Burdett Lodge and Chapter No 1293 met in January for another well-attended and thoroughly enjoyable “Busy Burdett” day. Meeting consecutively three times each year, Lodge and Chapter share a common purpose and a shared Festive Board, reflecting the unique harmony of what has become fondly known as the Burdett Model.
January’s gathering proved even busier than anticipated. Proceedings began in Chapter with the Exaltation of our newest Companion, Jeorge Anton Nana Ossom Asare-Djan of Bushey Park Lodge No 2381. The ceremony was conducted in fine style by E Comp Howard Hughes, PGStB, DepGSupt as MEZ, after which the new Principals were duly inducted into their respective Chairs, with the baton of MEZ being passed to E Comp Tim Hill.
The day’s programme expanded further when the Lodge was invited to host a Third-Degree ceremony on behalf of Era Lodge No 1423 — an invitation gladly accepted. To add to the occasion, the Brethren were honoured by an Official Visit from our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ian Ferguson, PSGD, accompanied by his escort. Careful planning ensured that the extended programme ran smoothly and in true Burdett fashion.
In the unavoidable absence of the Worshipful Master, W Bro Howard Hughes, IPM, took the Chair in Lodge and warmly welcomed the APGM, good-humouredly expressing his disappointment when W Bro Ian declined the proffered gavel. The Chair was subsequently handed to W Bro Andrew Pettinger and later to W Bro Tony Treadaway for their respective parts of the ceremony.
The Third-Degree ceremony for Bro Simon Edward Jackson-Lyall was a splendid collaborative effort, delivered by a wide cross-section of Brethren from Era Lodge and other visiting Lodges. At very short notice, W Bro John Phillips of Elizabethan Lodge No 7324 ably undertook the Senior Deacon’s work. The result was a remarkable “smörgåsbord” of ritual workings — West End, Stability, Taylors, Emulation and doubtless others — blending seamlessly and creating an impressive and memorable experience for both the Candidate and the APGM.
The day stood as a fine example of Middlesex Freemasons working together in mutual support for the benefit of our Lodges, Chapters and Candidates alike. Proceedings concluded with a splendid Craft Festive Board, enjoyed in excellent company and harmony.
Brethren interested in learning more about the Burdett Model for harmonising Lodge and Chapter meetings — or who may wish to attend a future meeting or join this happy band of Brothers — are warmly invited to contact the Secretary / Scribe E, W Bro and E Comp Vinod Pankhania at: vpankhania@gmail.com.
