Queen’s College, Taunton Lodge Installation Report
On the 15th March, Dr Keith Pickavance reached the pinnacle of the lodge structure as he was installed into the Chair of King Solomon as the new Worshipful Master of Queen’s. Keith became a joining member of Queen’s in December 2017 and was soon ‘convinced’ to move to Inner Guard and onwards to the Chair. The Somerset Province were well represented on the night with Mike Greedy- Provincial Grand Secretary (and Deputy PGM – Designate) representing the Provincial Grand Master; the Lodge was also delighted to have Stuart Hadler (Past PGM), a honorary Queen’s member who made an unobtrusive appearance.
Given the huge number of visitors (54) and a goodly turn out by the brethren of Queen’s this turned out to be an absolutely wonderful meeting, with a total of 82 brethren present. The Installing Master Jonathan Dolling started proceedings with confidence and authority, thus making the Master Elect Keith panic just that little bit more. Given the Queen’s tradition is to install the Master using the Extended Workings, the brethren were in for a real treat. The Master Elect, having been in the Chair many years ago in Surrey, was to recite his own obligation which he stumbled through – perfectly adequately! The team of installers – Jonathan Dolling, Andy Humphries, Geoff Dolling and Mike Kinnersley- did a magnificent job of stepping through the Inner Workings, giving the Master Elect and the brethren alike, a real showcase and nothing but extremely high expectation for things to come.
Mike Greedy gave a confident rendition of the Address to the Master and after the Wardens were installed their Address was terrifically given by Richard Baker. The Worshipful Master then installed his officers, with several remaining in post – much to the satisfaction of Keith who will no doubt lean on them considerably. The Brethren next experienced a wonderful rendition of the Address to the Brethren by Andy Rogers. The Lodge was closed off in record time, marking an efficient run through of the ceremony by the brethren, adjourning to the bar for the new Master to experience the relief (quite clearly visible) via a well-earned beer enjoyed with the Installing Master and the Deputy PGM – Desig.
The brethren of Queen’s, assisted ably by the mass of visitors raised the huge sum of £1440, which will go to the Worshipful Master’s charity of the year – Somerset Sight.
Coming up next for Queen’s: as their 75th anniversary is due in July 2025, instead of their usual May meeting, they will be holding an extra special meeting on 12th July at Taunton. This time with a plethora of Provincial representatives, to celebrate masonry in Queen’s College Lodge and Somerset.
Report by: Keith Pickavance – Queen’s College Lodge Comms Officer.
