On Tuesday 26th March, happy members of the Metropolitan Mess gathered in the plush surrounds of the Grange City Hotel, to be greeted by their President, R.W. Bro. Sir Michael Snyder, the Metropolitan Grand Master.
After the delight of a very enjoyable champagne reception, where Met Mess members mingled with DepMetGMs, AMetGMs, MetGInsps, SVO’s, VO’s and friends, they sat down to an excellent 3-course lunch and wine and were then splendidly entertained by Alfie Moore.
Alfie, a recently retired police officer, had the audience howling with laughter as he regaled them with hilarious anecdotes, drawn from his interesting career on Humberside. Having spent 18 years in the Force, Alfie traded his truncheon for a microphone and sprang sideways into stand-up comedy, appearing on numerous TV and Radio shows as well as at the Edinburgh Festival.
During the lunch the large total of £23,000 was presented to Sir Michael towards his £2.5million appeal to buy the London Fire Brigade two super-aerial platforms, the donations were raised and donated by;
Met Golf Society - £2,000
Pre-Loved Regalia Team - £4,000
Met GL Events Team - £17,000
The Metropolitan Officers Mess convenes just twice a year, once for a spring-time luncheon and then a dinner in the autumn.
£10 Membership is open to all Metropolitan Officers, present and past, as well as Senior Visiting and Visiting Officers.
The amazing list of guest speakers has ranged from Lieutenant-General Sir Michael Rose - UNPROFOR, Sir Christopher Meyer - UK Ambassador to the USA, Michael Portillo - former MP, Cabinet Minister and broadcaster, to Jimmy Greeves, former England International footballer.
Tony Hawley, member of the Met GL Events Team and organiser of the Mess, said, “It gives Met Mess members the unique opportunity to dine and chat with our most senior masons, friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere, be entertained by a wonderful range of speakers, but above all to have some great fun.”
The next Met Mess is a dinner on Thursday 26th September at the Grange City Hotel.
If you would like further info or to check your eligibility for the Mess, contact: tony@metglevents.com