Provincial team Visit to Bruton
The Provincial team juggernaut rolled into the quaint market town of Bruton on
Thursday 2 nd October for a team visit to Royal Clarence Lodge. The Temple is one
of the oldest buildings used as a Masonic Hall in the Province dating from the 17 th
Century. The Provincial team was led on this occasion by the DPGM Mike Greedy.
The team received a very warm welcome and it was lovely to see Neil Beckett in
back in the Lodge. Tea and cake were very kindly laid on for the team by the Lodge
before the team entered into a rehearsal at 3.45.
After the Provincial team paraded in there was not a spare seat to be found with over
70 Brethren in the Lodge. There were two very welcome additional members of the
team Bob Bruce the new Provincial Superintendant of Works and David Maddern the
Festival Chairman.
After a warm welcome by the WM the gavel was proferred and accepted by Mike
Greedy and Provincial officers took their posts under the guidance of the Provincial
DDC’s.
The ceremony, a double raising was conducted to a high standard the work as is the
case being split between the members of the Provincial team. The two Candidates
Brothers Chinnock and Vint conducted themselves extremely well and very much
enjoyed the ceremony.
The gavel was handed back to the WM who thanked Mike and the team for their
hard work.
Barrie Palmer APGM very ably ( I think he has done it a few times) and with
customary humour presented a Grand Lodge certificate to Brother Statham.
On the second rising the Provincial team were able to get to the bar first for a well
earned drink.
The festive board was full of good humour and banter and was enjoyed by all. The
raffle raised in excess of £300. I was a real shame to leave….
The next Provincial team visit will roll up on 28 th November at the Lodge of
Hospitality.
Mike Norton
