Lodge Activities 2006

Lodge Activities: 2007/2006

CONSECRATED 29th OCTOBER 1898

Albert Lucking Lodge 2717

PROVINCE OF ESSEX

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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.