Deputy Provincial Grand Master put to Work at Nyanza Lodge

At the regular meeting of Nyanza Lodge in October, the Master and Brethren were very pleased to welcome VWBro Ben Batley, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, particularly at such short notice. Originally Tony Guthrie had been booked in to attend but the day before he had contracted covid. Ben was only asked at lunchtime but stepped into the breach for which the Master and Brethren of Nyanza were very grateful, particularly as Ben was the mainstay of the evening’s labours.

The first duty Ben was asked to preform was to present a 50 Years in Masonry Commemorative Certificate to Ivor Pettitt, now 96 years old, who was initiated into the Royal Lodge of Faith & Friendship in 1973 and having moved to Ilminster Joined Nyanza in February 1980. Ben outlined Ivor’s personal and Masonic Careers both in Craft and Chapter which culminated in his being promoted to PPJGW in the Craft and PPReg in Chapter. Ben then formally presented Ivor with his Certificate, Lapel Pin, and letter from the Provincial Grand Master.

Having completed Ivor’s presentation Ben was kind enough to come down onto the floor of the Lodge again and present two Grand Lodge Certificates to two of the Lodges newest members Johan Glaubitz and Dylan Edgar. The Master congratulated on his reaching 50 years in Masonry and Brothers Glaubitz and Edgar on their completing the first step in their Masonic careers, he also thanked Ben for all his efforts especially at such short notice.

Footnote: Sadly Ivor passed away on 22nd October.