A Great night at Avalon Chapter

With a 17 item agenda, (or the case of the missing knocks) an early start was needed as it was going to be a busy evening at Avalon Chapter meeting in Wedmore. First off the Chapter welcomed The MEGS Ray Guthrie and members of the Provincial Team as, Ray was to deliver the membership Challenge the next steps, later in the evening.

Then the Somerset Travelling Sceptre was presented to the Chapter by the Brethren of Sir Isaac Newton Chapter led by John Kidd.

The next job was to Exalt two new companions to the Chapter, Robert Palmer (Sometimes called Richard) and David Swain, two excellent candidates. Avalon Chapter has adopted the Savage workings with the addition of the Tel Hayes Workings – always fun to witness! (Although counting to Four not always easy)

Also we heard how Robert was the local Scout Leader and after a donation of money from the local Freemasons, decided to join a Craft Lodge, proving yet again Community Engagement is so important.

The Chapter then sat attentively to hear Ray Guthrie deliver the next steps of the Membership Challenge, saying that it had been a success so far, with increased numbers in both Royal Arch and Craft Lodges. He then went on to say what a successful Chapter Avalon had been as it had actually increased its numbers to 60, higher than in 2011. A point made when they balloted for another joining member, David Pina, a Past Master of the Forest of Mendip Lodge.

Ray was being made to work for his meal this night, as he then went on to present two Grand Chapter Certificates to Michael Beasley and Anthony Chapman.

The night was only the second meeting they had attended and both gave excellent deliveries of their parts in the Symbolic Lecture.

There was then a very special Presentation to Roger Reina from Ray, the Grand Superintendents Award for outstanding work to the Chapter and Province.

There are less than two of these awarded each year and Roger is a well deserving Companion, he does so much to help and never complains, quite simply the true embodiment of a Mason – Well done Roger!

The evening ended with a lovely meal and joviality at the Festive Board, with Ray saying he enjoyed the night and had not laughed so much in ages (nothing to do with the Hayes workings of course…….)