Parachute Regiment Visitors to Olympian Lodge

At the regular meeting of Olympian Lodge held on Friday 14 th November a contingent
of the DC, Andy Broad’s, comrades from the Parachute regiment attended to
see one of their own being Initiated.

(Mark) Archie Statham had seen active service in the Falkland Islands with
Andy and is the Godfather of the WM, Liam Broad, who is
Andy’s son.

As well as Andy and Archie there were seven other Parachute Regiment veterans
present including two Lieutenant Colonels and a Captain. One of their number,
V.W.Bro. Mark Eyles-Thomas is also the Past Deputy Provincial Grand Master for
West Kent. Several of them had also served with Andy in the Falklands.
Because of the historical and family connections between the WM, DC and
candidate, the Initiation was a very special event and conducted to a very high
standard. Archie was an outstanding candidate.

A total of 61 members and guests were in attendance and after the ceremony retired
to the bar and dining room to enjoy the usual excellent Nailsea Masonic Hall food,
copious quantities of beer and wine and much good banter.