Southend & Essex Masonic Welfare Trust widow’s lunch with male choir concert

Southend and Essex Masonic Welfare Trust hold their widows luncheon followed by a concert with the Leigh Orpheus Male Choir

The Southend and Essex Masonic Welfare Trust (SEMWT) held a Widow’s luncheon at Saxon Hall, the Southend Masonic Centre on Sunday 4th May. The SEMWT hold several luncheons over the year and usually there will always be some entertainment, and on this occasion was a concert presented by the Leigh Orpheus Male Choir.

The luncheons offer Lodges an opportunity to invite their widows. With meals subsidised by Saxon Hall and the SEMWT, making them free for widow’s and a nominal charge for Lodge Almoners or friends who attend as escorts. 100 guests attended and were welcomed with a drink of either Pimm’s, Orange or glass of wine after which a Sunday Roast was served with wine together with dessert and coffee.

The concert took place in the Saxon suite which also welcomed many other guests increasing the attendance to 180.

The Leigh Orpheus choir did not disappoint with songs from Les Misérables, a VE Day 80 commemoration, and a ‘Back to the Sixties’ medley. With some members singing solo and audience participation, the event was a huge success with the Choir being given a rapturous round of applause.  

Graham Halsey, Chairman of the Trust and event organiser also member of the choir said, “I’m so pleased the afternoon was a great success and I would like to thank all those who attended, the SEMWT team, the choir, and a special mention of Robert Potter, Manager of Saxon Hall, for his assistance with the dining arrangements and furniture setup in converting the Saxon suite into an auditorium.” 

The SEMWT which was formed in 1973 with their original ‘simple’ concept in providing equipment – on loan and free of charge - helping freemasons and their families within the Province of Essex in their recovery from sickness and those recuperating from illness. Some equipment examples are wheelchairs, 3-wheel walkers, Zimmer frames etc., they currently have some 400 wheelchairs – all purchased new - on their books. Their aim has expanded over the years to include providing entertainment for the aged, infirm and convalescent and help with relief of poverty and distress.

The Leigh Orpheus Choir, founded in 1968, is an amateur choir funded by members’ subscriptions, concert receipts, sponsors contributions and fund-raising activities. Under the musical direction of Janet Walker and accompanist Kay Duell they meet for rehearsals every Friday evening at the Salvation Army Temple, Hadleigh and are always looking for new members.

To find out more about the choir click this link: https://lomvc.org/    

Some further reading of the SEMWT

Celebrating 50 years https://www.southendmasonic.co.uk/semwt-50-years

Finding a special chair a new home https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/semwt-001

Fred Thornback former chairman celebration https://www.southendmasonic.co.uk/fred-thornback-70-years

Photos

Top: Luncheon in full swing

Middle: The Choir performing their rendition of ‘Love shines a light’

Bottom: Further concert snapshots