A Masonic Weekend to Remember
Ah, the annual Temple of Uxbridge Lodge No. 7660 Ladies Festival Weekend—a time for elegance, camaraderie, and… questionable life choices involving the English Channel in February.
This year’s festivities took place over the weekend of 14th – 16th February 2025, at the Marriott Highcliff Hotel in Bournemouth, perched majestically atop West Cliff, offering stunning views of the sea and just a short stroll (or enthusiastic wobble) from the town centre and beach. For nearly 30 years, this hotel has been home to these lodge celebrations, but this was the first visit post-lockdown, making it an extra special reunion.
Friday Night Fever (and Foreshadowing of Frostbite)
The weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon with guests arriving, eager to indulge in good food and great company. The Dorchester Suite hosted a delightful three-course dinner, followed by an evening of dancing. The DJ had everyone grooving—but little did the guests know, for some, the real challenge was yet to come.
Enter Worshipful Brother Darren Payne (SLGR), this year’s festival President, and his merry band of lunatics—I mean, brave souls—who decided that a pre-breakfast dip in the English Channel on Saturday morning was an excellent idea. Alongside Darren in this act of highly questionable judgment were W. Bro Jason Wilkinson, Mrs. Margaret Bates, and Mrs. Jane Lea.
The Polar Plunge: A Questionable Life Decision
At the crack of dawn (or, you know, slightly after), the fearless foursome set off, descending the 100+ cliffside steps toward the beach. The air was frigid, the sea was angry, and common sense was nowhere to be found.
I tried to keep up with them but quickly realised that enthusiasm alone does not make one fit enough to handle that many steps before caffeine. Before I could even get my bearings, the ladies leapt into the freezing water first, setting an example of true resilience (or madness, jury’s still out). The gentlemen followed shortly after, their expressions fluctuating somewhere between exhilaration and immediate regret.
They splashed around just long enough to convince themselves this was a fun idea before making a swift retreat to the shore. The real challenge? Climbing those 100+ steps back up the cliff, now soaking wet, frozen to the core, and questioning every life choice that had led to this moment.
Saturday Night: Banquets, Black Tie, and Boogying into Oblivion
With the frostbite subsiding and body temperatures returning to normal, Saturday evening brought the festival’s formal event—a three-course black-tie banquet fit for royalty. The evening was filled with speeches, laughter, a whole lot of eating and the unmistakable sound of W Bro Kevin Ogilvie (PPGReg Bucks) singing the ladies song to the Lady of the evening. But no Masonic festival is complete without entertainment, and this year, guests were treated to the sensational Motown stylings of Bro. Jean Claude Bayou, whose soulful voice had everyone dancing well into the night.
The evening wrapped up in the wee hours, with many guests still deep in philosophical discussions (read: tipsy ramblings) in the bar.
The Weekend in a Nutshell
With 85 guests, incredible food, live music, and more laughter than one weekend should legally be allowed to contain, this year’s festival was a resounding success. Special recognition goes to:
- Festival President & First Lady: Darren & Sandie Payne
- The Ladies
- Festival Organizers: Pete & Liz Swatton
- Master of Ceremonies: Kevin Ogilvie
- Entertainment: The incomparable Jean Claude Bayou
- Wardens: W Bro Jason Wilkinson & W Bro Andrew House (PPGSuptWks)
- The Brave Swimmers: Now certified members of the “We Survived the English Channel in February” club
- Our Generous Guests: Who helped raise £900 for charity
- Everyone who donated a raffle prize – thank you
A massive thank you to everyone who supported and made this event unforgettable—here’s to next year’s adventure! (Perhaps somewhere warmer?)
Writeup by W Bro Peter Swatton PProvJGD Festival Secretary.
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