Connaught Raise Matt

A superb team effort at Connaught Lodge gave an excellent ceremony to make Matt’s Raising a most memorable evening. WM. Chris was supported firstly by DC. Richard Gilson who put the Questions to the Candidate and later in the ceremony the first part of the Raising.

It was a real pleasure to have Neil Arthur with us again, but not only that, he was keen to become involved and so gave The Charge. After SW. Brian Parry had invested Matt with his Master Mason’s apron, JW. Neil Sunderland followed by explaining its significance. 

Matt, having returned to the Lodge after being restored to ‘his personal comforts’, Tony Cooper gave the Traditional History in his usual exemplary manner. The ceremony concluded with JD. James Jefferies confidently presenting the Working Tools and thereby completing the PGM’s Working Tools Challenge (having presented all three). As such, later in the meeting he was presented with the Adair Club pin badge by Michael Beasley (Area Adair Club Representative) who also announced that James has been appointed as the Lodge’s Adair Club Rep. Many congratulations to him. Presenting the Working Tools to Matt was personal to James as not only are they work colleagues, but James was Matt’s Proposer to join the Lodge. 

Robin Browning in his capacity as Treasurer for the 2031 Provincial Festival took the opportunity to present Alastair Slade with his Festival Steward Jewel. 

Throughout the ceremony Matt had been ably conducted around the Lodge by SD. Pete Kuzemka, assisted by JD. James, as required, and IPM. Chris Brooke was on hand ready to prompt if necessary. Throughout the meeting, and particularly during the ceremony, Adrian Moore provided suitable music which, as always, is much appreciated.

A jovial Festive Board rounded off the evening that was enjoyed by all, especially our eleven visitors. Patrick Haxell gave the Response to the Visitors’ Toast and in doing so was highly complimentary about the ceremony.

Chris J. WM