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Lodge Activities: 2009..08..07...06 |
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CONSECRATED 29th OCTOBER 1898 |
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Albert Lucking Lodge 2717 |
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PROVINCE OF ESSEX |
| 21st November 2009 NOVEMBER MEETING | The passing ceremony at this meeting was unusual—our Worshipful Master W/Bro. Bill Fraser performed an excellent ceremony ably accompanied by his officers but alas due to the absence of our candidate the work carried out was purely a rehearsal (sadly our candidate at the last minute was unable to attend leaving little time to arrange a reserve). Bro. Tommy Nolan gladly stood in as candidate and was duly passed again! The meeting also included a lecture by W/Bro. John Sheppard (our Tyler) on ’Freemasonry and the Ancient Mysteries’ and W/Bro Bill was proud to present a cheque for £1000 to W/Bro. David Tomlinson of the Southend and Essex Masonic Welfare Trust who also kindly gave a talk on the work of the trust. Pate Stuffed Mushrooms, Served with Aoli Dip, Chicken Supreme White Wine and Mushroom Sauce, Buttered New Potatoes and Sliced Runner Beans, Apple and Blackberry Crumble and Custard, Traditional English Cheese Board with Savoury Biscuits, Tea or Coffee. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17th October 2009 INSTALLATION MEETING | W/Bro Paul Thurgood took a deep breath and performed an excellent and at times a very moving and heartfelt ceremony of installing our Master Elect William Davenport Fraser. All praise to Paul for his hard work in what he describes as being his ‘annus horribilis’ year with the sad cancelling of his Ladies Festival playing a prominent part. However, Paul brushed aside his woes and gave all that attended a wonderful display of freemasonry ritual. In keeping with his Scottish up-bringing, Bill donned his kilt and proudly took over the chair as Master of the Lodge. Following a slightly shaky start he soon found his confidence and continued to install his officers. The presentation of the working tools were all given in an equally excellent manner by Louis Mayo, Andy & Austin Latham. Both Andy & Austin being ‘real’ brothers and Andy also being married to Bills daughter, I suppose you could say this was a bit of a family meeting! - W.Bro Roy Squibb gave the address to the Wardens and W/Bro Sidney Gane PPAGM kindly gave the address to the Brethren.
There were 29 guests making a total of just over 70 in attendance. The brethren concluded the day with a delightful festive board consisting of: Chef’s Home Made Soup of the Day, Egg Mayonnaise with Flaked Poached Salmon, Roast Topside of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Potatoes, Roast Parsnips and peas, Pears in Mead with Ice Cream, Traditional English Cheese Board with Savoury Biscuits, Tea or Coffee—Red or White Wine. Photo
| 5th June 2009 | GOLFING DAY The day proved a great success but regretfully a report was not prepared.
| 21st March 2009 | FISH NIGHT The meeting was set to be a great event with 102 booked in. Our W/M Paul delivered a 1st degree in a splendid manner well knowing this was his final full meeting as W/M he made sure he enjoyed every minute and pulled out all the stops. His officers ably supported him with Bro. Austin Latham presenting a perfect presentation of the tools and Bro. Bill Fraser the pre-amble and charge. To add to this W.Bro. Brian Bowden-Brown presented Bro. Barry Bawden with his Grand Lodge Certificate with added (and very informative) historical information not heard by many before. And… if that wasn’t enough we had our APGM Cliff Thoms on an official visit with no less that 5 visiting Grand Officers. The APGM also welcomed Bro’s Smith, Stamps and Marshall and presented them with the Freemasons Companion.
