Technical Lodge No 5666Saturday evening saw another memorable night at Technical Lodge No. 5666, as we came together for an Initiation Ceremony that truly captured the spirit and precision of Freemasonry. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to those who kindly stepped in to fulfil principal positions on the evening: W. Bro. Dave Green as Junior Warden, W. Bro. Paul Hillary as Director of Ceremonies, and W. Bro. Keith Challis as Immediate Past Master.
At precisely 6:30pm, the lodge was opened in due and ancient form. Outside the door, our candidate, Mr Michael Carr, waited… understandably nervous, yet filled with curiosity about the journey ahead. As the ceremony began, I was proud to see each Officer rise to the occasion, carrying out their roles with accuracy, care, and heartfelt commitment. The Junior Deacon guided the candidate with calm assurance, and it was clear to all present that the evening would remain with him for many years to come.
It was a genuine pleasure to see Tony Moore, Frank Lovely, and our Inner Guard, Brother Malcolm Gambles, in lodge. Brother Gambles, recently returned after a period of illness, was warmly welcomed back. He also delivered the ‘Northeast Corner’ with admirable precision, reflecting his dedication and ritual proficiency.
During the meeting, our Lodge Secretary, Mark Cusack, kindly announced that I had recently been honoured with an active Provincial role. On Saturday 10th May, at York Racecourse, I was appointed Provincial Grand Standard Bearer… an incredibly proud and humbling moment in my Masonic journey. The support and kind words from the Brethren were deeply appreciated.
A particularly humorous moment came courtesy of our Lecture Master, W. Bro. Jonathan Sykes, who affectionately referred to me as the “Artful Dodger.” He reminded everyone that I’d somehow managed to avoid delivering the last two Third Degree obligations. He also pointed out that, as the newest recipient of Active Provincial Honours, I should have offered official greetings on behalf of the Province… but as Worshipful Master, I can’t very well give greetings to myself! Another duty, it seems, successfully dodged. His good-natured teasing brought much laughter and added a light-hearted charm to the evening.
The night concluded with a fun and well-attended Festive Board. The room was filled with laughter, conversation, and the sound of glasses raised in toasts, to the King, to our Grand Master, and to our newly initiated Brother, who has now taken his first steps into Freemasonry. Paul Hillary once more delivered the Masonic Circle with a polished performance that reflected both his deep understanding of the ritual and his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Our candidate was received into Freemasonry with open arms and genuine warmth. Brothers Turner-Bone, Sykes, and Chapman led us in the traditional parting song, Happy to Meet Again, leaving the hall echoing with unity and good cheer. It was, once again, an honour and a privilege to preside over such a meaningful evening. Nights like this remind me why we do what we do, and why Technical Lodge continues to be a place of friendship, tradition, and brotherhood.
- Anthony James (WM)