The Lodge was opened in good order by the Worshipful Master Worshipful Brother Trevor Hurd, ably supported by his Officers. The first item on the Agenda was all present all standing to order in Memoriam of the sadly departed Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman. The minutes of the previous regular Lodge were approved and attention turned to a report which brought forward the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Clive Hawkins who announced that Worshipful Brother John Fitzpatrick, Provincial Grand Master Overseer was without and would like to join the assembled company. This was agreed and he was received and saluted accordingly.
The most important business was now before us, the Proclamation of W, Bro. Trevor as Worshipful Master for the ensuing year, this in the very safe hands of the Lodge. D of C., Worshipful Brother Ian Schofield which he despatched in superb fashion. Officers in place, W. Bro. Trevor addressed them and thanked them for all that they had done to ensure a most successful Year. W. Bro. Trevor was then proclaimed and all greeted him accordingly, the Working Tools were presented and explained by W.Bro. Ian who also dealt with the Regulations and Constitutions of the order. Officers for the coming year were then Appointed and Invested which included a Dispensation from Grand Lodge to cover the Appointment of W.Bro. Ray Hooley as both Treasurer and Senior Deacon. These were followed by the Addresses by, to the Wardens, W.Bro. Rod Tolson, Overseers, W.Bro. Richard Paver and the Brethren by W.Bro, John Fitzpatrick, well delivered, a delight to hear.
The remaining items were then dealt with to cover two Brethren to join the Lodge Committee and Examiners for the Accounts. The Lodge was then closed in due form and all adjourned for sustenance which as ever at Portal did not disappoint. At the Festive Board, the response to the Toast to the Province was given by W. Bro. John, yes spoken not sung, when he advised that the Province has seen fifty four new members to date this year of which twenty were paraded in to the Provincial meeting at Bradford, a wonderful innovation which I presume will be included every year in the future. W.Bro. John is now coming to the end of his year in Office and I congratulate him on the investment he has made in his Masonic career, he seemed to be everywhere I went.
Responding to his Toast. The W.M. W,Bro, Trevor regretted that during the Year a number of Brethren have sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above. However it would appear that they will have three candidates next year to which he is looking forward, as I am as a visitor, trust that I will see many others at this fine Lodge. This will allow W.Bro Tony Mackrell to pass the task of responding to the visitors Toast which he did on the evening and which he has done on a number of occasions in the past, He congratulated all who took part in the Ceremony, particularly W.Bro. Ian. plus a special word for the caterers, a sumptuous feast which was too much for me, a truly enjoyable evening of Mark Masonry.
Smile and be happy.
V.W.Bro. Duncan Smith PGJO