she is, what she’s about and what she stands for.
The winner of this award is the best mother any child could ever have. She’s the best wife any husband could ever have. She’s an inspiration to us and we could not ever be without her. We all love her with all our hearts and we think she is the most amazing person this world has ever seen.
The winner of the best mum in the world award is “our mum”.
