News from 2016
December 2016
Tuesday 13th: Our newly installed RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to his first meeting. As there was no degree being conferred, the business was conducted in short order. RWM Bro Derek handled the business with his usual aplomb and closed the meeting with thanks to all who had attended. After the meeting was closed, all retired and much blethering took place on the events of the Installation and the forthcoming Christmas draw night on Friday.
Saturday 3rd: The Annual Installation of our new RWM and Officebearers took place at 5:30pm. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed the many visitors and thanked them for coming to the Installation. His wee "greetin speech" (sorry - Retiring Masters Address!) paid tribute to all who had assisted him in his term as RWM. A Distinguished deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) headed by Substitute Provincial Grand Master Bro Norman Carnegy was then received and welcomed, followed by the Installing Masters of the evening Bro Ian Thompson PM and Bro Ian Douglas PM. The Installing Masters delivered an excellent Installation Ceremony which was warmly received by the new RWM Bro Derek Douglas, his Officebearers and all Brethren present. Afterwards, all retired to an excellent dinner and spent a very pleasant evening listening to some well prepared speeches and having a right good blether with one another. This being the 4th time Derek has graced the chair of our Lodge, the high esteem in which we all hold him is abundantly clear to everyone. As our new RWM, Bro Derek hopes that the rest of his year will be as successful as the Installation, and he sends an early Christmas Greeting to all of our readers.
And just for a little fun, a wee photo of IPM Bro Barry McCulloch taking a photo.
October 2016
Tuesday 15th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all to the second meeting in October, After the usual business, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge St.John, Shotts No.471 headed by their own RWM Bro Robert Whitefield. RWM Bro Rbert Whitefield, ably assisted by a his excellent degree team, proceeded to deliver an excellent rendering of the FC degree on candidate Bro Frazer Douglas to the delight of all present (expecially his Dad and Granddad). RWM Bro Barry McCulloch, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Robert, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Robert Whitefield on the excellent degree. The quality of any degree can easily be measured by the rapt attention paid by all present. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony and the strong links between 471 and 1096 were further strengthened.
Wednesday 19th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge Airdrie St.John No.166. The deputation was warmly welcomed into the Lodge by RWM Bro Keith Mitchell and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on a volunteer brother of 166 Bro David Craig SD, assisted by WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, and SD Bro Scott McKittrick PM. At the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro Keith Mitchell asked RWM Bro Reg Sutherland of Lodge Griffin, Gartcosh No.1254 to comment on the degree work. RWM Bro Reg Sutherland was most generous with his praise and congratulated RWM Bro Barry McCulloch on the high standard of degree work by the degree team, and assured RWM Bro Barry that he should be very proud of his team. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch thanked RWM Bro Reg for his compliments and thanked the members of 1096 who had accompanied him. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony and a fine meal was served by the Brethren of 166, after which the 1096 deputation retired homeward well fed, well watered and happy to have strengthened the link between the two lodges.
Thursday 13th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge Woodhall St.Johns, No.305. The deputation was warmly welcomed into the Lodge by RWM Bro David Yule and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent FC degree on candidate Bro Greg Cullen, assisted by WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM and SD Bro Scott McKittrick PM. At the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro David Yule paid warm compliments to all who had taken part for the very high quality of the degree work, and congratulated the Candidate Bro Cullen on another step in his Masonic career. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch replied thanking RWM Bro David Yule for his gracious compliments and thanking the team who had supported him. Afterwards, all retired to harmony and much blethering ensued as the links between the Lodges were strengthened.
Tuesday 11th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all to the first meeting in October, After the usual business, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed a large and distinguished deputation from Lodge Clydesdale, Larkhall No.551 headed by their own RWM Bro David Logan. RWM Bro David Logan, ably assisted by a superb degree team, proceeded to deliver a full, detailed and excellent rendering of the MM degree on candidate Bro Blair Matthewman to the delight of all present. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Blair, and called on RWM Bro Keith Mitchell of Lodge Airdrie St.John No.166 to comment on the degree. RWM Bro Keith Mitchell likewise congratulated RWM Bro David Logan on the excellent degree, and on his degree team being an inspired mixture of youth and experience. As ever, the quality of the degree is easily measured by the rapt attention paid by all present. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony and the strong links between 551 and 1096 were further strengthened.
