Provincial Team visit Lodge Uno Corde
The Provincial Team were in action this weekend and after some very early alarm calls to allow for tea, coffee & bacon butties, in order to fuel up for an 8.45 rehearsal, yes you read it correctly 8.45! Freemasonry is of course usually held in the evening, with emphasis on the word usually! The destination was Keynsham Masonic Hall and the Lodge Uno Corde for a 10.30 start. Uno corde has a lovely tradition where the Wives and Partners are invited to dine with us at the Festive Board and they usually have a talk whilst the Lodge conducts the business in the Temple.
The DPGM Mike Greedy led the team for this particular visit and after a very warm welcome accepted the gavel proffered by the Worshipful Master James Adams and took the chair to conduct the ceremony which was another double raising. The lucky candidates were Brothers Vincent Bassey and Ben Ford as is the case when the Provincial team is on an official visit they take over from the Lodge offices for the ceremony and conduct the ritual which is always strict emulation. This being the fourth Provincial visit by the team this season and the team are really getting to know each other and enjoy the privilege of being active officers.
The ceremony was of a very high standard with Jason Raikes taking his turn to be Senior Deacon and the led the candidates with the help of Chris James. Both candidates enjoyed the ceremony enormously with Bro Vince particularly enjoying the Tradition History with the ritual being split between Russ Woodland, Steve Beach, Chris James and Matt Williams, being at Keynsham, makes full use of the friezes.
Incidentally one of Bro Vince’s guests was initiated under the Grand Lodge of Nigeria.
Before passing the Gavel back to the WM Mike Greedy thanked the Provincial team and commented how well the team had ‘gelled’ together.
The Festive Board had a very pleasant atmosphere. The WM thanked the provincial Team and the Junior Warden responded with an excellent toast to the Province. The highlight was the DPGM responding to the Provincial toast with some anecdotes from the ‘Haynes guide’ to a successful marriage.
The next Provincial visit will be to Queens College at Taunton Masonic Hall on 12th July to conduct a Passing ceremony and help celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Lodge.
Mike Norton
