Dear All,
As I sit down to write this end of year report, I am reminded of a song from the musical the Lion King “The Circle of Life” in the same way our unique lodge has again passed through another circle of its life.
March 2023
Reflecting back on the start of the year in March 2023, we had the 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner the night before my Installation as Worshipful Master of this Lodge at Manchester Hall. What a splendid occasion it was and well done to all involved in the organisation.
Saturday morning was an early start for breakfast at the hotel, then a short walk down to the Hall for a rehearsal. After that a quick coffee and a biscuit then robe and prepare for the opening of the Lodge where I was the candidate!
The icing on top of the cake for me was not only that I was to be installed in the presence of a chain bearing officer, but the officer in question was also a very good friend of mine. The Installing Master, Emmanouil had obviously worked incredibly hard and made the ceremony a very enjoyable and memorable occasion. After the ceremonial part of the day, we retired to yet another excellent festive board where the Master’s Song was sung by John Dutchman-Smith accompanied by Chris Malpus.
Back to the hotel, quick change and across to Cross Street Unitarian Church for an informal get together. Approximately 50 of us sat down to a convivial evening of music (provided by Estelle) and a splendid buffet from a local supplier.
The day could not have been any better!
May 2023
In May we had our fraternal visit to Cyprus, where those who attended were made most welcome by the Grand Lodge of Cyprus.
The attendees having all arrived at the Pefkos Hotel, we enjoyed a welcome dinner and were joined by Nigel Coombes, District Grand Secretary of Cyprus, who welcomed us to Cyprus.
The next evening the men visited Agapinor Lodge at the Ajax Hotel which was attended by the District Grand Master of Cyprus, Most Worshipful Michael Costa Hadjiconstantas and also UGLE’s own Past Pro Grand Master, Most Worshipful Peter Lowndes. The ladies joined us for a splendid buffet following the meeting.
The annual Peter Lowndes Charity Golf Competition was held on Sunday at Aphrodite Hills, where one of our members, Chris White, took part and we all went along to the presentation lunch.
During the trip we also enjoyed other excursions, including a trip through the Troodos mountains stopping off for a wine tasting, a visit to the beautiful Kykkos Monastery and local villages. Group dinners at local tavernas near Lemesos Castle in the old town of Limassol were enjoyed together with the company of some local members.
August 2023
We had our next meeting in August at Chorley, staying at the Georgian House Hotel.
During the weekend we enjoyed a Thursday evening get together at a local Chinese Restaurant.
On Friday, for the ladies and those not attending Internet Lodge Chapter a visit to Astley Hall. Later that evening it was time for the Ladies Festival at Chorley Masonic Hall at which we enjoyed good food, company and entertainment.
On the Saturday at the Lodge meeting, in keeping with my theme for the year ‘The beauty of the ritual’ in the absence of the intended candidate, we did a demonstration Third Degree.
Saturday for the ladies was a meet up for coffee and cake before heading off for a pottery painting session. On Saturday evening we held our farewell dinner at the Georgian House Hotel, tables decorated by the ladies’ pottery painting efforts earlier in the day, followed by an entertaining talk and demonstration by former surgeon and consultant Peter Sykes ably assisted by ‘Junior Doctor Gregory’.
Sunday morning, time to say our farewells until our next meeting in October.
October 2023
Our next meeting in October saw us staying at the Manor Hotel Meriden for our meeting at Knowle Masonic Hall.
During the stay we enjoyed a small get together at a local pub, The Bulls Head on Thursday evening, followed by a dinner with entertainment at the Strawberry Bank Hotel on the Friday evening.
On the Saturday at the Lodge meeting we did work in all Three Degrees with an explanation of Ecclesiastes 12, the long 2nd Degree tracing board by Ben Allen and the 1st Degree tracing board by Charles Arnold. We also elected James as our Master Elect and had a very nice buffet after the meeting for our festive board. For those still remaining on the Saturday evening we went to The Lord Nelson, a local hostelry noted for its steaks, which didn’t disappoint.
March 2024
Once again a social get together on the Thursday evening, this time at The Real Greek Restaurant in Manchester which allowed us to catch up with friends old and new.
On the day of the Lodge meeting it was my job to hand over to James, thus completing my circle and James starting his.
Regrets, losing some of our members and hearing their obituaries in the course of my year, but the sadness this caused has been far outweighed by the many wonderful and happy memories I have as a result of you affording me the honour of being your Master.
In closing, thank you all for your support but especially Chris White, John Dutchman-Smith, Ben Allen, Dave Hedley, Emmanouil Diamantas and David Starbuck.
May the Great Architect of the Universe ever design your lives to travel down the paths of happiness.
Mark Stephen Gregory
25th Worshipful Master
Internet Lodge 9659
March 2024