Team visit to Rose of Raby 1650
October 2016
On the evening of the 25th October the Provincial Grand Master (PGM), Norman Eric Heaviside, led the provincial team to visit the Rose of Raby lodge who meet in Staindrop. The team visit is one of many that Eric and the officers of the Province squeeze into their masonic calendars every year. The “provincial train of dark blue and gold” paraded into the lodge 33 brothers long. Eric and the team were enthusiastically welcomed by Worshipful Brother Malcolm Pinkney, who had taken the chair for the evening in the absence of the installed master and past master who were unfortunately unable to be in attendance. Malcolm invited Eric to take the chair, which he did so until the salutations were done when Eric let Malcolm re-take the reigns to conduct the rest of the meeting.
The lodge room was full with members and visitors far and wide including a gathering of brethren from Milbanke Lodge 7486 who were in attendance on the evening of their fraternal visit. The brethren of Rose of Raby proceeded with a first degree ceremony where they welcomed Mr Paul Simavari into Rose of Raby lodge and freemasonry in general. Paul came well and worthily recommended and the brethren taking part in the ceremony gave Paul an enjoyable ceremony that will remain in his memory for years to come.
At the end of the ceremony the lodge Director of Ceremonies invited all of the newest brethren within the lodge to stand next to their newest member Paul and to form a semi-circle of light blue in the east. Eric came out to address the brethren to congratulate them in joining freemasonry and in particular the Rose of Raby lodge. Eric informed the brethren that they are the future of Rose of Raby and advised them to take their time and most particularly enjoy themselves. Eric continued to give very sound advice in having 3 priorities; family comes first, then work and finally freemasonry alongside any other interests or commitments the brethren may have in life. At the end of the address Eric ended with the words “enjoy the experience”. Before the meeting concluded Malcolm presented Eric with a cheque for £100 on behalf of the lodge towards the festival.
At the festive board all of the brethren enjoyed one another’s company as they shared a hot and wholesome meal together. The PGM responded to his toast and gave detail about the Raby Gala. Eric advise the brethren that initially there was concern over the increasing set up costs involved in hosting such a grand event which this time came to circa £35k. Despite this initial cost Eric informed the brethren that they still achieved a profit of £72,800. Eric sincerely thanked all the brethren who supported the Gala in any way and also, in particular, to the brethren of Rose of Raby who raised £310 making clear that he was extremely grateful for all of their support. Eric felt that it was necessary to say a particular thank you to the Charity Steward, Worshipful Brother Geoff Pearson, for his continued efforts. Eric advised that he recognises the hard work of the Charity Steward, Geoff, “for never giving up to the challenge”. Eric advised the brethren that he was proud to have led the team visit to Rose of Raby lodge and finalised his response with “continue to enjoy your masonry”.
The toast to the Provincial officers was responded to by the Senior Grand Warden who thanked the brethren of Rose of Raby for their warm welcome, a very enjoyable meeting and great festive board. He also congratulated Paul in joining the lodge and freemasonry in general. The SGW also echoed the words of the PGM and advised the newer brethren to take things slowly and to savour every minute.
The reply to the visitors toast was given by Worshipful Brother Derek Lindsay, representing all of the visitors and in particular Milbanke, advising it was their 50th fraternal visit. Derek thanked the brethren of Rose of Raby Lodge for a very enjoyable evening.