The Polytechnic Lodge

The Polytechnic Lodge enjoyed two Christmas celebrations this year. Our traditional get-together Christmas luncheon in the Euston Room Carvery Restaurant at Mark Masons Hall was a complete success. Thirty-Five of us sat down together with our wives, partners, and two potential candidates. Our group was so big we were spread over two long tables. Meeting at 12 noon and rising from the dinner table shortly before 4pm some of the group reformed in the bar, whilst others went off together to a local hostelry. I suspect there were some sore heads in the morning.

The National Rail strike did not stop some members of our Lodge from forming together again in a local bar in Southend-on-Sea on a Saturday evening. Originally planned as a few drinks and a meal for our new dads and grandads, and at the last hour the reason for the meeting changed to just a social gathering. No wives or partners this time, so we really were able to let our hair down. Gathering together in the late afternoon, we spent a good few hours enjoying each other’s company and putting the world to rights. We were also able to discuss some of the issues surrounding our lodge in a much more relaxed atmosphere. Moving on to a local family run Italian restaurant in the evening we ate a huge meal together and managed to consume just a few more beers, wines, spirits and a large port.