The festive board consisted of the usual splendid fish fayre with music, song & fun under the ‘usual’ direction of W/Bro Stuart James and accordion player extraordinaire W/Bro. Tony Compton. The ‘rank’ sketch was resurrected with W/Bro. Bedini playing the W/M, Bro Stan Bunton the Steward and a great surprise to everyone the APGM stepping in and playing the part of the Grand Officer; he was received with great admiration and respect by all in attendance. Overall, combined with the Temple collection and the evening raffle a sum of over £900 was raised for charity - a wonderful achievement for the Lodge... THE SEAFOOD STALL Cockles, Jellied Eels, Prawns, Roll Mops - Menu - Italian Fish Soup, Fried Scampi with fresh Remoulade Sauce, Melody of Fish with Apple & Walnut Salad, Apple Sorbet, Stuffed Plaice with with Mournay Sauce, Minted New Potatoes and Roast Mediterranean Vegetables, Fresh Fruit Salad with Pouring Cream, Coffee or Tea with sweet biscuits,
| 7th March 2009 | LADIES EVENING Sadly the evening had to be cancelled
| 21st February 2009 | FEBRUARY MEETING Chairing his 3rd meeting our W/M Paul Thurgood performed a passing ceremony. Bro Fraser presented the 2nd degree charge (rarely performed) and W/Bro Willis gave an explanation of the 2nd degree Tracing board. All in all a lovely afternoon for all in attendance. The brethren retired to a festive board containing a Duck Casserole—the inclusion of the Duck by the Master raised a few eyebrows on what was to be expected but, passed with sailing colours and ‘superb’ being the only word to describe it! - sadly the home made rice pudding didn’t receive the same accolade... The full menu was as follows: Orange and Grapefruit Cocktail, Duck Toulouse Sausage Red Wine Casserole with Creamed Mash Potatoes and Mange Tout, Home Made Rice Pudding with Strawberry Jam, English Cheese Board.
| 17th January 2009 | JANUARY MEETING The meeting was a third degree and W/Bro Paul Thurgood passed over the chair in favour of W/Bro Richard Hartwell to perform the ceremony. The meeting in keeping with most January meetings was fairly low in attendance but the W/M was not perturbed and enjoyed his menu he selected for the festive board which was...
Fan of Melon with Fruit Coulis, Steak & Kidney Pudding with Creamed Mash Potatoes, sliced Runner Beans, Black Cherry Crumble with Custard or Ice Cream, English Cheese Board
| 13th December 2008 | LOI XMAS DANCE Sadly the evening had to be cancelled
| 15th November 2008 | NOVEMBER MEETING Paul Thurgood entered into his first full meeting as Worshipful Master with enthused gusto knowing that once he had performed his first ceremony that then he would truly know he had achieved his goal as the master
of the Albert Lucking Lodge. He performed the ceremony, a first degree with all his skills and feeling providing the candidate with a better insight into the ceremony he had just passed through. Paul also had the honour to welcome two new joining members in the Lodge, both who have recently moved to the area and one who found us through our website. All in all a lovely meeting for all. The festive board consisted of the following… Paté Stuffed Mushrooms, Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint sauce with Butter New Potatoes, Petit Pois and Sweetcorn, Bread & Butter Pudding, Cheese Board.
| 18th October 2008 | INSTALLATION MEETING We knew the meeting would be a great event and our reigning master, Richard Bedini didn’t let us down or more to the point Paul Thurgood, installing him as our new Worshipful Master. His word perfect presentation of the ceremony was first class and was a pleasure to watch by the 67 brethren in attendance. Paul
himself was excellent in taking the position over securing another strong year for the lodge. We were honoured with the presence of Past Provincial Assistant Grand master, Sydney Gane and Grand Office W/Bro. Jim Smith representing Stisted Hall to who Richard presented a donation of £500.
The brethren dined to the festive board shown below and raised £475 from the raffle which included some 25 prizes and a star prize of a half board weekend for two in a Bristol Hotel donated by Bro. Les Steptoe…Chef’s Soup of the Day, Chopped Egg & Onion Salad, Roast Topside of Beef & Yorkshire Pudding with Roast Potatoes, Mixed Peas & Carrots, Vanilla Crème Brulee, European Cheese Board, Tea or Coffee—Red or White Wine
| 6th July 2008 | GOLFING DAY LITTLE BURSTEAD The weather held for another terrific Albert Lucking Golf Day…
There were 76 golfers who attended and 2 evening diners. The first team teed off at 12.00 midday and the last
team returned at 5.30pm. There was then 2 hours of | 5th April 2008 | LADIES EVENING The evening got off to a great start at 6.45pm with all brethren & guests being greeted by our ever smiling and quick witted Master, Richard Bedini accompanied by his charming wife, Jayne. Dinner was served followed by speeches and toasts. The most important being to the Ladies presented by Paul Thurgood with a confident and humorous reply from Sheila James.
