At Union 171s Christmas meeting in Uppermill a week last Monday, the National Second Section Champions of Great Britain 2017 Boarshurst Silver Band provided the entertainment for the evening.

This was preceded by a short Lodge meeting which included the presentation of a cheque to WBro Ron Coucill of St Andrews Lodge No.34 in Salford. As you may know, Ron is part way through his “Marathon” attempt to visit all Lodges within the Province for which he is being sponsored to raise funds for the MBF 2021 Festival – his message is below:

“To all Mark Lodges and Individual Mark Masons who have sponsored me on my Lodge visits this year, I thank you very much for your generosity, and, the very kind and welcome greetings which you have given to me. It has been a pleasant journey for me and the total amount raised to date is £3,561 pounds, which is up and above what I had anticipated raising altogether. Unfortunately I have not managed to visit all the Lodges this year due to meetings on the same dates and other unforeseen circumstance, but I’ll keep my promise to visit those Lodges in 2018 !

The photograph is the Worshipful Master of Union Mark Lodge No. 171 presenting a Cheque on behalf of the Lodge members. Once again I thank you very much and wish all Brethren a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy and prosperous NEW YEAR”.

Over 60 Brethren, their Ladies and guests took their seats for a traditional Christmas Dinner. This was followed by the Band (who gave their best Xmas performance ever at Uppermill !) and ended with a raffle which raised over £250.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all !