Technical Lodge No 5666Lodge News
Saturday evening at Technical Lodge No. 5666 was nothing short of extraordinary, as we gathered to honour WBro Keith Challis and celebrate an incredible 50 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry. It was a night full of warmth, reflection, and deep appreciation for a man whose Masonic journey has inspired so many.
The evening began promptly at 6:30pm with the lodge being opened in due and ancient form. WBro Paul Hillary read a portion of the ancient charges, then the minutes of our last meeting were confirmed. Brethren handled the initial reports swiftly and efficiently, allowing the lodge to be ‘called off’, an aspect of ritual not often witnessed, but one that added an extra level of significance to the evening.
With the room now prepared for non-masons to enter, we welcomed Keith’s family and invited guests into the lodge. Keith sat on my right as our honoured brother, and his wife Jenny was escorted onto the dais and seated next to him. Pride lit up his face having the rest of his family beside him, a very proud husband and father indeed. Their presence brought a unique energy to the proceedings and clearly reflected the deep respect Keith holds both within and beyond the Craft.
What followed was a moment I’ll never forget, and one I believe everyone present will remember fondly. WBro Eddie Wildman conducted a heartfelt and humorous interview with Keith, delivered with all the finesse of a seasoned professional. It was more than just a conversation; it was a rich tapestry of memories, achievements, and personal reflections that charted Keith’s journey through life and Masonry. WBro Wildman then presented Keith with his well-earned 50-year certificate, marking the moment with dignity and genuine warmth.
Keith responded graciously, offering thanks to all who had come to share in the evening. And to all those who worked hard in making it happen. His words were simple but sincere, perfectly capturing the humble nature of a man who has given so much without ever seeking recognition.
After the presentation, Keith’s guests and relatives were asked to retire while we concluded the remaining business of the evening. The lodge was then ‘called on’, and once business was concluded, the lodge was closed in due form.
The celebrations continued at the festive board, where our Director of Ceremonies led me in as Worshipful Master, accompanied by Keith, the man of the hour. Once again, Luke and his team excelled, it had already been a very busy day for Luke, serving 82 diners before our meeting. Ours added another 62. Well done, Luke, a busy day indeed.
WBro Mike Cheeseman then delivered a wonderful slideshow presentation that highlighted key moments from Keith’s life and Masonic journey. It was both informative and uplifting, giving everyone present further insight into the man behind the apron. Keith, ever the gentleman, responded with gratitude and humour, once again thanking everyone for making the evening so special.
I shared a welcome message, followed by a personal poem I had written and read aloud, penned especially for Keith and later presented as a framed keepsake. It added another layer of emotion to an already heartfelt occasion.
Given the presence of non-Masonic guests, we kept the toasts brief, just two, to the King and to the Grand Master, ensuring the evening remained inclusive and welcoming to all.
In every sense, it was a fitting tribute to a well-respected Brother. WBro Keith Challis’s 50 years in Freemasonry have left a lasting legacy, and Saturday evening was a powerful reminder of the values, friendship, and sense of community that lie at the heart of our Craft.
- Anthony James (WM)
The roadworks around Hull, particularly in the west of the city, led to unusually heavy traffic, causing a staggered arrival of Companions at Beverley Road. As a result, the start of the meeting was delayed by fifteen minutes to allow everyone time to arrive. What began as a disrupted and uncertain start soon transformed into an excellent evening.
Despite this slightly later start, the meeting was marked by a clear sense of commitment from the members of Technical Chapter. The quality of the ritual reaffirmed the Technical Chapter’s dedication to ritual as can be also seen in the Craft Lodge Ritual.
This evening’s ceremony was to exalt Dr Nanderkumar into the Technical Chapter. I have known Nanda for over 25 years, and I am sure Nanda will be an excellent Companion and a credit to the Chapter. The enactment of the Sojourners’ journey back from captivity and their eventual discovery was excellently performed. The story was narrated by E. Comp. Steve Berry in his role as Scribe E, providing clarity and context throughout. His narration guided us through the unfolding events and seamlessly connected the narrative to the ritual being performed.
All participants gave an exemplary performance which I am sure Companion Nanda will remember for some time to come.
Saturday 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)
Wow, Brethren! What a Third Degree ceremony! I was worried about getting the opening and closing of the Lodge right, but the true stars of the night were you… the Officers and ritualists who made everything flow flawlessly. I won’t single anyone out, as that wouldn’t be fair to the rest of you. Suffice to say, every one of you delivered a first-class ritual.
From the moment we opened the Lodge at 6:30pm in due and ancient form, the tone was set for something truly special. Every Officer performed their duties with care and precision, and it was clear to me we were in for a memorable evening. The double ballot for our next two candidates was a real high point early on, both were unanimously approved, and the warmth of welcome from the Brethren was plain to see.
I asked all Entered Apprentice’s to retire from the Lodge as we then raised to the Second Degree, and Brother Ken Wright was invitedto express his intention to advance. He gave a thoughtful and sincere response and answered the necessary questions. After retiring from the Lodge to prepare himself, the Lodge was raised to the third degree. Brother Wright was readmitted and conducted around the Lodge with the dignity such an occasion deserves. I was particularly moved by the moment Worshipful Brother Daniel Laughton, Ken’s son-in-law, delivered the Obligation. It was a beautiful merging of Masonic tradition and family connection, one of those moments that remind us what Freemasonry is really about.
Worshipful Brother Paul Hillary delivered the Retrospect with great poise, commanding the attention of all present. The investiture of the Master Masons apron by Brother Adam Tunnicliffe, the Historical Oration by Worshipful Brother Eddie Wildman, the Signs, Tokens and Grips by Brother Nigel Goldthorpe, and the Working Tools explained by Worshipful Brother Mark Cusack, all delivered to the highest standard. The Ancient Charge was given by our Chaplain, Brother Bill Turner-Bone, with just the right tone of reverence, and we concluded the ceremony by introducing Brother Wright to the Holy Royal Arch, with an insightful explanation followed by a well-executed exchange of questions and answers between the Wardens.
After the Lodge was returned to the First Degree, and all were re-admitted, we received warm greetings from our visitors. The Senior Warden then offered greetings on behalf of the Officers and Brethren of the Technical Lodge. The evening concluded with a joyful Festive Board, toasts to the King and to our Grand Master.
Worshipful Brothers Turner and Chapman led the Brethren in the traditional parting song, Happy to Meet Again.
Brethren, it was a night of symbolism, celebration, and brotherhood. I’m truly honoured to have presided over such an unforgettable occasion.
- Anthony James (WM)
