Garden Party, Sunday July 29th 2007.
The Lodge of St. Michael No. 7833 Garden Party 2007 was held at the home of Sue and Ling Yu at Wyton near Hull. The first scheduled Garden Party had to be cancelled due to the flooding at the end of June and as we erected the marquees on Saturday 28th July the ground was still somewhat boggy underfoot. Ling mowed the grass to define the area to be used, whilst Sandy, James, Ashley and I went to collect tables, coffee cups and saucers from the Lodge. On our return we set about raising the marquees borrowed from the local church. Worshipful Master Ling Yu, Sandy Beacock (last initiate), Tony Peacock (future initiate) and Ashley Wheeldon (age 10), and myself (John Wheeldon) manhandled the heavy boxes into position and began to remove the contents. My other son, James (13), had retired after the Lodge run due to hay fever. After a bit of head scratching we got the general idea and the first marquee began to take shape. The roof took a bit of persuading before conforming to the desired position then it was on with the lower legs, fastenings, straps and pegs to secure it to the ground in the somewhat blustery conditions. Having learnt lessons from our first effort, the second marquee arose serenely in half the time of the first. With tables and crockery positioned for the following day we decided that the remaining smaller gazebos would be erected in the morning.
Sunday morning was fine and dry. This was a relief as I had been following the weather forecasts for the previous week and the outlook had not been too favourable. My fingers, however, remained crossed!. We arrived at Ling's at just after 10 am. The kitchen was a hive of activity with David Whittall in command and his wife Linda diplomatically keeping out of his way! (Too many cooks etc.) Ling and I set to work putting the two smaller gazebos up. These were to be used for the food and refreshments. The final gazebo being left to Andy Lowthorpe and Darryl Wedgner who, despite the claim that they had put the gazebo up that many times that they could do it with their eyes shut, were spotted consulting the instruction sheet!. Lisa, James and Ashley began to set out our stall for the day, the Tombola. There were numerous other stalls and attractions including golf, coconut shy, roll a penny, treasure hunt, bottle stall, wheel of fortune, cake stall, body painting, hook a duck, garden quiz, refreshment stall plus numerous guessing games.
The Garden Party was well supported by the members of the Lodge of St. Michael and their families and friends. Prize winners this year included:- Golf putting - Sandy Beacock, Roll a Penny - Jasmine and Kieren, Bus Stop - Steve Longthorp, Treasure Hunt - Mo Wroe, You're the Tops - Jo Peacock and Name the Teddy - David Broughton.
A grand total of £1,236.97 was raised - which will be used to support local charities. A very big thank you to all those who ran stalls, attended and generously parted with their cash, sold tickets or donated prizes - all of which enabled the Lodge to raise such an impressive total. JRW.
Just getting started - the view from the Tombola. Sue Yu making herself heard as the prize winners are announced.