Another Connaught Lodge Initiation
An action packed evening at Connaught Lodge, (Wednesday 18 February) starting with
Worshipful Master Chris Brooke initiating Michael Edwards who was expertly escorted by
Junior Deacon Peter Kuzemka, ably aided by Jerry Hann acting as Senior Deacon.
Having been entrusted with the Secrets of the Degree by Tony Cooper and Michael invested with his
apron by the Senior Warden Chris James, he was placed in the North-East Corner where
Chris fluently explained the significance of Charity. Then followed a faultless presentation of
the Working Tools by James Jefferies. On Michel’s return to the Lodge he was treated to an
eloquent presentation of the ‘Charge after Initiation’ by Adrian Moore.
Following a pure ballot the Lodge was pleased to welcome David Sherborne as a re-joining
member, having been previously proposed in open Lodge by Tony Cooper. The Provincial
Grand Mentor, Ray Conneely (representing the Provincial Grand Master), then presented a
Grand Lodge Certificate to Mitchell Pimm.
Next, Ian Rogers, Worshipful Master of the Royal Somerset Lodge No 973, (our Mother
Lodge), accompanied by a large posse of brethren, presented the Travelling Trowel to our
WM Chris Brooke, who was entrusted in taking the Trowel to the upcoming Provincial
Annual Meeting in April.
Chris encouraged the brethren to consider the Solomon Academy having been presented with
his diploma the previous week by Barry Palmer Assistant Provincial Gand Master and gave a
brief explanation of the course.
A lively Festive Board included the usual Toast to the Initiate given by our Membership
Officer Jerry Hann that included an overview of Michael’s career. Now living in Midsomer
Norton, he moved to Frome from London 35 years ago having previously trained as a Site
Engineer. But later he turned to bricklaying having realised he could earn more money that
way. After working for a few companies he set up his own building business. Then one day
watching customers wondering around a DIY store scratching their heads, he started a
website called ‘DIY Doctor’ that gave free DIY advice, whilst advertising professional
builders for those who had bitten off more than they could chew.
This grew to over one million users a month, so two years ago he sold it with the intention of retiring and go fishing, But after three months he got bored and started a consultancy company helping homeowners
through the maze of Planning Permission, Building Regulations and liaising with builders. As well as this he is a part-time lecturer in constructions skills at Bath College in Radstock. We therefore have yet another ‘operative’ mason within the Lodge.
Rounding off the evening our Lodge Secretary Kevin Chard gave the Toast to the many
Visitors which was responded to by Royal Somerset’s Secretary Roger Hatherell who, in
doing so, complemented Chris, James, and Adrian for their excellent ritual presentations
during the ceremony.
W. Bro Chris James LCO
