Wednesday, the 8th of May 2024 and an excellent attendance at Tapton Masonic Hall for the Installation of Worshipful Brother Steven Hides to the Chair of this fine Lodge, he previously occupied it in 2019 so he does know what he is doing. The present occupier was W.Bro. Rowland Thurston who despatched the opening procedures in good style. At this point there was a report which brought forth the Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Worshipful Brother Clive Hawkins who, to no ones surprise, announced that the Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Trevor Bolton was without, accompanied by Worshipful Brother Graham Littlewood, Elected Member of the Charity Committee together with Escort, They were immediately admitted and took their allotted seats. Salutations were then given and attention turned to the main reason for which we were met.
W.Bro. Charles Lindsay, acting Director of Ceremonies, then took charge of proceedings beginning with W.Bro. Michael Holmes presenting W.Bro. W.Bro. Steven as Master Elect. W.Bro, Rowland then thanked all the Officers for their support. Collars were returned and all below the rank of an Installed Master retired from the Lodge for a short period. As he was already an Installed Master a short ceremony took place involving him receiving the Collar of his Office, placed in the Chair of Adoniram and taking appropriate salutations; the Installed Board was then closed. Brethren were admitted and W.Bro. Steven was proclaimed as Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. The Working Tools were presented and explained by W.Bro. Brian Short, the Key Stone Collarette and M.B.F. Diamond Award Collarette were also transferred. Officers for the Year were then appointed and Invested. The Addresses were delivered as follows;
Worshipful MasterW. Bro. Michael Holmes
WardensW.Bro. Brian Short
OverseersW.Bro. Frank Dewire and
BrethrenR.W.Bro. Trevor Bolton.
Installation concluded, the remaining business was firmly in the hands of W,Bro. Steven and he gave the Almoners report, confirming that there were one hundred and twenty Brethren and guests at the Almoners Lunch at Cedar Court Hotel in April, followed by the report in respect of the S.Y.A.I.M.; a visit to Aire Ferry Lodge is on the calendar for the 15th July and a Sunday Lunch on the 23rd June at Rotherham Golf club., Business complete, the Lodge was closed in due form.
A very welcome Festive Board was then consumed and Toasts were taken. That to the Provincial Grand Master, R.W..Bro Trevor submitted by W.Bro. Steven who was delighted that this meeting had enjoyed the company of R.W.Bro. Trevor. That appeared to be the reaction from all present and R.W.Bro. Trevor hoped that all would welcome the changes being introduced viz; nine escorted visits to include RAM Lodges and Certificate presentations under the auspices of the Installed Master Associations. He then introduced us to another aspect of the Bolton family being an infestation of Grey Squirrels. Apparently Trevor has counted over thirty five of the pesky little creatures and despite the use of traps they continue to flourish. This story could run; ensure that you check the news section of the web site!
W.Bro. John Hill, Charity Steward, reflected upon the excellent Festival Year but reminded that there still remains much to do. W.Bro Graham said that the close relationship between Masonic Charities and our own Provincial Almoner, W.Bro. Paul Leach has paid substantial dividends in obtaining grants and assistance from other sources. The Toast to W.Bro. Steven was in the hands of Michael Holmes, he was his Proposer, confident that a busy year should ensue. In reply, Steven is delighted to be in the Chair again and looking forward to the challenge. The Toast to the Visitors was given by Bro.Alan Hides and the comment of note is that there were thirty three attending of which twenty one were visitors, congratulations to Cleeves Lodge; Alan hoped that many of us would be seen again next year. Responding W.Bro, Matthew Brelsford congratulated all the Officers on a most enjoyable evening, particularly W.Bro. Steven. Finally the toast to the Officers was given by the W.M. and answered appropriately.
The Lodge was closed after another example of the joy and bonhommie we are lucky to experience in the Mark Degree, long may it continue.
V.W.Bro. Duncan Smith
Very many thanks to Philip Holmes for the photographs, I am useless at taking them, OK before I am drowned out by your noise, I am useless at a lot of other things too.