September 2016
Tuesday 27th: In the absence of both RWM Bro Barry McCulloch who was at hospital in Newcastle (btw: he is fine, nothing to worry about, just some analytical work) and IPM Bro Jim Finlay (malingering in the sunshine on Tenerife!) the meeting was opened by PM Bro Ian Thompson who welcomed all who attended. PM Bro Ian Thompson then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge St.Thomas, Larkhall No.306 headed by their RWM Bro William Dick. RWM Bro William Dick, with the assistance of his degree team, conferred an excellent MM degree on candidate Bro Kyle Matthewman. On resuming control of the Lodge, PM Bro Ian Thompson congratulated RWM Bro William Dick on the high standard of the degree. After the meeting was closed, all retired to harmony and a great deal of blethering.
Tuesday 13th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended his first meeting after recess. After the customary business, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Dura No.1513 headed by RWM Bro Martin Halliday. RWM Bro Martin Halliday, with the assistance of his degree team, carried out a superb exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ryan Douglas. On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch thanked RWM Bro Martin Halliday for his labours, and asked visiting Brother RWM Bro Robert Gemmell of Lodge Abington Arbory No.1081 to comment on the degree work of Lodge Dura. RWM Bro Robert Gemmell made much of the high quality of the degree work of all who had taken part, especially the Brethren who had been called upon at short notice. He was especially complimentary about the Tracing Board lecture by PM Bro Jim Kerr saying that it was so instructive and was the finest rendition he had ever had the pleasure of hearing. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and further strengthened the links which unite both Lodges.
July 2016
Tuesday 19th: It is with deep sadness that the Lodge intimates the death of Bro Maury Russell. After a brave and determined recovery from Cancer, Bro Maury succumbed to Liver failure and passed peacefully to the Grand Lodge on High on Tuesday morning. Our thought and prayers are with Helen, Stuart and Craig at this dark time. Bro Maurys funeral will be held on Monday 25th July at Holytown Crematorium at 3pm. Please come and show support for Helen and the boys.
Sunday 10th: It's all over now. Portugal win Euro 2016. Congratulations to Ian Douglas, Owen Keatings and Darren Barr. You picked your teams and scores wisely all through the competition. Can you do it again at the next World Cup? Yes, the competition will be back again in 2 years time!
Prizes for the players who eventually win are:-
1st Prize - £160, 2nd Prize - £95, 3rd Prize - £65 - Sorry, no booby prize.
Press Release 15th May 2016
Masons raise 100k in a day for Charity
Scottish Freemasons, friends and ladies from 14 masonic provinces from all over Scotland accepted a Zipslide Challenge issued to them to be in Glasgow on 14 May to zipslide across the River Clyde to raise funds for Prostate Scotland. Glasgow produced stunning weather for the event when over 170 freemasons, friends and ladies were joined by a large and enthusiastic crowd of supporters who created a festival atmosphere as they took their challenge across the Clyde to the west of the Finnieston Crane to raise money for the charity.
They were supporting the Grand Master Mason’s nominated charity, Prostate Scotland, a registered charity in Scotland (No. SC037494) seeking to raise awareness in men of prostate disease and prostate cancer. Through the Grand Lodge of Scotland scottish freemasons have supported the charity and given more than £100,000 in the last two years to support production and printing of literature, booklets and pamphlets on prostate disease to be produced and freely distributed to the public.
Tom Davidson, a spokesman for the Steering Committee consisting of representatives of five provinces around Glasgow, said “When we set out planning for this event, we set a target of raising £40k for the charity, we have received such strong support from the brethren and friends that we have more than doubled that figure and raised over £100,000 in just one day. We may be able to increase this when all the money is collected in. We have had male and female participants supporting this event, aged from sixteen to eighty one years of age. My thanks go out to all who have helped and contributed to our sponsored event.
Freemasons have in the past always sought to carry out their charitable work quietly and without seeking publicity however the other very important objective of the event was to make more men aware and understand this type of disease and that cannot be achieved without publicity.
This is just one of a number of events and initiatives being planned this year by freemasons over Scotland to raise much needed funds for this charity”
Adam Gaines, the Director of Prostate Scotland said ‘We would like to thank all the Provincial Grand Lodges and Lodges across Scotland and the many men and women who have taken part in the Zipslide challenge to raise such a huge amount of in aid of Prostate Scotland. This magnificent donation will be a tremendous and significant help towards the Prostate Scotland Blue Horizon Robot Appeal to help bring about and support robot assisted prostate cancer surgery programmes in the east and west of Scotland. This huge amount will help bring the conclusion of our Appeal that much closer- we are deeply grateful.
On behalf of Prostate Scotland I would also like to record our sincere thanks for all that the Freemasons across Scotland are doing to support Prostate Scotland and the cause of tackling prostate cancer and disease, helping enable more men and their families to be reached with information and advice’.