There followed dancing to the music of ‘Rumours’ and as usual a ‘bumper raffle’ which raised £545 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Our festival secretary Andy Latham together with his followers (and more importantly his wife Linda) must be congratulated for all their efforts in providing an excellent evening.
The dinner menu was a main course of traditional Roast Beef with a Toasted Butter Croissant with Mushroom, Thyme & Brandy Cream starter and dessert of White Chocolate & Amaretto Gateaux with Milk Chocolate Ice Cream—there was also a vegetarian alternative.
Richard and Jayne
enjoyed a superb evening accompanied by their many friends and family.
| 15th March 2008 | FISH NIGHT Our Worshipful Master, Richard Bedini completed his very successful year in office with an equally successful first degree. He ended the ceremony by performing the pre-amble and charge to the delight of the 95 brethren in attendance. All his officers again gave their full support with a special mention for the work performed by the Junior Deacon, Andy Latham. Our candidate could not have had a better introduction to Freemasonry.
The meeting was followed by our annual fish night festive board. In addition to the excellent menu (listed below) the brethren were entertained to music, song and fun under the ‘usual’ direction of W/Bro Stuart James ably assisted by Bro’s Andy Latham, Lewis Mayo and Terry Thurston. W/Bro Clem Britton and Bro Tommy Nolan had solo spots with a surprise solo from W/Bro’s Ray James and Mike Joel… The day concluded with Richard declaring that the evenings raffle had raised £800!! - a wonderful day for all and the Lodge...
The Menu consisted of THE SEAFOOD STALL Cockles, Jellied Eels, Prawns, Roll Mops followed by Fish Chowder Soup, Mini Fish Pie, Smoked Fish Hors d’oeuvres, Lemon Sorbet, Halibut Steak stuffed with Asparagus & Palma Ham with White Wine Sauce, Baby Corn Cobs, Runner Beans, New Potatoes with Spring Onion, Tropical Fresh Fruit Salad with Pouring Cream.
| 16th February 2008 | FEBRUARY MEETING This meeting was special for many reasons. Our W/M Richard Bedini performed a superb raising ceremony and accompanied by his officers was as near perfect as you could get. Bro Thurgood gave the long working of the 3rd degree apron and W/Bro Bowden Brown gave the ’The Walking Charge’ - a delight to watch and fully appreciated by all the Brethren. We had the presence of our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Cliff Thoms who presented a certificate to Bro. Les Steptoe on his completing 50 years in freemasonry; very many congratulations Les! - The APGM also welcomed Bro Bawden and presented him with the Freemasons Companion. He also presented our W/M with the certificate from the Province confirming our Grand Patron status in the Essex 2011 Festival. And if that wasn’t enough we had the pleasure of several Irish Brethren as guests. Having the previous evening presented an Irish initiation ceremony at the 75th anniversary of the Old Southendian Lodge, they wished to see an English ceremony before they returned home. New friends were made all around. The brethren retired to a festive board consisting of... Roast Parsnips & Chestnut Soup with Rosemary Croutons, Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce, Peas & Mixed Carrots, Roast Potatoes, Bread & Butter Pudding with Custard, Traditional English Cheese Board with Savoury Biscuits.
| 19th January 2008 | JANUARY MEETING The meeting was small in attendance with 38 members and 5 visitors—they were however, presented with another fine ceremony by our W/M Richard Bedini ably supported by his officers—following the passing ceremony W/Bro Willis gave his usual excellent explanation of the 2nd tracing board. The meeting concluded with the following menu at the festive board…Chef’s Soup of the Day, Steak & Kidney Pudding, Sliced Runner Beans and Creamed Mash Potatoes, Hot Cherries with Ice Cream, Traditional English Cheese Board with Savoury Biscuits.
