JOINT SOCIAL & LADIES TO DINE
With the family and friends of both orders
 
Following a short business meeting on the 4th April where the main business was to elect Wy. Bro. Raymond Whitticombe as the Supreme Ruler for the ensuing year the conclave was closed and members of Warrington Conclave No 119, their partners, family and friends along with guests of Travellers Lodge No 4679 who had expressed an interest in hearing more about the order were invited into the conclave.
Once all of the guests had been comfortably seated around the room the conclaves resident “bard” and director of ceremonies Mike (the ham) Hamilton explained that he had prepared a small play focusing on how a conclave and lodge committee meeting would normally meet and discuss topics pertaining to freemasonry!

Inviting selected members of both orders to take to the floor and to form “The Committee” , ten budding thespians made up from members of both Travellers Lodge & Warrington Conclave didn't need any more encouragement as armed with a well “prepared script” they seized the chance to showcase their talents!
What followed next was hilarious and informative banter covering the undoubted benefits of being a member in either Craft Masonry or the Order of the Secret Monitor, especially as the “cast of players” tried to gain upmanship for their particular order by deviating from the script and ad-libbing at will; “typical of a normal committee meeting some would say”   
“Equity the actor’s association” won’t have need to worry that they will be getting an influx of joining members but based on the laughter and joviality emanating around the conclave room certain “players” have hidden talents, though maybe in the interest of everybody's sanity it's best that they remain hidden!
“The Committee Meeting” was brought to an end with a rousing round of applause and on the cry that “the bar is calling” everybody retired to the dining room for their selected meal of:
  1. Chicken and Ham Vol Au Vents
  2. Parmesan & Sage Pork Cutlet or Salmon both served with Seasonal Vegetables
  3. Creme Brulee
  4. Red or White wine of choice
Following the meal everybody took part in a light-hearted table quiz prepared by the conclaves' secretary's wife Yvonne. It was no surprise when the winning table with a score of 49/50 turned out to be the one who revealed that they had a guest on their table who had won the Warrington Quiz League in consecutive years! How fortunate!
As it was half-term a number of children were present on the evening and they eagerly took part in their own quiz with each child benefitting by receiving a prize for their efforts.
As is customary at the conclaves festive board a “Chorley Swindle Raffle” for prizes ranging from Champagne, Whiskey, Wine and Easter Eggs was conducted by the Director of Ceremonies raising the magnificent sum of £130 which will be used to support charitable causes later in the year.
As a “conclave meeting with a difference” the night certainly supported the on-going theme that the Order of the Secret Monitor is one of the friendliest orders in freemasonry and from the general ambiance amongst the guests the conclave had once again delivered a special night that was enjoyed by all.
 
Bob Williams P P G G