The Bishop’s Suite at Ramside Hall, Carville, Durham provided the setting for Durham Freemasons, their partners, and friends to celebrate the conclusion of the hugely successful Durham 2021 Festival, where the sum of £3,477,877 was raised.

The sell-out event with over 350 tickets sold started in the reception area where pre dinner drinks were served and it steadily filled with smartly dressed ladies and gentlemen looking forward to a fabulous evening in good company.

After all the guests had taken their seats in the main dining area, which looked brilliant and fit for this special occasion, the Provincial Grand Master and Festival Director John Thompson and his distinguished guests were announced and welcomed by all present. John then thanked all guests for attending and hoped they all had a superb evening. John made special mention of Mrs Sue Snowdon, the Lord-Lieutenant Her Majesty’s representative in County Durham, Sir David Hugh Wootton, Assistant Grand Master and Sir Paul Williams, O.B.E, KStJ, Deputy President and Chairman of the Trustees of the MCF.

Enter CIC opened the entertainment, and this was followed by a 5 course meal enjoyed by all present.

The formal Toasts were observed with suitable replies by the appropriate people. In his reply John made special reference to the Province of Durham as a whole for the magnificent effort made by everyone involved throughout the Festival resulting in the end total. Flowers were presented to Mrs Sue Snowdon and Johns wife Andrea.

A fabulous night enjoyed by everyone who attended and with the help of Chris Tame the entertainment, it continued until the “wee hours”.

Johns full speech here

Click here for loads of photos