There is, it appears, an irrational fear of visits to the dentist. This is perhaps more common than we think. However, if you will not go to the dentist, then let him come to, especially if it is your Lodge and he is a candidate for freemasonry. That’s alright then.
Dr Shiven Patel, a local dentist, took his first step in Freemasonry by being initiated in Harmony Lodge No 5835. The ceremony was conducted on 9th November 2024 at Harrow District Masonic Centre by the Worshipful Master – W. Bro Rafal Walczak a current Provincial Grand Steward, who was ably supported by members of the Lodge as well as by some guests who contributed to the ceremony as well. It all made for a very special Official visit by W. Bro Paul Sully PSGD APGM, aided by his DC W. Bro Frankie Wheelan-Mellor and Provincial Escort which comprised: W. Bro Ashley Brewer ProvJGD, W. Bro Jetopher Tirol ProvAGDC, W. Bro Gitan Parmar ProvGStwd and W. Bro Sandeep Berry ProvGStwd.
The Escorting team with W. Bro Paul Sully PSGD APGM
Good Progress
The meeting was also remarkable in that the Lodge Secretary W. Bro James Dunlop who underwent a heart bypass operation on 18th October had such good progress in his recovery that he was present at the meeting and showing good form gave his Royal Arch report.
Another equally remarkable participant was W. Bro Ken Hutchings, Lodge Almoner & Mentor and IG who, was less than a week short of his 60 years anniversary for services to Freemasonry and after a busy night which included the toast to the initiate woke up very early the next morning to link up again with W. Bro Paul Sully APGM for wreath laying at the War Memorial in Ruislip.
W Bro Ken Hutchings on the far right at the Ruislip Remembrance Day Service with members of the Province.
Below is reproduced a letter sent by Ken Hutchings the day after the meeting and after he attended the Remembrance Sunday parade at Ruislip.
“I awoke about 05:30 this morning having turned in at 02:10, glowing from the exceptionally fine day we had in the Lodge Saturday. Hearty congratulations and personal thanks to all participants – everyone contributed magnificently, in whatever capacity.
Unexpectedly, on my mind was Remembrance Sunday. My late wife and I liked to watch TV coverage of the Cenotaph Service, RBL Parade and interviews with veterans and specialists, etc. We often thought it should be nice to attend but practicalities dissuaded us. Now at this ridiculous hour I am wondering about our great APGM’s invitation to join him at the Ruislip parade. Could I get some more sleep and still get up in time to leave home ~ 09:45. I set the alarm for 07:30 and executed the plan. The last parade that I can remember was a St George’s Day, as a Boy Scout in 1952. Luckily my suit was ready for a second outing and with an extra vest I ventured out. I arrived early at Ruislip Station but there was a ‘No show’ from anyone else. Eventually I found PS & WG, APGM’s with wreaths and two Brethren, already standing in the parade. A change of meeting place had been agreed, but of course they did not know I was coming. We all paraded past the Lady Mayor, resplendent in scarlet robes and on to the memorial.
A fine Service, conducted by St Martins Church and assisted by a Parade Commander from the RAF. Also, the choice of hymns was familiar and particularly to my liking. We took our farewells, and I gingerly walked off, with very stiff knees, to my car nearby. A plus for the Province and another very pleasing first for me.”
