Lodge Mark Owen's 50th Cocktail Party

The Visitors Toast by Sep Owen:

Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Mrs Curry, Ladies and Gentlemen

Why is this night different from nearly all other nights? Because on other nights, if you're a visitor, the done thing is to thank your host. Please, visitors, don't  feel any such obligation tonight. Tonight the boot is on the other foot! The members of 828 are indebted to you. Naturally we are proud and happy to have reached our fiftieth birthday, but ever so much more so for your presence. Joy shared is joy multiplied.

So we thank you. You men are all special. Distinguished not only in freemasonry but in communal life. And our lady guests are even more distinguished, by reason of the discernment you have shown in your choice of husbands (I'm thinking of one in particular).

The only  fly in the ointment here is Peter Eden. He was misguided enough to ask me to put this toast in verse form. So for what you are about to receive, don't just blame me.

TO OUR VISITORS
A Jubilee Toast

What a delightful change this is
from our traditional rituals!
Your presence here, your smiles, your cheer
(not to mention the drinks and the victuals!)

Far, far removed are we tonight
from workaday grizzles and grouches.
Guests! You must see that our Jubilee
just wouldn't be the same without youse.

Let's show our guests we think they're great,
their presence so felicitous!
And  let each member raise his glass
And drink a toast: THE VISITORS!

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