Friendship Mark Lodge held their long-awaited weekend away at the Nailcote Hall Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Berkswell, Warwickshire from Friday 17th till Sunday 19th March. This event was booked over two years ago and as we all knew, the event could not go ahead due to difficult circumstances until now.
Over 56 brethren and their wives, partners and friends received a very warm welcome from Malcolm and Joan McCarthy on their arrival on Friday afternoon. After all the guests had settled down in their 4-star hotel rooms there were pre-dinner drinks at the bar. Just prior to dinner the guests were entertained by a young Irish dance school that gave a splendid array of Irish dancing followed by a four-course meal served in very splendid surroundings.
Saturday morning we were served a full delicious breakfast. Many people then set off in various directions to visit so many attractions in the surrounding areas, ie Coventry Cathedral, Stratford, Kenilworth Castle etc. The evening was drawing closer and all the guests were dressed in their finery. Men wore black tie, and ladies of course could choose what they desired to wear. At 6 pm we were treated to a Prosecco drink and Canapé reception. This was closely followed by a silver service five-course meal which by all accounts was very pleasing to the palette. The evening was in full swing with an Irish duo who kept everyone entertained with singing and dancing all evening.
Before the evening came to a close there was a lovely speech thanking Malcolm and Joan for all their hard work which went into organising a very successful event given by the Provincial Grand Master John Hartley Smith who presented a bouquet of flowers to Joan. Many of the guests stayed on for an extra night on Sunday evening and in the daytime did more exploring around the countryside. This was the most enjoyable and memorable experience for us all.