The Annual Broken Column Lunch for the Manchester Masons Widows was held on Sunday, the 16th of April 2023, at Manchester Hall.
The Broken Column is an annual event celebrated with past brothers’ widows. It was a pleasant and enjoyable day allowing Manchester Masons to pay tribute to the ladies.
On arrival, the widows were welcomed by Bro Nick Druce and other brethren from the Manchester Level Club.
Welcome is a lovely word; it means many things, including the warmth of human friendship and the pleasure it brings.
Seventy-six people attended, including widows with their companions.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master Worshipful Brother Peter Hegarty, a member of the City West Area, welcomed each guest. Accompanied by WBro. Paul O’Carroll (Chairman of the City East Area) and WBro.Chris Armstrong (District Chairman of the City West Area)
The toast to the Ladies was given by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master WBro Mark Davies from the City East Area.
Fiona Frankl, the wife of the Provincial Grand Master Right Worshipful Brother Robert Frankl, concluded the event with a very warm response to Mark’s toast.
The area team, assisted by many members of the Manchester Level Club (MLC), provided invaluable assistance during the day escorting the widows from their houses to the Hall and back safely after a lovely lunch.
Every lady received a small gift of chocolates, and widows of recently departed brethren received a Broken Column Broach to make them feel part of the Masonic Family.
The ladies enjoyed an excellent roast chicken lunch meal followed by jam roly-poly.
The entertainment was provided by the Opera Boys, who delivered an unforgettable performance demonstrating the range of their musical repertoire, singing songs from Italian opera and the West End musicals; at the end of their performance, they received a standing ovation.
Such a joyful day would not have been possible without the work of everyone behind the scenes. A special mention to WBro. Ed Beaman, Deputy Chairman of City East Area and WBro. Steve Wallace, the Deputy Chairman of City West Area, whose efforts ensured that all enjoyed the day.
While it is sad that the ladies have lost their husbands, the Broken Column provides much-needed support and friendship during some of their difficult moments.
In the words of the famous poet W. H. Auden: He was my North, my South, my East and West / My working week and my Sunday rest.
The afternoon proceedings ended, and the ladies departed eagerly, looking forward to next year’s event.
Story/Images Bro Francesco Toto
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