Thames Valley Lodge No 1460 held their Installation Meeting at the Southgate Masonic Centre on Saturday, 1st November 2025. This proved an outstanding success, bringing together 95 brethren from various Masonic Provinces in the UK including London, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dorset, East and West Kent, Essex, Staffordshire, and also from Wales. However, the regular meeting place for the Lodge is Harrow Masonic Centre but due to the large numbers attending and dining a different venue was organised at Southgate Masonic Centre.
The visitors generously dedicated their time to witness the Installation of W. Bro Jemervi Usares, proudly taking his place for the first time in the Chair of King Solomon. The occasion also marked a special milestone for the Lodge, as it was the first time the Lodge had held a meeting at the Southgate Masonic Centre, and it truly surpassed all expectations. The regular meeting would have normally been held at Harrow but because of the large number of attendees and diners Harrow were unable to provide facilities on this occasion.
However, the venue proved to be an exceptional choice, offering a magnificent and inspiring Temple that radiated dignity, warmth, and a sense of Masonic harmony. The ambience within the Temple created a perfect atmosphere and the Temple was filled with brethren, a testament to the strong support for and the unity of the Lodge and visiting brethren alike. The Installation ceremony was performed with precision and grace, featuring remarkable work from Bro. Cajucom Jr., who delivered the Second Degree Tracing Board and the Working Tools of a Master Mason, followed by two Fellowcrafts of the Lodge, Bro. Capanzana with the Fellow Craft Working Tools and Bro. Espino with the Entered Apprentice Working Tools. The Addresses to the Master, Wardens and Brethren were given by three Past Masters; W. Bro Aunzo, W. Bro Callangan, and W. Bro Ugay. The Address from IPM W. Bro. Malik Hayat to W. Bro. Usares was both heartfelt and supportive.
Following the meeting, the festive board was enjoyed by the Brethren in the beautifully appointed and spacious dining room of the Southgate Masonic Centre. The room offered comfort, elegance, and warmth, easily accommodating all attendees. The dining staff provided excellent service, and the food was widely praised as delicious, plentiful, and perfectly suited to the preferences of the brethren. Many expressed admiration for the cleanliness, hospitality, and overall professionalism of the venue’s staff. The evening was filled with laughter, good cheer, and the genuine spirit of Masonry.
The Southgate Masonic Centre truly exceeded our expectations, a venue that combines tradition with modern comfort, making it a perfect setting for such an important occasion. Our brethren and visitors alike shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, and many expressed their desire to return for future meetings. The night was further uplifted by the generosity of the Lodge, which provided wonderful prizes for the raffle, and even more so by the generosity of the brethren, whose contributions helped us raise a meaningful amount for charity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of Southgate Masonic Centre for their warm support and for helping make our first meeting there, and our Installation Meeting, not only memorable but truly exemplary in every way.