Further information can be obtained from Tom Davidson
May 2016:
Saturday 14th: Along with a great number of brave brethren, oor very ain Bro Scott Murdoch took part in the Zipline across the Clyde challenge in aid of Prostate Scotland. Scott raised £656 of sponsorship and sends his grateful thanks to all who donated. The total raised was a truly magnificent £100,000.
Left photo is Bro Scott sitting down on the job !! Photo on right is the cheque presentation on the evening of the 14th.
Friday 13th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended the special meeting in May, and thanked each Brother who had taken the time to come and witness the Reigning Masters EA degree. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then intimated the death of Bro Danny Gibb, and WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM gave a brief talk on the history of Bro Gibb. A minute silence was held. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation of RWMs headed by RWM Gordon McAlpine of Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573. RWM Bro Gordon McAlpine introduced the other members of the team - RWM Bro Jamie Ellis of Lodge Hope Bridge Castle No.827, RWM Bro Mark Rhind of Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630, RWM Bro David Yule of Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305, RWM Bro David Logan of Lodge Clydesdale No.551, RWM Bro Stan Sweeney of Lodge St.Mary, Coltness No.31, and RWM Bro Keith Mitchell of Lodge Airdrie St.John No.166. RWM Bro Barry McCullloch invited the RWM team to the East (it made quite a delightful sight, such a gathering of the chain gang!!). The EA degree was then conferred in an excellent manner, each RWM using the relevant part of his own Lodge ritual and all the parts merged seamlessly. A excellent degree as evidenced by the rapt attention paid by the assembled company, and indeed by our new Brother Fraser Douglas. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch paid warm compliments to all the RWMs and thanked them all for the high standard of their contributions to such a great degree. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and blethered long into the night strengthening the bonds which unite us all.
The Reigning Masters team.
Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM
From left to right in the photo: RWM Bro Keith Mitchell 166, RWM Bro David Logan 551, RWM Bro Gordon McAlpine 573, RWM Bro Jamie Ellis 827, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch 1096, RWM Bro Stan Sweeney 31, RWM Bro David Yule 305, RWM Bro Mark Rhind 1630
April 2016:
Tuesday 26th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended the second meeting in April, this being the last regular meeting as the Lodge now is in recess (however, a Special meeting will be held on Friday 13th May - a Reigning Masters EA degree). After the business was completed (in short order, thank you RWM!) RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No.1228 headed on this occasion by IPM Bro Alan Nightingale PM (RWM Bro Bob Stirling is currently quite unwell and unable to attend even his own meetings. We will wish him well, and pray for his speedy recovery). IPM Bro Alan Nightingale, with the assistance of an excellent degree team, proceeded to confer a most educational exemplification of the FC degree on our volunteer candidate PM Bro Ian Cleland PM (Lodge St.Clair No.427). On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch complimented IPM Bro Alan Nightingale on the high standard of the degree. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and further strengthened the links which unite both Lodges.
Thursday 21st: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge St.Mary, Coltness No.31. The deputation was warmly welcomed into the Lodge by RWM Bro Stan Sweeney and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Cleland (PM of 427), assisted by WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM and IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM. At the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro Stan Sweeney paid warm compliments to all who had taken part for the very high quality of the degree work, and thanked Bro Ian Cleland PM for volunteering to be the candidate. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch replied thanking RWM Bro Stan Sweeney for his gracious compliments and thanking the team who had supported him. Afterwards, all retired to harmony and much blethering ensued as the links between the Lodges were strengthened.
Tuesday 12th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended his first meeting of April. After the customary business, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919 headed by RWM Bro David MacDonald. RWM Bro David MacDonald, with the assistance of his degree team, carried out an excellent FC degree on the candidate Kyle Mathewman. On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch complimented RWM Bro David MacDonald on the excellence of the degree conferred, and commented on the excellent mix of youth and experience in the degree team. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and further strengthened the links which unite both Lodges.
Wednesday 6th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge Dura, Allanton No.1513. The deputation was warmly welcomed into the Lodge by RWM Bro Martin Halliday and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer Bro Ian Cleland (PM of 427), assisted by WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM and IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM. At the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro Martin Halliday paid warm personal compliments to all who had taken part for the very high quality of the degree work, and thanked Bro Ian Cleland PM for volunteering to be the candidate. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch replied thanking RWM Bro Martin Halliday for his gracious compliments and thanking the team who had supported him. Afterwards, all retired to harmony and much blethering ensued as the links between the Lodges were strengthened.
