January 2022

The January meeting, which was attended by our Visiting Officer, W Bro Mike Seddon, went off really well. Bro Elsey was Passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft by the WM in fine style which was followed by W Bro Henley giving a faultless rendition of the Tracing Board (at three days notice), which he then followed with some ritual on the Symbolism of the Second Degree

Petersham Lodge are proud to have been awarded a "Guardian of the British Normandy Memorial"

November 2021

I think everyone who attended the November meeting would agree that it was exceptional. Tony being presented with his 60 years in Freemasonry Certificate by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master followed by an excellent Third Degree ceremony for Bro Noke, carried out by his dad along with Bro Gatland doing the Traditional History and Tony himself explaining the Working Tools. This was all followed by the Act of Remembrance and the singing of TAPS by the WM. A letter has been received from the DPGM thanking the members for their welcome and congratulating all who took part in the work

October 2021

The return of Petersham in October was a great success, albeit with a few unusual twists to what would normally be expected. Quite a few members were absent which was a shame but after some frantic conversations with several obliging members, all of the offices were filled and all the necessary work was completed. W Bro Gordon was declared as Worshipful Master for a second term and he
Appointed and Invested all his officers that were present.

January 2020

Where to begin really…………….On the back of another excellent meeting in January we had the devastating news of the passing of Peter Jones and Abbas Sheikh, within three days of each other. We all have our own thoughts and memories of both Brethren, one a senior and highly respected member of the Lodge and the other fairly new to Masonry but enjoying himself whilst making new friends. They both encompassed what Freemasonry is all about and will be sorely missed.

Moving back to our January meeting, it was another successful occasion with the Passing of Br Noke Jnr and the Initiation of Mr O’Kelly. In addition, we had a Joining Member in the person of Bro Oakley.

The WM conducted the ceremony of Passing in confident fashion and was well supported by Bro Arney who explained the working tools and Bro Sec gave a rendition of the Second Degree Tracing Board in the absence of Peter Jones.

The Initiation was performed in good style by Peter Henley, the Working Tools explained by Bro Green and a superb rendering of the Charge by Bro Storey which drew deserved applause.

We were also honoured by a visit from the APGM, Bill Caughie, who as you know, is an Honorary Member of the Lodge. On this occasion, the visit was in his official capacity and I think you could tell from his reaction that he enjoyed the meeting.

November 2019

Well, what a meeting we had in November. From the comments I have had, it would seem that everyone had a great time and some described it as the best meeting they had ever been involved in……..some compliment!! The meeting consisted of the Raising of Bro Green followed by the Initiation of Mr Elsey. It was also the first visit to Petersham by our new Visiting Officer, W Bro Mike Seddon who was equally impressed with the proceedings. I felt everyone was on fire that night and there was a great atmosphere throughout. The WM conducted the ceremony of Raising in great style and was supported superbly by W Bro Gatland Jnr with the Traditional History and J Luke with the Tools. After the break, Bro Beattie performed the Initiation ceremony for the WM, after which Bro Green gave an excellent rendition of the Tools followed by a brilliant Charge by Halvard.

In between the two ceremonies, we had the Act of Remembrance which was completed once again by Bro Gordon singing ‘Taps’, a fitting end to an act of respect to the fallen. It was also nice to see that so many Brethren stood and read the name of their soldier at the Festive Board, now a firm fixture of our November meetings.

October 2019

Our October meeting was the Raising of Bro Sheikh and the Initiation of Mr Corbey. The ceremony of Raising was eloquently carried out by W Bro Henley at short notice as WBro Jones was feeling unwell. The Traditional History given in fine style by W Bro Hill and the Working Tools confidently explained by W Bro Luke. The Initiation ceremony was performed by the WM in a splendid manner, the Working tools very well explained by Bro Noke Jnr in only his second meeting and an excellent Charge after Initiation was given by Bro Storey resulting in spontaneous applause from the Brethren.

It has been a sad summer period for Petersham. W Bros John Cane and Eric Eastwell, both highly respected members have been called to the Grand Lodge Above as has W Bro Tony Hill’s wife Joan. There was a good representation from Petersham at all three funerals and W Bro Tony would like to express his thanks to all those Brethren who attended or sent cards and messages of condolence.

Don’t forget our Worshipful Master’s Ladies Weekend at the Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath on 21^st – 23rd February 2020. Bookings are now being taken and the WM would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to attend.

Petersham had its usual Bottle Stall at the John Terry Court and Shannon Court Summer Fetes and as usual, made a lot of money for charity. Thanks to the regular suspects, W Bros Peter Henley; Roger Goswell; Ian Gatland and Trevor Nell and to any Brethren who turned up at the venues to offer their support.

We will be supporting the John Terry Court Xmas function again on Saturday 7th December. All Brethren are welcome to attend.

Finally, the Lodge Xmas lunch will be back at Guildford on Sunday 8th December 12.30 for 1. The cost will be £22 per head