At 7pm on Saturday, 14th June 2025, 112 attended this years’ event made up of Royal Arch Companions and their guests. They made their way from the champagne reception to the beautifully arranged Goulburn Suite at Manchester Hall for the annual Royal Arch Banquet.
This cherished annual event, first established in 1991 and inspired by the late Col. Arthur Axford, Past Deputy Grand Superintendent, once again brought together Companions from across the Province to celebrate the Royal Arch and bringing to a close the end of the Masonic season in style.
The evening was opened by Paul Bowen, Deputy Grand Superintendent, who warmly welcomed everyone and extended special greetings to our special guests, the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, Robert Frankl, and his wife, Fiona. In his opening remarks, Paul reflected on the spirit of the evening, acknowledging that those present had all made outstanding contributions to the Royal Arch across the Province. The banquet served not just as a celebration, but as a heartfelt thank you to those who continue to go above and beyond for the Royal Arch.
The selection of the wines, prior to the Banquet, is always a carefully crafted afternoon (and early evening). There were a number of red and white wines on offer, that were narrowed down to the final pairing. It was a tough job but someone has to do it and the Deputy Grand Superintendent took the opportunity of thanking Steve Boyle and Gerry Hodson for their expert dedication, acting as our sommelier representatives and also for their organisation and seamless coordination of the entire event — an effort that clearly ensured the evening ran with elegance and expertise.
The setting of the Goulburn Suite, complete with its magnificent central chandelier, provided an elegant and fitting backdrop to the evening’s proceedings.
Guests were treated to sumptuous fine-dining, which included a six course dining experience. Throughout the evening, the service delivered by the Manchester Hall staff, was exemplary. With effortless grace and attention to detail, they ensured each course was served flawlessly, and no glass was left unattended. Their professionalism and warm approach contributed immeasurably to the overall dining experience.
Conversation flowed and glasses clinked throughout the whole evening, which signalled yet another successful Royal Arch banquet.
The evening concluded with a toast to the King, given by the Grand Superintendent Robert Frankl, followed by the raffle draw conducted by his wife Fiona, with the top prize being a £100 John Lewis gift voucher, in addition to many other generous prizes.
The banquet drew to a close around 10:15pm, leaving guests with lasting memories of an evening defined by companionship, celebration, and sincere appreciation for the collective spirit of the Royal Arch in the Province of East Lancashire.
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