| 8th December 2007 | LOI XMAS DANCE The LOI Xmas dance returned after a 5 year break—returning on a Saturday evening as opposed a mid week Tuesday and with a live group the evening was considered a great success. As is the tradition our Senior Warden, Bro. Paul Thurgood acted as president for the evening and did a splendid job in preparation for his official presidency at the Ladies Festival in March 2009. But, the real thanks must go to our Festival Secretary, Bro. Andy Latham whose idea it was and who played the major role in organising and running the event. The dinner consisted of traditional festive fayre with an alternative of Salmon. In addition to the enjoyment £661 was raised from the raffle for a local charity Stroke Busters promoting information on detecting strokes. It was agreed that this event will be booked for next year. | 17th November 2007 | NOVEMBER MEETING All who attended this meeting were presented with a first class raising ceremony performed by W/Bro Richard Bedini. It was his first full meeting as Master and to perform this degree so eloquently and in his totally relaxed manner is a credit to him and for the Lodge. His officers rose to the occasion and provided equally high support. What a shame there was only a mere 38 in attendance—all is not lost however, we have planned another raising ceremony in February so you have another chance, don’t miss it! The festive board provided a tasty end to the day:- Pate Stuffed Mushrooms served with Aoli Dip, Beef Casserole with Suet Dumplings Mixed Peas & Carrots, Pears in Mead with Ice Cream, Traditional English Cheese Board with Savoury Biscuits. | 20th October 2007 | INSTALLATION MEETING The meeting was attended by 67 members and guests. Before the meeting commenced the Brethren were called to order as a mark of respect for W/Bro Eric Varney (our Tyler) who sadly passed away during the 9th October.
Other than this sad start to the ceremony the afternoon was continued with a very professional installation of our Master Elect, Richard Bedini by W/Bro Clarkson. W/Bro Steptoe then presented, as a gift to the lodge, a set of inner working tools and also a little later surprised the lodge further by presenting a new Tyler’s sword—the lodge’s original sword had gone missing many years ago. The brethren sat down to a splendid dinner consisting of:- Chef’s Home made Soup of the Day, Oven Baked Egg Ramekin with Bacon & Brie, Roast Topside of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding & Horseradish, mixed Peas & Carrots & Sauté Potatoes, Vanilla Crème Brulee, Traditional English Cheese Board with Savoury Biscuits, Red & White Wine. | 8th June 2007 | GOLFING DAY LITTLE BURSTEAD The day started at 10am with 76 golfers enjoying breakfast and waiting for the rain to stop apart for Mr. Clarkson who was drinking lager! The 76 were made up as follows:- 11 members of Albert Lucking—10 members of Trinity 1734 (which included the player flying in from Ireland as he does each year)- 2 members of Albion 9—2 members of Old Friendship and 51 guests…
The sun came out at 11am and play started at 12.30pm for all teams apart from the Norman’s (father & son) who managed to sneak away early. The teams started to arrive back at the club house at 4.30pm for a few drinks before dinner at 7.30pm. The meal consisted of a prawn starter, rib eye main and cheese cake dessert. Winners on the day were:- Team winners: H. Shelley’s Single winner: H. Shelley—single 2nd: P. Maugham—single 3rd: K. Peak Nearest the pin: P. Jones—Longest drive: T. Juchnieki (15 years old!) Rabbit (worst score): Bob Stewart (organiser can’t reveal his score for two reasons 1. It would be rude 2. He didn’t score anything!) The total raised for charity (from raffle, sale of t-shirts, sponsors, auction & fees) was £2025. Following further drinks after the dinner, carriages were called at 10pm concluding a very successful and happy day... | 21st April 2007 | LADIES FESTIVAL The Ladies Evening, held again in Saxon Hall was a well attended event enjoyed by all but more especially by the President, Mike Steptoe and his wife Carol who were accompanied by many members of their family and friends. The evening consisted of the usual lady evening protocol together with the very high quality ‘Bill Fraser’ raffle—amongst the 40 odd prizes was a TV, CD player, DKNY watch and other well known fashion accessories and gifts. (One hi-light of the evening