On Monday 1st September, this certainly was a Regular Meeting of St George’s Lodge of MMM with a difference. The Worshipful Master (WM), W Bro Allan Bretherton, opened the Lodge in due form. At that point, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies (D of C), W Bro Stuart J Cameron, requested the admittance of the Provincial Grand Master, R W Bro Revd Justin T Parker, who was escorted into the Lodge by a column of Active Provincial Officers. The PGM accepted the Gavel from the WM, took the Chair, and undertook the next two items of Labour.

Then the Grand Director of Ceremonies, R W Bro Christopher M L Davies, escorted the Deputy Grand Master (DGM), R W Bro Francis C Spencer, into the Lodge. He suitably declined the offer of the Gavel from the PGM.

The WM then retook his rightful place in the Chair to undertake the remainder of the business of the Lodge.

The next item of Labour was to ballot for a a Candidate for Advancement, Bro Paul Smith. The ballot proved in favour of the Candidate.

The Ceremony of Advancement was commenced, the WM taking the first part of the ceremony, and W Bro Steve Turner the second part. The Secrets of the Degree and Conclusion were presented by W Bro Paul Milner. The Working Tools were presented by Bro Riccardo Sorano in an exemplary manner.

The Senior Deacon, Bro Richard Toon, guided the Candidate around the Lodge in a skilful manner.

The WM then asked the DGM if he would present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro Richard Toon.

The DGM then addressed the Brethren, congratulating the Lodge on its 15th anniversary. At that point, he asked the GDC to escort W Bro Colin V Young to him.  The DGM then informed W Bro Colin of his Field Promotion to the Grand Rank of Past Grand Senior Deacon (PGSD). W Bro Colin was totally surprised by this, and for once he was completely speechless.  The GDC then Proclaimed his promotion.

Once the DGM had retired from the Lodge, the remaining business was completed, and the Lodge Closed in due form.

The Brethren retired to a noisy and fraternal Festive Board. There were a number of Toasts delivered, the main ones being the PGM to the DGM, and the Senior Warden to the WM.

The Festive Board concluded with the Lodge’s traditional toast to St George.