Saturday 2nd August 2025 will be a date I never forget, as I completed a skydive from 15,000 feet. The freefall alone was over 9,000 feet before the canopy opened above us. Sitting on the edge of the aircraft, waiting for the signal to jump, was the most exhilarating and memorable moment of all. The whole experience was both humbling and thrilling, and it was all in aid of a very special cause.

Two weeks later, on Saturday 16th August, Technical Lodge gathered for our monthly meeting. As often happens during the summer, attendance was a little thin with many brethren away on holiday, but those who joined us brought a spirit of fun and brotherhood that made the evening one to remember.

For this meeting, we were granted special dispensation to set aside our traditional dark suits and instead dress in full cowboy attire for a Western-themed evening. Checked shirts, Stetsons, boots and even a sheriff’s badge or two made for a striking sight within the lodge room. The atmosphere was light-hearted and good-humoured, while still honouring the dignity of our meeting.

My thanks go to the brethren who kindly stepped in at short notice to fill key offices: WBro Keith Challis as IPM, Nigel Goldthorpe as SW, Ash Vasalli as DC, Steve Berry as LM, and Ken Wright as IG. We opened in due and ancient form at 6:30pm, and with no visitors present on this occasion, we attended promptly to lodge business before closing and rejoining our guests for the festive board.

The festive board continued our Western theme with a relaxed barbecue and plenty of fellowship. We were especially pleased to welcome June Cooke and her husband Roger, representing the Butterflies Memory Support charity. I was able to present them with £400 raised through donations for my skydive, on top of the £250 already sent directly from the lodge. I am hopeful that Province may match fund this amount, and with all donations collected, the final total should reach around £1,300 for this very worthy cause.

June gave a heartfelt talk about why she founded the charity 15 years ago. Following her father’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, she and her family discovered that there were no social support groups available for either her father or her mother. From this need, the Butterflies Memory Support Group was created, and it continues to offer friendship, fun, and vital support for those living with dementia and for their carers.

Both events… the skydive and our cowboy-themed meeting, reminded me of the true spirit of Freemasonry: courage, fellowship, and charity. Whether leaping from an aeroplane, donning a cowboy hat, or standing shoulder to shoulder in support of a good cause, Technical Lodge continues to demonstrate the values that bind us together.

- WM Anthony James

What an honour and a privilege it was to initiate my very good friend, Martin D. Smith, into our lodge this evening.

At precisely 6:30pm, Technical Lodge No. 5666 opened in due and ancient form. From the moment the gavel sounded, it was clear we were about to experience one of those truly memorable nights that remind us why Freemasonry endures... not just as a tradition, but as a lifelong bond of brotherhood and friendship.

Rising to the Occasion

As is often the case in a busy and vibrant lodge, several officers kindly stepped into principal positions on the night. I want to express my sincere thanks to each of them for their commitment, professionalism, and Masonic spirit.

 

- W. Bro. Dave Green took the role of Director of Ceremonies, stepping in for W. Bro. Rob Atkinson.
- W. Bro. Keith Challis fulfilled the duties of Junior Warden with quiet assurance.
- W. Bro. Philip Daniels served as Tyler with his normal characteristic and grace.
- W. Bro. Al McKay stepped in temporarily as Senior Deacon, as Bro. Nanda Kumar was delayed en route.

The Initiation of Bro. Martin D. Smith

Outside the door of the lodge, our candidate… my close friend Martin D Smith… waited with a mix of nerves and curiosity. As many of us know, initiation is a profound experience, and it’s not uncommon for candidates to feel the weight of the unknown. Yet from the very beginning, it was clear that Bro. Martin approached the moment with open-mindedness, humility, and the quiet strength that makes for a fine Mason.

Bro. Ed Thompson, Junior Deacon, guided Martin through the ceremony with calm and confident assurance. His delivery set the tone for the evening, offering both structure and warmth.

A Ceremony to Remember

As the ritual unfolded, every officer rose to the occasion. Each word, movement was delivered with reverence and clarity, creating an experience that Bro. Martin will surely carry with him for many years.

Particular commendation goes to:
-      Brother Gambles, who delivered the North-East Corner with eloquence and ritual precision.
-      W. Bro. Eddie Wildman, who presented Brother Ken Wright with his Grand Lodge Certificate.

• Entered Apprentice Paul Draper brilliantly delivered the Warrant.
• Bro Ken Wright gave a thoughtful explanation of the Working Tools.
• Wbro. Al McKay Presented Bro. Nanda Kumar with his Solomon Diploma.

Supporting Charity and the Future of Our Lodge

During the meeting, I was pleased to propose that the lodge donate £250 to The Butterflies Memory Support Group, a local charity supporting individuals and families affected by memory loss and Alzheimer’s. The motion was seconded by W. Bro. Mark Cusack, our Secretary. As this is a registered local charity, we hope it will also qualify for ‘Match Funding’ from Province, helping us extend our impact even further.

A notice of a motion was given by our Secretary to raise the annual lodge subscriptions to. This increase will help ensure we can continue to cover our running costs and maintain the high standards we’ve come to expect at Technical Lodge. He also mentioned that at a future meeting we will be discussing the possibilities of reducing the annual number of meetings from 12 to 10, as this will also help keep our costs down.

