SML Initiate Andy Godfrey
Somerset Military Lodge met at Yeovilton Airbase for the first time since their consecration in 2022, in the Senior Ratings and Sergeants Mess.
The meeting was also made special as the Candidate Andy had worked at the Base for many years as a Aero Engineer, it was like coming home he said. He was also known to a great many of the Brethren due to his service there and the Royal British Legion. His Proposer Chris Waterhouse said he had been “gently encouraging” Andy to Join for over 10 years.
With Ralph Howard in the Chair and Garry Hawkes as DC, Andy was in for a special day, which it certainly was, everyone performed the ritual extremely well (in fine military fashion one could say!)
With over 80 attending, including Ben Batley PDPrGM, Martin Slocombe PPrAGM and Keith Baker GO, and with 78 saying to dine it really was a special day, for everyone that was there. After the toast and Andy was sung to he stood to respond and (with permission from the Master) he gave a light hearted review of the singing, awarding points to each group, which went down extremely well.
The Lodge was also honoured by the attendance of three Chelsea Pensioners, Davey Hards, Michael Shanahan & Roger Hall representing a different Constitution from the British Isles. As they were guests of SML their Train fare was covered by the Lodge, but being the Gentlemen they are and true Freemasons, they gave what would have been the the cost of travel c£160 to the Charity pot.
SML being a peripatetic Lodge, their next meeting is at Weston s Mare, so please ask a member if you want to attend as they have a very special meeting booked for February 2026 at the RAF College in Cranwell.
The sun then set on what was a truly special day!
Ian Evans – ACO Central