March 2016:
>Tuesday 22nd: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended his second meeting of March. After the customary business, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630 headed by RWM Bro Mark Rhind. RWM Bro Mark Rhind proceeded to carry out an excellent FC degree on the candidate Blair Mathewman, assisted by his excellent degree team. On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch complimented RWM Bro Mark Rhind on the excellence of the degree conferred. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and further strengthened the links which unite both Lodges.
Tuesday 8th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended his first regular meeting of March, especially the RWM of Lodge St.John Shotts No 471 Bro Jack Alexander. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) headed by SPGM Bro Norman Carnegy. SPGM Bro Ian McGown as acting Provincial Treasurer gave the annual report on the work of Bro Secretary and Bro Treasurer and complimented both on the fine job that they had performed. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch thereafter proceeded to carry out an excellent EA degree on two candidates (Blair and Kyle Mathewman), assisted by SD Bro Scott McKittrick PM, JD Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM, Organist Bro Ryan Douglas (tools lecture) and IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM. Bro Jim Finlay PM having delivered the final charge, invited Bro Tom Horton as the Proposer of both candidates, to be the first to congratulate them both on being initiated into Freemasonry. Compliments from Bro Robert Edgar of Provincial Grand Lodge on the quality of the degree were given, with particular praise for Bro Ryan Douglas as his first time of delivering a lecture. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then presented Bro Jim Henderson with his Jubilee Certificate marking his 50 years in the Craft. Bro Henderson gave a fine reply much appreciated by the assembled Brethren. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and the odd bit of blethering.
February 2016:
Thursday 25th: Sad and doleful are the tidings. With great sadness the Lodge intimates that Bro Robert Yuill PM has been summoned home to Eternal Refreshment on Thursday 25th February 2016. This sad event leaves his family bereft of a good man. His funeral was held on Thursday 3rd March 12:00pm at Holytown Crematorium. The vast number of attendees paid tribute to the warm affection which we all have for Bro Robert. He will be sadly missed.
Tuesday 23rd:RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended his second regular meeting of February, especially the RWMS of Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919 and Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge St.Mary, Coltness No.31 headed by their RWM Bro Stan Sweeney. RWM Bro Stan Sweeney, assisted by his degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree, which was much appreciated by the assembled Brethren. On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Barry McCulloch thanked Bro Frankie Hoey PM (Lodge 1630) for once again volunteering to be the candidate, and congratulated RWM Bro Stan Sweeney on the high standard of the degree. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and the odd bit of blethering.
Wednesday 17th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919. The deputation was warmly welcomed into the Lodge by RWM Bro David MacDonald and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer Bro Ian Ross, assisted by WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM and IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM. At the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro David MacDonald paid warm personal compliments to all who had taken part for the very high quality of the degree work, and thanked Bro Ian Ross for volunteering to be the candidate. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch replied thanking RWM Bro David MacDonald for his gracious compliments and thanking the team who had supported him. Afterwards, all retired to harmony and much blethering ensued as the links between the Lodges were strengthened.
Tuesday 9th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all who attended his first regular meeting of February. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a large and distinguished deputation from Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305 headed by their RWM Bro David Yule. RWM Bro David Yule, assisted by his degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree, which was much appreciated by the assembled Brethren. On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Barry McCulloch thanked WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM for volunteering to be the candidate, and congratulated RWM Bro David Yule on the high standard of the degree. After the meeting was closed, all retired to a pleasant harmony and strengthened the links between the Lodges.
Thursday 4th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573 accompanied by several weel kent Brethren from Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305. The deputation was welcomed into the warmth of the Lodge by RWM Bro Gordon McAlpine who also indicated his pleasure at seeing such a distinguished deputation from Lodge Murdostoun Castle. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent FC degree assisted by WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM and IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM. At the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro Gordon McAlpine called on Bro John Murray PM of 573 to comment on the degree work, who was most complimentary. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch called on IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM to reply, who thanked Bro Murray for his gracious compliments indicating that they all were true of course! RWM Bro Gordon McAlpine again complimented RWM Bro Barry McCulloch on the work of his degree team and invited all to harmony (the wee steak pies were right tasty!) for much blethering and soft drinks.
January 2016:
Saturday 30th: Once more it was a snell winters evening as folks began to arrive for the Lodge Annual Burns Supper. Coming in oot o' the cauld, all were greeted by a "warm, reekin, rich" aroma of Haggis 'n Neeps 'n Tatties drifting out of the kitchen.
As Chairman for the evening, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch gave a warm welcome to everyone and hoped they would all enjoy the dinner and entertainment of the evening.
