Christmas at Queens College Lodge
A Celebration of Certificates, Charity, and Christmas Cheer, 2025
The December meeting at Queen’s College Taunton Lodge is always a highlight of
the year — a joyful blend of masonry, family, friendship, and, as ever, an impressive
amount of charity. This year was no exception.
Guests were welcomed with coffee and cake, beautifully prepared by Karen and her
team, setting a warm and festive tone. A short business meeting followed, during
which Darren Rumsey was presented with his Grand Lodge certificate, received with
genuine interest and applause from more than 50 brethren.
We were then joined by partners and nonmasonic guests, bringing the gathering to
over 80 people, just in time for the presentation of a 50th certificate to Philip Jubb,
our former Secretary, accompanied by his wife, Liz. It was a heartfelt moment,
warmly received by all.
The first main event of the day was an engaging and inspiring talk from the
Worshipful Master’s charity for the year, Somerset Sight. Their stories — full of
resilience, humour, and hope — highlighted the vital work they do. Opportunities for
volunteering were eagerly taken up, with several brethren expressing a keen interest
in supporting this remarkable organisation.
With spirits high, we retired to the Sherry Room for a fizz reception. After one (or
perhaps two) glasses of bubbly, we made our way to the dining room for an
exceptional white table. The atmosphere was electric. Karen and her team once
again excelled, serving a traditional turkey feast with all the trimmings — and then
some. The Charity Steward’s appetite was, as ever, unstoppable, and for our
resident auctioneer, the chance to encourage donations proved irresistible.
Port was served last, ensuring no one could escape before the second main event:
the enthusiastic extraction of funds in the name of charity. The Charity Steward
oversaw a tremendous haul, with prizes going to both delighted winners and the
usual suspects. Then W. Bro. Geoffrey Dolling took the floor, conducting the auction
with his trademark humour and remarkable ability to separate diners from their
money at speed.
The day concluded slightly later than planned — a sure sign of how much everyone
enjoyed themselves. Before leaving, whip-rounds were held for the catering staff,
ensuring no one was overlooked or unappreciated.
In total, the meeting raised around £2,500, a magnificent sum that will allow
Somerset Sight to extend its invaluable support even further within the Taunton
community.
Our heartfelt thanks go, as always, to Geoff Perrin and to our Secretary, Lindsey
Edmunds, whose hard work and organisation were central to the success of this
wonderful occasion.
