On the 10th January 2015, W Bro Len West became Master of the Lodge for the second time. He was previously Master in 1999, a brief interlude during his 26 years as Treasurer.
Seventy seven brethren attended the meeting, which also marked the 80th Anniversary of the Lodge. In addition to a magnificent Installation Ceremony and the investiture of officers for the ensuing year, W Bros Keith Bleasdale and John Stonely were made Honorary Members and Grand Lodge Certificates were presented to Bros Michael Smith and John Kibler by V W Bro Brian Vickers.
Two interesting gifts were presented to the outgoing Master, W Bro Derek Tatters, and W Bro Len West during the meeting. In recognition of his services over the last year Derek was given a “racing day experience package” and to thank Len for his long service as Treasurer he received an adjustable No 5 wood to replace his old golf club, which apparently was held together with string and sticky tape.
During the second half of the meeting, members and guests took part in a performance of Catechism, a series of question-and-answer sequences written by W Bro David West. This ‘masonic play’ was highly entertaining and provided much information on how lodge meetings would have been conducted during the early days of Freemasonry.
After the meeting 72 brethren dined in perfect harmony, enjoying the Scottish themed meal, including haggis, neeps and tatties and the Great Highland Bagpipes played by Matthew McRae.
During the festive board the haggis was piped in and paraded around the lodge room, safe in the capable hands of our Honorary Member W Bro John Helliar until he delivered it into the loving care of W Bro Jim Walker, Secretary of the Lodge of Fellowship & Unity No 8680. Bro Jim dissected it with surgical precision and delivered the address to the haggis in a most splendid manner. He later also gave the response by the haggis and although the question was asked by the haggis, we never did find out who got his willy (you had to be there)!
Here is a short video and below that, individual photos taken during the Festive Board.
Click on the first thumbnail to enter the slideshow.
