Festival Secretaries play a vital role in the life of a Lodge, and these days they are spoilt for choice. But one wonders how often there is general discussion in Lodges about where to go, leaving it instead just to the Master and his Festival Secretary.
    To guide Lodges in their possible choice, Freemasonry Today has taken a look at some of the festivals on offer. Principal Hotels is a group of characteristic, individual and highly distinctive hotels located throughout the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland.
    One of its delights is the Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Course, nestling in more than 200 acres of secluded parkland. It overlooks the Surrey Downs, and includes an 18-hole championship golf course, set alongside a fine neo-Jacobean mansion with a history spanning a thousand years.
    It is conveniently located, being only 13 miles from central London, 15 minutes from the M25 and 10 minutes from East Croydon railway station. Both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are within easy reach.
    Lesley Simpson, food and beverages sales executive at the hotel, has more than ten years experience co-ordinating masonic events. He puts their success down to three factors:

• Offering heavily-discounted, all-inclusive rates for Masonic events – full weekends, overnight stays or non-residential – with no hidden extras;
• Advertising in Freemasonry Today – to date this has generated more than 54% of all Masonic enquiries, of which 50% have resulted in books; and
• Understanding and meeting the needs of each individual Festival Secretary, from initial enquiry through to event co-ordination.