was that our notorious ’lucky’ Paul Thurgood didn’t win a light all evening!!) The festival committee chaired by Andy Latham must of course be given credit for all the hard work in organising the event with a special mention for his wife Linda, who was kept very busy behind the scenes. The President expressed his thanks to all involved for such a memorable evening. Dinner consisted of:- Salmon with Egg Mayonnaise, Lemon Sorbet, Chicken Supreme, Peach Melba, Cheese and Coffee. | 17th March 2007 | FISH NIGHT The work in the temple was an initiation ceremony performed by W/Bro Stuart James—being the DC and Preceptor of the LOI, he had a lot to live up to. He then put on his compare hat and took over the running of the festive board entertainment, which consisted of music, song and plenty of corny jokes and repertoire—he was supported by Richard Bedini, Adam Norman, Andy Latham and Lewis Mayo with a solo performance of ‘Spanish Ladies’ from Tommy Nolan. Tony Compton, as usual provided his marvellous ongoing musical accompaniment during the entire meal which consisted of:- THE SEAFOOD STALL Cockles, Whelks, Jellied Eels & Crabsticks, followed by Smoked Bacon & Clam Chowder, Prawn Cocktail, Apple Sorbet, Flaked Salmon & Smoked Haddock Miniature Pie, Skate Wing with Caper & Lemon Butter, Champ Mash Potato & mixed French Beans, Fresh Fruit Salad, Coffee or Tea, Red & White Wine. The evening was memorable for all who attended but in particular it will be remembered most, no doubt, by our Master Mike Steptoe as this was his last meeting. He hands over the Lodge to our Master Elect, Richard Bedini during October. Mike should not be disheartened however, as the meeting raised over £1000 for charity. | 17th February 2007 | FEBRUARY MEETING The meeting consisted of another raising ceremony which was performed by W/Bro John Jones. His working of the degree was excellent and he justly deserved the accolade of appreciation from the brethren. The festive board rounded the day off with a relaxed atmosphere and following menu:- Soup of the Day (which was Broccoli & Stilton), Roast Chicken with Chipolata Sausage & Stuffing with Creamed Mash and Mixed Peas & Carrots, Bread and Butter Pudding with Custard, Coffee or Tea, Red & White Wine. | 20th January 2007 | JANUARY MEETING This meeting consisted of an excellent raising ceremony performed by W/Bro Hartwell in his usual impeccable way. The meeting was also honoured with the presence of W/Bro Clifford Thoms APGM who presented certificates to W/Bro Richard Hartwell for achieving 60 years in freemasonry and to W/Bro Doug Innell for reaching 50 years—the brethren showed their appreciation for two great members of the Lodge. The menu at the festive board took on the theme of an Old English Fayre consisting of:- English Lamb Broth, Roast Topside of Beef with Colcannon Potatoes and Roasted Root Vegetables, Baked Apple with Ice Cream, English Cheese Board, Coffee or Tea Red & White Wine. The meal and evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all which ended at 10pm. | 18th November 2006 | NOVEMBER MEETING The meeting was a relatively quite affair with just 36 members and 5 guests attending. This however did not detract from the double passing ceremony performed by W/Bro Clem Britton who provided a relaxed and at times amusing presentation. W/Bro Willis presented an excellent explanation of the tracing board.
All due credit must be given to the Worshipful Master and his officers in performing their first full meeting.
The brethren were called to dine at 6.45pm with the following slightly ‘unconventional’ menu:- Chopped Egg & Onion with mixed salad (surprisingly nice!), Steak & Kidney Pudding, Chips (yes Chips!), Peas & Carrots, Crème Brulee, English Cheese Board—Coffee or Tea, Red & White Wine. The quality of the food was very good with the majority of the brethren in approval. | 5th November 2006 | FIREWORK FESTIVAL Sadly we were unable to obtain permission from Southend Airport Authority to provide the firework display. | 21st October 2006 | INSTALLATION MEETING The meeting was attended by 75 members and guests for what turned out to be a memorable installation ceremony performed by W/Bro Richard Walker & W/Bro Brian Bowden-Brown—our new master W/Bro Mike Steptoe could not have wished for a better ceremony and he too took the chair in a very professional manner. There were several other hi-lights during the afternoon.
