On the 11th November 2016, W Bros David West and Lawrie Morrisson were invited to give a talk for Hamlet Court Lodge No 6026 at Saxon Hall in Southend. The talk was entitled ‘Never be Short of Candidates Again’ and explained how it was possible to turn a failing lodge into a successful one. A lengthy discussion with questions and answers followed the talk which almost made us late for dinner! However, we did make it and the festive board was a lovely affair with good company, lively conversation and hearty food.