The Cornerstone Circle

Bro. Nigel Lemmy gave a brief but insightful explanation of the Cornerstone Circle, a regional initiative designed to support newer Freemasons. He highlighted its role in encouraging open discussion, learning, and friendship among members, particularly those below Provincial rank. The Circle offers a space for questions, shared knowledge, and informal mentoring, making it ideal for new brethren finding their way in the Craft.

Bro. Lemmy invited any member of Technical Lodge who may be interested to step forward as a lodge representative, helping to promote the Circle’s values and ensure we play an active role in supporting the next generation of Freemasons.

Welcome, Brother

Following the completion of the ceremony, Bro. Martin re-entered the lodge… no longer a candidate, but a fully initiated Brother. He took his place amongst us, supported by the shared experience that now binds him to each member present. The lodge was then closed in due form.

The Festive Board: Fellowship at its Finest

As ever, the evening continued in true Masonic tradition with a lively and well-attended Festive Board. The dining room was filled with laughter, conversation, and heartfelt toasts, to the King, to the Grand Master, and most especially to our newly initiated Brother.

Jonathan Sykes took the helm for the Initiates’ Circle, delivering it with the enthusiasm, care, and precision we’ve all come to admire. As glasses were raised and voices lifted, Bro. Martin was welcomed not just with ritual, but with genuine warmth, the kind of fellowship that defines our Craft.

The night closed with the traditional parting song, Happy to Meet Again, echoing through the hall with joy, unity, and a promise of many good evenings to come.

Reflection

To preside over this evening was, for me, a profound honour. To welcome a close friend into the Craft… to watch him take those first, meaningful steps surrounded by Brothers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to make the experience unforgettable, reminds me why we do what we do.

Technical Lodge No. 5666 continues to stand as a place of tradition, support, and brotherly love. It was a night that we will remember not only for the ceremony itself, but for the spirit in which it was delivered.

Welcome, Brother Martin. Your journey has just begun… and what a journey it will be.

The scenes were once again expertly narrated by Scribe E, E. Comp. Steve Berry, who ensured that each stage of the ceremony was seamlessly connected and deeply meaningful. 

Particular praise must go to Excellent Companions Jonathon Sykes and Malcolm Brocklesby for their accomplished rendition of the Working Tools. Both stepped in at the eleventh hour to cover for Companion Bill Turner-Bone, who, due to illness, was unable to attend. Their readiness to support the Chapter at short notice exemplifies the true spirit of our fraternity.

The Mystical Lecture was delivered in three parts. I was honoured to deliver the first section, followed by Companion Ed Thompson, and concluding with Companion Adam Tunnicliffe. Each part was delivered with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that Bro. Wright received the full depth of meaning contained within these ancient teachings.

Excellent Companion Keith Challis then delivered a beautifully recited Charge, his words resonating powerfully within the Chapter room and providing a fitting conclusion to the ceremony.

The evening was further marked by two notable presentations. Excellent Companion Eddie Wildman presented Companion Malcolm Gambles with his Chapter certificate, welcoming him fully into the companionship of Royal Arch Masons. Most Excellent Zerubbabel, E. Comp. Ian Parkinson, then had the pleasure of presenting Companion David Turner with his 50-year Chapter lapel badge, recognising an outstanding half-century of dedication to the Holy Royal Arch, as well as the Craft.

It was a night of excellence in ritual, of warm fraternal friendship, and of celebration of both new beginnings and lifelong commitments. As always, Technical Chapter No. 5666 continues to uphold the finest traditions of the Order, and it was a privilege to witness Bro. Ken Wright exalted as our newest Companion.

The meeting was closed in accordance with tradition, and we then retired to enjoy the benefits of the festive board. As Companion Ken Wright remarked in his speech, this was a night he would remember for a long time to come.

- Anthony James (WM)

Tonight, Ed Thompson and I travelled to Ridings Tablers Lodge in Beverley. The Lodge was opened in due form, and once the necessary Masonic business had been concluded, we were treated to an excellent talk by Worshipful Brother Barry Longstaff, assisted by three members of the Ridings Tablers Lodge.

The presentation focused on the cyphers and symbols of the Third Degree Tracing Board, often known as the Harris Board. Every element of this beautiful board was interpreted in turn, revealing meanings and lessons that many of us overlook in regular when looking at this tracing board.

One thing that stood out for me and I found particularly interesting were the three small masonic characters. At first glance, they look like the letter ‘L’ facing backwards, but they are, in fact, the cypher of the letter ‘C’. In our Masonic symbolism, these represent chalk, clay, and charcoal.

But what do they truly mean to us as Freemasons?

• Chalk reminds us to keep our words clear and our intentions pure, just as chalk marks are easily read yet easily wiped away. It teaches humility in our speech, knowing that words should leave no stain upon others.
• Clay represents our mortal frame, soft enough to be moulded but strong enough to build with. It reminds us that we are always being shaped by our experiences, and we too have the power to shape and support those around us.
• Charcoal may seem dark, but it burns with inner fire. It symbolises the hidden strengths within us, glowing steadily beneath the surface, ready to bring warmth and light when needed.

Together, these simple elements teach a profound lesson. As Masons, we are called to mark our words with care, shape our deeds with integrity, and let our inner light burn brightly for the good of others.

Worshipful Brother Barry Longstaff’s talk was a welcome reminder that even the smallest symbols carry meaning if we take the time to look a little deeper.

- Anthony James (WM)