A Busy Night At Queen’s College, Taunton Lodge
Reverting back to single digit ceremonies, Queen’s College, Taunton Lodge No 6988 gathered with a healthy number of visitors at the Taunton Masonic Centre to initiate Mr Darren Rumsey. The visitors were swelled by the attendance of The Provincial Grand Master (PGM) Ray Guthrie, who delivered the Membership Challenge. The brethren of Queen’s, together with the visitors, grilled the PGM, but he really gave as good as he got – pushing the responsibility for membership firmly on everyone in the Province. The topics of how to retain, how to gain new members, and various others were discussed in lengthy detail and with the clear picture that all want to help boost membership in Somerset.
The second event of the night was the initiation of Darren Rumsey; the Queen’s Worshipful Master, together with a small number of Past Masters and experienced masons performed an exemplary ceremony to bring Darren onto the first step in Freemasonry. Darren was supported by some of his friends from other lodges outside of the Somerset Province. The WM even did the long investiture of the badge which was gratefully listened to by a dear friend from Richard Huish lodge, George Searle, who had only recently been initiated and not heard this before. Charlie White, recently raised to a Master Mason performed a superb rendition of the First Degree Working Tools, with Jim Virjee giving a word perfect rendition of the Entered Apprentice Charge.
The third main event of the evening, was the presentation of Grand Lodge certificates to two recently raised brothers; Charlie and Fraser, who were honoured to receive them from Ray Guthrie. Mike Kinnersley presented Charlie and Frazer with white gloves in memory of his late father Ken Kinnersley, Past Provincial Grand Master for Somerset. Quality runs through the lodge and history remains paramount.
At the wonderful Festive Board, Ray Guthrie continued to provide wise words, emphasised by the word enjoyment which Queen’s does take seriously. Generous donations by the brethren ensured Queen’s collected a sum of over £800 (including gift aid) which will go to the Master’s chosen charity of St Margaret’s Hospice, Taunton. A presentation of the total proceeds is planned after the Master’s year in office. The Queen’s brethren give a big thanks to all the visitors and members who made this a special occasion for all. The Lodge looks forward to their infamous and extremely generous Christmas meeting, where much fun will be had, surrounded by plenty of opportunities to contribute further to charity.
(Abridged) Report by: Keith Pickavance – Queen’s 6988 Lodge Comms Officer