The Haggis was piped in by Ryan Douglas (oor bonny wee piper!), carried aloft by Denise McCulloch and addressed and toasted by Jim Finlay. Ian Douglas gave the Selkirk grace and all sat down to a sumptuous dinner provided by Gibbs Catering (courtesy of Caroline Gibb)
After dinner and the Loyal Toast, the entertainment began with Lisa Dutch and Carissa Swan enchanting the company in song. Whit Bonnie Lassies and whit braw singers!. Martin Cassidy gave a braw Immortal Memory, Jim Finlay gave Death and Dr Hornbook a whack or twa, David Walker, in his inimitable style gave the toast (or perhaps roast!) tae The Lassies, and later gave us a new poem aboot Mrs Tam O'Shanter. And in between each o' the speakers, oor twa Bonnie Lassies gave us excellent entertainment in music and song, baith yin at a time and in duet.
The formal part of the evening passed all too quickly and drew to a close with the entire company singing The Star O' Rabbie Burns. Afterwards, much relaxed blethering and consumption of our national drink ensued and all retired homeward, weel fed, weel watered and weel entertained. A great night and already looking forward to Burns Night 2017.
A wee photo from the evening showing our speakers. From left to right :-
David Walker, Martin Cassidy, RWM Barry McCulloch, Denise McCulloch, Lisa Dutch, Carissa Swan, Jim Finlay
Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay
Thursday 28th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch led a deputation to Lodge Bishopbriggs No.1259. The deputation was warmly welcomed by RWM Bro Norman MacKinnon who expressed his delight at seeing such a distinguished deputation from Lodge Murdostoun Castle. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to carry out an excellent exemplification of the FC degree assisted by SD Bro Scott McKittrick PM, WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM and IPM Bro Jim Finlay PM. AT the conclusion of the degree RWM Bro Norman MacKinnon congratulated RWM Bro Barry McCulloch and the working of the degree and invited all to harmony where the links between the Lodges were enhanced by much blethering and soft drinks.
Tuesday 26th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch held his second meeting of January and welcomed all who attended, making especial note of the return to health and to the Lodge of Bro John Strachan PM, Bro Peter Walker and Bro Duncan McBride. All three have had issues with their health and all present were delighted to see them back again. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Hope Bridge Castle No.827 headed by their RWM Bro Jamie Ellis. RWM Bro Jamie Ellis, assisted by his degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the MM degree, which was much appreciated by the assembled Brethren. On resuming control of the Lodge, RWM Barry McCulloch thanked PM Bro Frankie Hoey of Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630 for (again) volunteering to be the candidate. To mark such an excellent degree, RWM Bro Barry McCulloch then made RWM Bro Jamie Ellis an honorary member of our Lodge (much to his surprise). At the close of the meeting, all retired to a pleasant harmony and strengthened the links between the Lodges.
Friday 22nd: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch headed his second visitation of his year to Lodge St.John, Shotts No.471. The deputation was warmly welcomed by RWM Bro Robert Whitefield and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to confer an excellent exemplification of the FC degree assisted once more by WSW Bro Willie Jackson and IPM Bro Jim Finlay. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch thanked all who had accompanied him and also thanked PM Bro Jack Alexander who had volunteered to be the candidate. After the degree was completed, all retired to harmony and the links between the Lodges were again strengthened.
Monday 18th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch headed his first visitation to Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630. The deputation was warmly welcomed by RWM Bro Willie Allison and the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Barry McCulloch proceeded to confer an excellent exemplification of the FC degree assisted by WSW Bro Willie Jackson and IPM Bro Jim Finlay. After the degree was completed, all retired to harmony with much conversation around the forthcoming Installation of RWM Elect Bro Mark Rhind.
Friday 15th: With sadness, the Lodge intimates the death of PM Bro John (Big Jock) Duncan. Bro John has been unwell for some time but his sudden and unexpected departure from this life leaves his family bereft. Bro Jock's funeral will be on Wednesday 27th January at Holytown Crematorium at 12:45pm.
Tuesday 12th: RWM Bro Barry McCulloch held his first meeting of 2016 and welcomed all who attended. The degree conferred was an excellent exemplification of the EA degree by RWM Bro Gordon McAlpine who headed a large and distinguished deputation from Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573. Boosting the deputation numbers were RWM Bro Martin Halliday of Lodge Dura No.1513 and several "weel kent" faces from our Sister Lodges. Having witnessed a superb degree, the Brethren retired to harmony and much blethering over soft drinks. As ever, friendships were strengthened and new ones made.
News Items from some of 2014 - Website did not exist before September 2014