Connaught MCV

A most memorable evening on Wednesday 15 October, led by Worshipful Master Chris
Brooke. Following the Opening of the Lodge, the WM was privileged to receive the
Provincial Grand Master Raymond Guthrie and a goodly number of the Provincial
Team. Richard Gilson gave the Eulogy to Richard Allen PPrJGW who had
passed to the Grand Lodge Above early September.

The main purpose of the evening was the update on the Membership Challenge by the PGM.
The earlier decline in membership had been reversed by Lodges rising to the membership
challenge. He reminded that all brethren are ambassadors for Freemasonry in promoting
membership in the community. The level of resignations was a point of concern and the PGM
emphasised the importance of retaining members by mentoring and involving them within the
Lodge, and following up brethren who have not recently attended. He went on to mention the
PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer, saying both sessions had been oversubscribed, and also
touched on the ‘Progression to the Master’s Chair’ seminars.

The PGM presented the Grand Lodge Certificate to our IG James Jefferies who
was Initiated on 20 November 2024 and Raised in March earlier this year. He also had
pleasure in presenting a 60 th Anniversary Certificate to Collin Lunt. Colin
started his masonic career on 26 October 1965 when Initiated into the Lodge of Sincerity No
174, in London. He joined Connaught in 1976 and became Worshipful Master in 1989,
afterwards holding several positions, most notably Charity Steward for many years.
Following a ballot Richard Harris of Columbanus Lodge was welcomed as a
Joining Member and during the AOB a further Joining Member and two candidates were
proposed.

The lively Festive Board was well attending with everyone enjoying a curry with all the usual
trimmings. James Jefferies confidently gave the Toast to the Provincial Grand Master then
equally confidently followed with the Toast to the Province.

Chris James – LCO