October 2018
Our October meeting was the Raising of Bro Smith and the Passing of Bro Sheikh. The ceremony of Raising was carried out in fine style by W Bro Rickwood and the Traditional History given by W Bro Gatland in an equally confident manner. The Working Tools were elegantly explained by Bro Noke. This was followed by another excellent rendition of the Scottish Charge by our Honorary Member, W Bro Caughie.
The ceremony of Passing was carried out by W Bro Beattie. The explanation of the 2nd Degree Tracing Board was then jointly given by Bros Smith and Green with such panache that it was rightly rewarded with spontaneous applause from the Brethren.
In addition to the ceremonies, Grand Lodge certificates were presented to Bros Gordon and Gibbons. The Master Masons apron was explained by W Bro Jones and the certificates presented and explained by W Bro Caughie.
Our Worshipful Master has selected a venue for his Ladies Weekend – The Oxford Spires Hotel, Abingdon Road, Oxford, OX1 4PS from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th February.
A Flyer and a Booking Form have already been circulated. Please try and support Trevor and his good lady, Laura, during their weekend. The menu for the Saturday Gala has also been confirmed and is as follows:
· Tomato, Carrot and Coriander Soup
· Beef Brisket with a Garlic and Thyme jus, Roast Potatoes and vegetables.
· Warm Apple and Mixed Berry Crumble with Cinnamon Cream
· Cheese and Biscuits
The Vegetarian option for the main course is: Spinach, Mushroom, Brie and Walnut pie with braised vegetables.
The Lodge Xmas Lunch has been confirmed at The Kingston Lodge Hotel, 94 Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7NP at 12.30 for a 1pm sit down.
Finally, please remember to bring details of the soldier named on the card in the poppy box that was presented to you. At the Festive Board, each member will stand and read out their details in memory of their sacrifice. Guests that were presented with a poppy are also welcome to join in this tribute.
April 2018
Our April meeting, was the Raising of Bro Gibbins and the Initiation of Halvard’s dad, Nick. The ceremony of Raising was carried out most proficiently by W Bro Wilson and the Traditional History and Working Tools by W Bro Henley in his usual fine style. The Initiation ceremony was carried out jointly by W Bro Beattie and W Bro Kerswell in magnificent fashion and the Working Tools explained by Bro Smith in an excellent manner. A memorable Charge after Initiation was then given by Bro Green and earned deserved applause.
Since we last met, there have been a couple of happy events with Bro Smith’s wife giving birth to baby Theo (at 8lb 14ozs !!) and Bro Gordon became a married man in July.
Sadly, Bro Gray’s wife, Karen, passed away during the summer. Our thoughts continue to be with him at this time.
Our Worshipful Master continues to seek a venue for his Ladies Festival. Details will be issued as soon as they are known but please make sure you leave the weekend of 22nd – 24th February free and support W Bro Trevor and his lady, at their weekend.
As you can see from the front page, the Xmas Lunch will be held at the Kingston Lodge Hotel. The same venue was used for the Spring Lunch and everyone who attended enjoyed the venue so please make the effort to come along.
Once again, during the summer, Petersham supported the functions at James Terry Court and Shannon Court by turning up with our Bottle Stall and making money for the two homes. Some of the regular organisers of the events are shown in the photo on the next page. Anyone who thinks I have changed the spacing on this page to cover my inability to get the photo on it………………..are spot on!!
March 2018
Our March meeting was the Installation of W Bro Nell. The Installation was carried out by W Bro Kerswell in a very professional manner. The working tools were explained respectively by Bro Storey, Bro Berry and Bro Green. The Hallstone Jewel was presented by W Bro Beattie and the addresses were given by W Bro Luke, W Bro Wilson and W Bro Jones respectively in fine style.
It was good to see W Bro Eric back in the fold, recovering nicely from his problems. W Bro Arney, having had a hip operation was not there but is also recovering well and expects to be with us in April. Our thoughts continue to be with W Bro Gray and his wife while they struggle with health issues.
The Festive Board was attended by 30 Brethren, who thoroughly enjoyed the Carvery put on by Vince. The Brethren who asked for Cheese and Biscuits as their sweet course also seemed happy with the selection.
Our new Worshipful Master has announced that his Ladies Festival will take place between 22nd and 24th February 2019. The venue is still under consideration but please make sure you leave those dates free and support our master and his lady, Laura, at their weekend.
Excellent late news……………….W Bro Cane has received a promotion. A great achievement and we all wish him well at the Middlesex Provincial AGM in May.
January 2018
Our special January 2018 meeting consisted of the presentation of a 50 Years in Freemasonry certificate to W Bro Luke and the Raising of Bro Gordon. The presentation of the certificate was made by W Bro Caughie and Bro Luke appeared to enjoy himself judging from the continuous smile on his face throughout the whole day. Several amusing tales were revealed which really could only have happened to him!
Unfortunately, our WM was unable to be present at the meeting due to his dad, Eric, being taken to hospital the day before. W Bro Henley once again stepped into the breach and delivered an excellent ceremony for the Raising. This was added to by W Bro Kerswell and W Bro Goswell giving additions from Scottish Ritual. In addition his brother gave a fine rendition of the Working Tools. W Bro then finished off the ceremony with a Charge which went down extremely well.
The Festive Board was attended by 40 Brethren, a good number and the speech to the Visitors was given by W Bro Gatland which was well received
14th October 2017
Our October meeting was the Passing of Bro Jamie Smith. This was conducted in fine style by our WM. The 2nd Degree Working Tools were described by Bro Storey in fine style and the Tracing Board explained by W Bro Peter Henley in his usual fluent manner. W Bro Peter Jones then added some Scottish ritual which rounded off proceedings nicely.
Our March meeting was a very enjoyable affair.
It was great to see our new Worshipful Master, W Bro Andrew Eastwell, installed in the chair of King Solomon. The ceremony was impeccably carried out by the Installing Master, W Bro Peter Henley, in fine Petersham tradition.
Saturday 8th April 2017
It was a momentous meeting in April 2017 when we had an official visitor presenting not one but two 50 year certificates to W Bro Peter and W Bro John.
Five years previously in 2012 WBro Tony celebrated his 50 years
Sunday 29th January 2017
The date for our next inter lodge ten pin bowling tournament will be on Sunday 29th January 2017 at Tolworth commencing at 5pm
Our January meeting was again a very busy affair. Starting with Brother Gordon undertaking his Second Degree, which was most competently carried out by our WM. It was followed by a tremendous rendition of the Tracing Board by Brother Storey.
November Meeting
Our November meeting was spectacular to say the least, certainly the best since I joined Petersham. The presence of our Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Bill Caughie, added to the atmosphere and what a time to pull that sort of performance out of the hat!! His comments both in the Temple and afterwards at the Festive Board were all extremely complimentary and well deserved by the Brethren who participated in the ceremonies. Special mention was made of Bro Gordon’s rendition of the Charge and for the WAPGM to say it was the best he had ever heard was impressive.
Dear Brethren and Companions
Christmas Message 2016
It is that time of year when we reflect on the past year and then look forward to the adventures of a new year ahead.
Relief Chest News ….from our Charity Steward
It has long been the tradition in Petersham Lodge to encourage Members to make a regular small contribution to the Grand Lodge Relief Chest Scheme. It is entirely a matter for personal choice, what you are able to afford and of course what you are prepared to regularly donate in the cause of Charity, One hears many suggestions, ranging from an hours salary per month to the cost of a night out once a month or even the price of a round of drinks.