Provincial Team visits Hospitality
The Provincial team led by the PGM Ray Guthrie arrived at Yatton Lodge of Hospitality on Friday night. Having been invited to perform a triple raising ceremony on behalf of the lodge. The Provincial team had already carried out a number of double raising this year but it was the first time this team had performed such a ceremony with three candidates…..The pressure was on….
The team had an early rehearsal time of 3.15 specifically so that the three designated deacons could practice the perambulations around the Lodge and after a few tweaks here and there by the DC we were Sharp and ready to go.
After the lodge was opened the PGM and his team were escorted in and received a lovely warm and fraternal welcome by the lodge. The WM proferred the gavel to the PGM who, of course, on this occasion excepted the gavel and took the chair. Ray then thanked the lodge for the opportunity for him and his team to conduct the ceremony and dressed the Pro Grand Masters words of the need for every lodge to aim for three candidates a year.
The Candidates David Buckley, Nathan Willis and his Brother Gregory Willis answered their questions alternately were word perfect and Importantly for a multi candidate ceremony were in complete sync throughout. They were led superbly by Damien Pick the Provincial Senior Deacon took the lead with the Junior Deacon Chris James and Provincial Steward Andy Newland falling in behind. The ritual being divided up between the team was superb.
After the ceremony PGM presented Solomon Academy certificates to four members of the Provincial team. The WM was placed back into his chair and promptly thanked the PGM and his team for performing the ceremony and then presented a cheque to the Festival which was thankfully received.
The Lodge is of course a fine dining lodge and the evening culminated with an exquisite festive board with seven delicious courses making it a ‘perfect’ night all round. The warmth of the welcome in the lodge and festive board was greatly appreciated by the PGM and all of the team.
The toast from the Junior Warden Charlie Stokes to the visitors was sincere and very well received. Rob Hughes responded to the toast in fine fashion and his sentiments were echoed by all in the room. “Please do invite us again for another visit soon”.
The next meeting for the Provincial team will be on 2nd January 2026 at Royal Philanthropic for a double raising.
Mike Norton
On the Lodge of Hospitality menu :-
Butternut, pepper & chilli velouté
Poached salmon Nantua with a cream of lobster sauce
Lemon Sorbet
Fillet of British beef with pink peppercorn sauce, crushed new potatoes with seasonal roasted vegetables
Poached pear in red wine & cinnamon served with Chantilly cream
Cheese & fig plate
Coffee & shortbread
