|
Last night was a Past Masters night. We raised Richie Thomas prior to his posting to Catterick. An excellent new Master Mason who I am sure will be a great ambassador for us in Yorkshire.
Glyn as always gave a first class display in his role of Master for the night and his team worked with that harmony which one would expect of Niederrhein.
22 members were present plus 2 visitors. 14 sat down for a superb festive board. Well done Dietmar.
A feature of the evening was the welcome back to Niederrhein of Andy Gardiner who I am sure will once again show his abilities with our wonderful Ritual. It has not been a good time for Andy. Having recovered from one major illness, he was rushed into hospital again last week with a heart attack but thankfully remedied just in time and is now on the way to full recovery.
We also have two new Joining members- non residents- Collin Forster and Nigel Craven- and we welcome them. We now have 10 members from the Doncaster area! Congratulations to Derek and Graham who have been instrumental in our having so many brethren from South Yorkshire joining us as non residents.
Paul was Senior Warden last night- despite suffering from a severe problem with his foot. I do hope he recovers soon as I know he is off for medical treatment today. As always he performed his duties with the utmost fidelity- our longest serving resident member .Paul was initiated into Freemasonry almost 46 years ago and has been a member of Lodge Niederrhein for 41 years. Only dear Frank Allen has been a freemason longer than Paul. As you know Frank is currently in hospital and both Jim and Cedric are keeping close contact. At the festive board we signed a card which we will send to Frank as he is 75 on the 13th May. Frank has served the Lodge admirably in recent years as UK Almoner South.
It was good to see one of our “distance” members Ulrich W present. He is a loyal and dedicated Mason. Ulrich will be attending Grand Lodge on Saturday.
Peter Gay our Organist sadly has decided to leave the lodge for a period. We are sorry to see him go not only for his outstanding musical interludes but also for his cheerfulness over the years. We wish him well and can only say “haste ye back”.
I believe there were apologies from 5 resident brethren including both Wolfram and Peter B, who have had their share of medical problems lately plus Ian H, Joachim M and Nigel Power.
5 other resident brethren do not attend on a regular basis because they are also described as “distance brethren”.- David P, Steve T, Paul Dean, Kevin and Günter.
However, that leaves a further 6 resident brethren who rarely attend and 7 who have not been seen in our Lodge for over two years. Where are you brethren? The JW could have done with your help if only to set up and strike the temple. Two of the appointed Stewards are among the rare attending brethren and other members have had to carry out their duties.
So brethren back to more optimistic matters, I believe 17 of us will be at Grand Lodge on Saturday. Not bad when it is appreciated that usually about 22 attend our regular meetings. We are likely to be the strongest supported Lodge present.
Coming up will be the BBQ on May 24th- last chance to maximise the Worshipful Masters Charity brethren. The Installation week-end promises to be outstanding with the Friday night Non Residents meeting where we will raise Chris N to the sublime degree of a master mason. Saturday is the installation at the Holiday Inn- with visitors from Grand lodge, Wiltshire, Sussex, Kent, Manchester and Yorkshire plus brethren from our Sister lodges –we should be packed. On the Saturday night I have booked tables at the Brauerei Uel mainly for our guests but all should try and come with their ladies and enjoy the. superb Alt Ale . On the Sunday our Master Elect has kindly agreed to give the UK brethren a guided tour of Köln Cathedral. I am not sure if they will catch their plane home as they also want to visit Köln’s oldest pub!
Brethren Freemasonry is a serious pursuit- Niederrhein members know that- but it is and always should be fun.
|
