Richard Huish Lodge Go ‘Abroad’

A party from Richard Huish Lodge, Taunton went over the border to St Peters Lodge in the Province of Devonshire on Wednesday 8th October. They were there to support the initiation of Mr Rikki Tomlinson . Why? Because he is the brother-in-law of their most recent initiates, Richard Lewis (Phot above-4th from the left-with Rikki on his right). With the help of David Hodson-Whittle, the Secretary of St Peters Lodge, the visitors managed to keep their attendance a complete secret and Rikki was totally surprised when his blindfold was removed and he saw Richard there, with a gang from Richard Huish Lodge. The standard of the ceremony was exemplary, with an informative explanation of the first-degree tracing board included in the ceremony. The Festive Board afterwards was full of the camaraderie and good humour that typifies Freemasonry. With Richard Lewis giving the visitors response (his first time, and very good he was too) everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and look forward to Brother-Brother-in-law Rikki and others coming up the M5 to RHL soon.

Then last week, a few Brethren spent a couple of hours looking through ritual books, asking lots of questions and trying out aspects of all three ceremonies from a different chair or in a different office. Very useful and much appreciated, especially by the future Wardens and Master. Afterwards, a dozen took the Silk Road through Taunton High Street across to China, in the form of Mei’s ‘All you can eat’ buffet. Several rose to that challenge and in the end, Richard won the trophy by demolishing 4 big plates and several puddings – a tub of sweets was his reward. He managed to get stuck into them as well – a true Mason !

A great couple of visits, RHL’s next ceremony is a busy night – the Raising of Brother Steve plus Province coming mob-handed for MCV2, plus a group of visitors from Dorset. They’d better get practicing!

Report by: Charlie Barker – RHL Secretary 8518