On 5th December 2023 Parthenon Lodge No7310, meeting at the Southgate Masonic Centre, celebrated its 70th Anniversary and to mark the occasion their longest active member, W. Bro Tom Spurrier PPrSGW was made an Honorary Member in recognition of his 45 years continuous service to the Lodge.
During the meeting the updated Lodge history was read by W. Bro Paul Doran PProvGSwdB after which the Founding Director of Ceremonies Collar and Jewel, which had been recently recovered via eBay, was presented to the current DC, W. Bro David Smith ProvDepGDC, by the Worshipful Master, W. Bro Owen Reeves. The Collar and Jewel would now be worn at all future regular Lodge meetings.
For this special occasion the Lodge invited the WM and Secretary of the Mother Lodge, Earl Strafford Lodge No 3500 (now within the Hertfordshire masonic jurisdiction) and Sister Lodges Hadley Highstone No 4203 and Gothic Lodge No 4517, who were represented by W. Bro Terry Jaggers PPrADC, W. Bro Gordon Springate and W. Bro Richard Waitt PPrJGW respectively. They joined with the other guests at Southgate to enjoy a superb Festive Board which was followed by entertainment provided by Chelsea Lodge member, Johnny Tait, a Comedian who provided traditional “old school” laughs without the need for “blue”. He is originally from the Elephant and Castle area of London and a former Butlins Red Coat and more can be found out about him using the following link – https://www.tonybennell.co.uk/comedy-acts–for-hire?id=654042.
The proceeds of the raffle at the Festive Board were donated to the Samaritans as they also celebrate their 70th Anniversary this year; a fitting cause when men’s mental wellbeing had been recently promoted by the Provincial Grand Almoner. At the next Lodge meeting in April 2024 the Lodge’s first Initiate W. Bro Ron Chesterman will also be celebrating 70 years in Freemasonry. One to watch out for and promises to be another special event.
