Our first meeting back to Staines St Mary’s Lodge No 6187 was certainly one to remember, and we kicked things off with a splash, or rather, with a cheque presentation that would have made even Scrooge McDuck proud! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The main event of the evening was the passing of our newly initiated Brother Albert Donovan to the Second Degree.
The ceremony was in the capable hands of our Worshipful Master, Martin Kemble, whose calm demeanour and flair for the ritual would have made Solomon himself give a subtle nod of approval.
The ritual was meticulously organised by our Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Rob Weare, whose military precision ensured that not a single gavel was out of place, and no glove was unbuttoned.
After Bro Albert was passed to the Second Degree, he was treated to an excellent explanation of the working tools by Bro Chris Knight.
And now to the risings, where the real magic of Masonry often happens. Our Charity Steward, Bro Ray Blowers MBE, proposed that the £250 donation we had received from Midas Plus, thanks to our duck wrangling efforts at the Staines Annual Duck Race, be sent to a very worthy cause.
The Surrey Canoe Club had recently fallen victim to an unfortunate break-in, with several essential items stolen. You could say their situation had become quite the sinking ship.
But never fear, the Lodge is here!
Treasurer W Bro Stephen Hyman, always looking to make a good thing even better, proposed that we match the £250 donation from our own coffers. The Lodge, in true charitable spirit, unanimously agreed, proving once again that we’re not just men with funny handshakes – we’re men with big hearts.
With the Lodge’s business wrapped up and everyone feeling that warm fuzzy glow that comes with doing good, Bro Ray presented Bro Albert with the cheque for the Surrey Canoe Club, ensuring that they can get back on the water in no time.
All in all, a fantastic way to start the Masonic year. We passed a Brother, raised some funds, and reaffirmed what we’re all about – charity, community, and a good bit of banter along the way.
If this meeting is anything to go by, we’re in for a quacking year ahead!