Firstly, after W/Bro Walker had been presented with a past masters, collar and jewel by the Worshipful Master he then returned the compliment by presenting to the Lodge a new tools cabinet which he said was in appreciation for all the help the members had given him during his year.
The Worshipful Master on behalf of the members then presented a digital camera and docking station to our out-going Secretary, W/Bro Doug Innell to celebrate his 15 years in performing the office. Finally, W/Bro Robert Mount (a visiting Grand Officer and our Chapter secretary) then presented to the Worshipful Master some old regalia, a certificate, summons and ritual book, belonging to a past member Bro. Albert Brown. W/Bro Mount read from the items that the brother was initiated into the Lodge in 1918 and remained a member for at least 10 years. He was happy to return the items for our archives and felt confident that we should be able to discover further history of our long departed brother. The brethren sat down to a splendid dinner consisting of:- Paté Stuffed Mushrooms with Aoli dip, Smoked Mackerel with Horseradish cream
Chicken Supreme with Asparagus sauce, New Potatoes & mixed Peas & Carrots, Hot Cherries with Ice Cream, Traditional English Cheese Board—Coffee or Tea, Red & White Wine. | 2nd July 2006 | FETE/QUAMBLE The Quamble took place at Saxon Hall and the Lodge supported the event by having a football stall—kick the ball through the hole and win a leather football— Brian BB and Paul Thurgood supported by Paul’s delightful wife Anne volunteered to run the stall. Sadly, it appeared that the event was not greatly supported even though it was a gloriously sunny day with temperatures in the 90’s | 29th April 2006 | LADIES FESTIVAL Our Worshipful Master Richard Walker chose Saxon Hall to hold his Ladies Festival which was a great success. Richard and his Lady Sally were excellent hosts and all who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The dinner consisted of:- Thin Sliced Palma Ham with Roast Peaches & Mixed French Leaves, Passion Fruit Sorbet, Escalope of Turkey, Stuffed with Sausage Meat with Apricot & Chestnut Farce accompanied with New Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables, Caramel & Hazel Torte with Coffee Ice Cream & Banana Syrup.
The evening proceeded with dancing and a huge raffle comprising of at least 50 prizes!
There was a little trepidation as this was our first Ladies Festival held in Saxon Hall but any worries were soon dispelled as the evening got under way. A special vote of thanks must be given to the Festival Committee in particular its head Andy Latham for all their efforts in making the evening such a success. | 18th March 2006 | FISH NIGHT Our meeting’s hi-light was a special presentation to Bro Bill Fraser who celebrated 50 years in freemasonry—Bill started his Masonic career in a Scottish lodge but having moved down to Essex joined our lodge through his son-in-law Bro Andy Latham—Bill was a great catch! (fish night connection there) and the Albert Lucking lodge has gained enormously by his membership. Our annual FISH NIGHT festive board followed the meeting which included the Jellied Eel stall with prawns, cockles, roll mops, whelks and of course jellied eels which was followed by our fish menu:- Smoked Salmon, Smoked Haddock Chowder, Medley of Flaked Fish with Apple & Walnuts, Lemon Sorbet, Rolled Plaice with Asparagus Mousse (buttered potatoes and medley of green vegetables) washed down with red & white wine followed by fresh fruit salad and cream and finally coffee. There was an equally nice alternative meal for those who didn’t eat fish.
During the meal the brethren were entertained (and joined in with) hearty singing provided by W/Bo Stuart James and Bro Paul Thurgood accompanied by the accordionist extraordinaire Tony Compton. Stuart & Paul provided some funny stories which many went down like a lead balloon and incurred jeering and some calls of ‘get off’ - but being hard skinned (and possibly hard of hearing) they managed to stay the course. The meeting was enjoyed by all and was attended by the Ass. Provincial Grand Master Sydney Gain together with 51 members and 49 guests. | |