CHORLEY GROUP GOES THE WHOLE HOG FOR CHARITY

The drive along a farm path on a fine, if a little cool, early September evening gave no hint of the pleasures to be enjoyed at Marshes Farm,

the home of Ray and Joan Dainton, where the Group Hog Roast was held. 

A friendly smile and welcome by a young man directing where to leave cars made visitors immediately feel at home and start to enjoy the event.

A range of classic cars and motor cycles lined up parade-like on the manicured lawns (included three Jaguars, a “Roller” and a Bentley, a Bugatti,

an MG and a Morgan – all in pristine condition) was an immediate attraction. 

Turning into the courtyard, the visitors found comfortable places to sit and join their friends whilst enjoying drinks from the bar and accompanied

by the subtle yet pleasurable jazz music from the Rob Dainton Trio.

As the light faded and flood lighting illuminated the car display and the courtyard, a queue reminiscent of a soup kitchen formed at the back of the

house to be served with generous helpings of roast hog followed by a sumptuous array of sweets and cheeses served from Joan Dainton’s kitchen. 

Such was the excellence of the fare, some were seen to go for second helpings – in fact it has been reported that one Brian Sharples,

having sat Shylock-like at the entrance to make sure everyone had paid, was moved to go back for a third helping of roast hog not to mention

several dishes of sweet and cheese and biscuit!!!

After the drawing of the raffle, the Group Chairman, John Robson presented prizes to winners of classic vehicle display – first prize being a

silver plate matching the sheen of the chrome on his red MG was awarded to Richard Frazer-Bastable. 

John gave his grateful thanks to the Group Social Committee, and in particular, to Stewart Rothwell for organising the event, and to everyone

who had attended for supporting it. He also expressed the appreciation of all present to Ray and Joan Dainton for their hard work and their warm

and very generous hospitality. When presenting a bouquet to Joan, John announced that the occasion was also their Golden Wedding. 

Congratulations and best wishes to them both!

Money raised in excess of £1400 will be presented in part to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity on the occasion of the Group Dinner in April,

and in part to non masonic causes at the Group Giving Day towards the end of the masonic season.

Group Hog Roast – A short rider

Now we have the final accounts and are pleased to announce that the total raised for charities by the Group Hog Roast at the home of

Ray and Joan Dainton was £1430.48.

The previous report failed to mention that, not only did they provide their home, their time, effort and expertise, but they also made a very

considerable donation to that total by defraying many of the costs of the event.

I must also mention the very generous participation of Ray and Joan’s two sons, Rob who led the wonderful jazz trio that entertained us during

the evening, and Philip who raised £100 towards the total from clay pigeon shooting and donated the cartridges to the cause.

As Group Chairman, I am so grateful to the whole Dainton family for making 10th September a day to remember. 

My only regret is that the SD card in my camera failed and there are no photographs of the event.

John Robson