All Brotherly Emergencies Excepted !

Benevolent Lodge normally holds a full dress Lodge of Instruction in September but with a break from tradition an Emergency double ceremony was arranged instead to meet demand for the initiates in waiting. Being the first meeting back after the break and with a summer of preparing and practicing for a double Initiation, it is safe to say there was an air of excitement amongst the team as the day approached. Unfortunately the second candidate needed to withdraw only days before, and so at short notice the team reverted back to a single First degree taking the sudden change in their stride. The lodge was honoured by one of our newest joining members Ben Bately in attendance, making for a lively start to the evening, with all brethren working extra hard to impress.

Dr David Bidwell was our candidate, elder brother to our Junior Warden Brother Michael Bidwell, and an excellent ceremony was performed. Having met with David beforehand, if he had any nerves they certainly didn’t show as he was a brilliant candidate throughout which is testament to brothers Joe Guidi and Mike Nicholson who led him through the ceremony. 

The festive board was once again held at the historic White Hart Inn where convivial atmosphere, camaraderie, good banter, along with excellent food made for a memorable night. The Benevolent Lodge choir entertained with the visitors song and the Entered Apprentice chain was performed for new Brother David who gave an excellent response. In fact David pointed out that in becoming a Freemason he was now a brother twice over to Michael: once when Michael was born and now for a second time. So in some ways we can say we did indeed get a double on the night after all!

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd of October and as always visitors are very welcome.

Luke Biernat Benevolent Lodge Communications Officer