Technical Lodge No 5666Blog by W.Bro Anthony James, ProvGStdB
The Lodge was a hive of activity as final preparations were made for the evening’s ceremony. At the Technical Lodge, it is customary for every ceremony to be delivered to the highest standard, with great pride taken to ensure that each part is polished, meaningful, and conveyed with genuine sincerity.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro Ash Vesali, opened the Lodge in due form. The Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro Rob Atkinson, offered salutations to our two Grand Officers, to which W.Bro Hiten Thacker responded on their behalf. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, followed by a portion of the Ancient Charges.
The Secretary, W.Bro Steve Berry, who was standing in on this occasion, retired from the Lodge to confirm the candidate’s attendance and ensure that all necessary fees and paperwork had been completed. Upon his return, he confirmed that everything was in order.
The candidate, Jordan Prichard, was then properly prepared and admitted into the Lodge in due and ancient form. The Junior Warden, Bro Malcolm Hussain-Gambles, conducted him around the Lodge with confidence and clarity. Bro Goldthorpe, with his customary flair, delivered his portion of the ritual in a style that has become entirely his own, distinctive, engaging, and always memorable.
At the North East Corner, Bro David Turner gave an exemplary delivery of the ritual, setting a very high standard. The Inner Guard, Bro Paul Draper, confidently delivered the Warrant before presenting the candidate with the Book of Constitutions and the Lodge By-Laws. Bro Ed Thompson then expertly presented the Working Tools, clearly explaining both their practical use and their moral significance within Freemasonry.
The Chaplain, Bro Bill Turner-Bone, delivered the Ancient Charge with exceptional confidence and measured pace, demonstrating both authority and understanding in what is a substantial and important piece of ritual.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional questions and answers which the candidate must make himself acquainted with before he can take a higher degree. The Worshipful Master asked the questions and they were answered by the Wardens. Bro Jordan Prichard then retired briefly to resume his usual attire, before re-entering the Lodge to take his place among us as a Brother Mason.
The remaining business of the evening was conducted, after which the Lodge was closed. Members then retired to the festive board, where the usual toasts were given by the Worshipful Master.
W.Bro Ian Parkinson proposed the principal toast to our newly initiated Brother, Jordan Prichard, who responded with heartfelt pride and dignity.