Next Lodge meeting
Saturday, 15th March
Next Chapter meeting
TBA...
Iain MacMillan - 2024/2025
OCTOBER (INSTALLATION MEETING) OCTOBER 19th 2024
Our meeting today was somewhat pressurised, as at very short notice, our WM Graeme McCormack was unable to attend the meeting due to illness and so the installation of our Master Elect, Iain MacMillan was carried out by several members. Roger Northwood, opened the Lodge and steered us through to the inner workings. Terry Thurston took over and installed Iain into the chair. Following a Call off, Vic Chivers then declared the new WM in the North, West and South.
Kevin Wealthall SW - WM - Josh Vaughan JW
Stuart James, Paul Thurgood & Austin Latham acted in the offices of SW, JW & Inner Guard respectively. The 3rd, 2nd & 1st tools were presented by Paul Field, Josh Vaughan & Paul Marshall respectively. Paul Field presented the address to the Master, Roy Squibb the address to the Wardens and to close the ceremony, Brian Bowden-Brown the address to the brethren.
As part of today's meeting Stuart James gave an address looking back on the life of one of our sadly missed member, Clem Britton who sadly died earlier in the year. An eulogy was given at the March meeting relating to his masonic career but as he died just before our March meeting we were unable to compile a suitable eulogy of his personal and family life and so it was suggested this be carried out at a later date. The address was well received by all those that knew Clem.
The Festive Board was the usual friendly jovial event and with an added surprise for our Master, that of having Josh Vaughan singing the masters song which went down extremely well to conclude a great day.
NOVEMBER 16th 2024
WM Iain MacMillan opened the Lodge at 4.30pm. With the minutes from the previous meeting being read and confirmed and the investiture of Graeme McCormack - absent at the last meeting - as IPM, the Lodge was called off.
There followed an approved Mark Degree demonstration performed by the Mark degree Demonstration Team lead by APGM John Stannard. Following the event due thanks was afforded to John and his team together with a charity donation of £250 to the Mark Essex Provincial Welfare Fund.
Following the Lodge being called on and the remaining summons agenda carried out there was also a very warm welcome to Chris Jones who was currently endeavouring to walk the entire coastline of the UK for the Masonic Charity Fund who assisted in helping him through his severe mental health illness.
The festive board that followed was themed again this year on Remembrance Day with reading of adhoc anecdotes relating to soldier camaraderie and interest of past times. Chris Jones also an ex-squaddie responded on behalf of the guests with a heart warming and humorous response about his travels around the UK.
You can read more about Chris Jones and his incredible walking challenge by clicking these link
Mark team members with Iain
