Technical Lodge No 5666Technical NO 5666 Blog
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)
Technical Lodge No 5666 was delighted to host the first presentation of “Craft meets Chapter” on 15 June.
Ex Companions Mark Green, Andrew Hoggard, and Peter Bebb of the Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter led this insightful and inspiring evening. During the evening, Ex Companion Martin Monaghan ProvGSN had the honour of presenting W Bro Steve Berry with his Royal Arch Representative badge highlighting the connection between the Craft and Chapter Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a memorable night!
