A Weekend of Fun, Elegance and Camaraderie in Blackpool
 
The Sheraton Hotel in Blackpool recently played host to a truly memorable event—the “Annual Dinner Dance Weekend of the Order of the Secret Monitor”. This gathering, steeped in tradition and fellowship, brought together members and guests for a weekend of elegance, entertainment, and shared purpose.
The Sheraton Hotel, renowned for its warm hospitality and impeccable service, provided the perfect backdrop for this prestigious occasion. From the moment attendees arrived on the Friday morning, they were greeted with a sense of grandeur and meticulous attention to detail  all co-ordinated by Right Worthy Brother John Bicknell Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler for West Lancashire and his lovely wife Jennifer.
A “bubbly reception” in the Seymour Lounge started the Friday night proceedings off nicely, which was then followed by a delightful three-course table d’hote dinner Entertainment was provided by resident DJ Jimmy with the customary break for a quick session of bingo, which saw some guests benefitting with winnings from £50 - £170; a great start to the night and the weekend for some!
The fabulous vocalist Danny King kept the dance floor busy until late in the evening with a St Patricks themed playlist, though the hotels special offer on Guiness for the weekend may have helped the dancers.
Saturday was a day of leisure, maybe a stroll along the promenade or hop on a tram into Blackpool or Cleveleys or take advantage of the hotels swimming pool? Either way it seemed that the majority of the guests managed to get back to the hotel for afternoon tea & scones in the lounge.
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the Saturday evening “Dinner Dance” held in the hotels beautifully decorated Sheraton Suite where guests were treated to a sumptuous meal, expertly prepared by the hotels culinary team, followed by an evening of dancing and entertainment provided once again by the superb “Impact Duo”. The atmosphere was electric, with laughter and music filling the air as guests celebrated the bonds of friendship and fraternity that define the Order of the Secret Monitor.
 
Beyond the festivities, the weekend also served as an opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that unite the Order. The importance of charity, integrity and mutual support, reminded everyone present of the deeper purpose behind the weekend celebrations, and local charities will certainly benefit from the impressive amount that was raised on the evening and which will be disbursed at a later date.
As the weekend drew to a close and after a hearty breakfast guests mingled in the hotels lounge with hearts full of joy and memories to cherish as they eagerly anticipated next year’s gathering; which based on the comments openly shared about what a great weekend everybody had enjoyed, it looks as if 2026 will be another “sell-out” .
In a world that often feels divided, events like these remind us of the power of community and the enduring value of tradition. The Order of the Secret Monitor Dinner Dance Weekend was not just a celebration—it was an endorsement as to why it’s often referred to as: “The friendliest of masonic orders” .
 
Reprort and Images courtesy of Bob Williams, Grand Steward,
Warrington Conclave No119