By Anthony James- Worshipful Master.

I’m really enjoying my year as Master of the lodge. It has been a privilege and a joy to watch Technical Lodge No. 5666 grow and develop month by month, with new ideas taking root and long-standing traditions being honoured at the same time. What excites me most is seeing our junior brethren step forward with such enthusiasm. They are embracing new responsibilities, taking ownership of pieces of ritual and learning them with genuine interest and in doing so they bring a fresh energy and optimism to our meetings. Watching that growth first-hand is one of the great rewards of being Master of the lodge and gives me real confidence in the future of our lodge. None of this would be possible without the encouragement and support of all the brethren, and I want to thank each one of you for the help, guidance and good humour you’ve shown me throughout my year.

With impeccable timing, our Senior Warden arrived at the last moment, neatly avoiding the embarrassment of being late. At promptly 6.30 pm Technical Lodge No. 5666 was opened in due and ancient form. From the first sound of the gavel it was clear we were about to enjoy one of those truly memorable evenings that remind us why Freemasonry endures,  not only as a system of morality but as a living bond of brotherhood and friendship.

Rising to the Occasion

In the spirit of a busy and vibrant lodge, several brethren generously stepped into principal offices for the night. Their willingness and professionalism ensured the work proceeded smoothly and in good order. Sincere thanks go to:

• WBro. Hiten Thaker, who stood in as Junior Warden
• WBro. Steve Berry, who acted as Secretary

Their quiet competence and Masonic spirit helped to set the tone for everything that followed.

The Second Degree – Bro. John Hemmingway

Outside the door of the lodge, our candidate, Bro. John Hemmingway, waited with the mixture of nerves and curiosity that every Mason will recognise. The Second Degree marks a significant step on a man’s journey in Freemasonry; it is both an honour and a challenge. From the outset Bro. John Hemmingway, answered his questions and displayed the open-mindedness, humility and quiet strength that mark out a fine Mason.

Bro. Nanda Kumar, Senior Deacon, guided him through the ceremony with calm and assured delivery, providing the structure and warmth that allowed the ritual to breathe. When the moment came, I directed Bro. Tunnicliffe, Senior Warden, to invest Bro. Hemmingway with his Fellowcraft apron, the distinguishing badge of this degree. Throughout these moments, each officer rose to the occasion; their words and movements were delivered with reverence and clarity, creating an experience Bro. John will surely carry with him for many years to come. In particular, special commendation is due to:

• WBro. Eddie Wildman for his magic fingers on the keyboard, keeping the evening in tune from start to finish. 
• Brother Gambles, who delivered the South-East Corner with eloquence and precision.
• Bro. Ken Wright, who gave a thoughtful explanation of the Working Tools.
• Bro Nigel Goldthorpe offered a superbly delivered explanation of the secrets.

 

With the ceremony complete, Bro. Hemmingway retired from the lodge to redress into normal lodge attire. The lodge was lowered to the First Degree and the Entered Apprentices were readmitted. 

It was then my pleasure to officially congratulate Wbro. Hiten Thaker on his Grand Office, his appointment as Past Assistant Grand Standard Bearer (PAGStB). W. Bro. Hiten responded with an eloquent and heartfelt speech, thanking everyone who has supported him on his Masonic journey and helped him to attain this well-deserved honour.

Bro. John Hemmingway re-entered the lodge no longer an Entered Apprentice but now, as a Fellowcraft Freemason, midway in his Masonic journey. Reports were taken, and the lodge was closed in due form.

The Festive Board – Fellowship at Its Finest

In true Masonic tradition the evening continued with a lively and well-attended Festive Board. The dining room rang with conversation and laughter. With only one visitor present, we chose to offer two heartfelt toasts, to the King, and to the Grand Master. 

The night concluded with the traditional parting song, “Happy to Meet Again”, echoing through the hall in joy and unity and promising many more good evenings to come.

Reflection

To preside over this evening was for me a profound honour as my year in the chair of King Solomon draws to a close. Technical Lodge No. 5666 continues to stand as a place of tradition, support and brotherly love. We will remember this night not only for the ceremony itself but for the spirit in which it was delivered. Our junior brethren performed ritual they had never attempted before, and though it may not have been perfect, it was performed with heartfelt sincerity, and that sincerity is the essence of Masonry. I’m proud and grateful to belong to this wonderful lodge.