News from 2017
December 2017
Friday 15th: The Annual Christmas Draw took place tonight resulting in 28 happy folks getting a wee surprise before Christmas. Thanks to all who donated the prizes, and to all who sold tickets. Seemed to be a successful venture as Bro Treasurer went home with a big smile on his face (and not just because he won one of the prizes!)
Tuesday 12th: The last regular meeting of 2017 was reasonably well attended despite the bitter cold. With no visitation expected, the Brethren of 1096 took the opportunity to raise a few items for discussion and resolution. RWM wished all Brethren a Merry Christmas and gave his best wishes for the coming year. With no visitors present, the Brethren of 1096 had to eat all the pies themselves!
Saturday 2nd: The Annual Installation of our new RWM and Officebearers took place at 5:30pm. IPM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed the many visitors and thanked them for coming to the Installation. A Distinguished deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) headed by Depute Provincial Grand Master Bro Andrew Millar was then received and welcomed, followed by the Installing Masters of the evening Bro Ian Douglas PM and Bro Jim Finlay PM. The Installing Masters delivered an excellent Installation Ceremony which was warmly received by the new (recycled!) 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 5th 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.
Our RWM and his Officebearers for 2017-2018
Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM
November 2017
Tuesday 28th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all who had attended. The customary business was conducted in brisk fashion, during which Bro Frazer Douglas was nominated and elected under Law 136 to fill one of the posts vacant since the Annual Meeting. After the business was completed, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228 headed by IPM Bro Alan Nightingale, who, with the assistance of his degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Douglas PM. The degree was conducted in an excellent manner and the skill of the lecturers was much appreciated by the attending brethren. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Ian, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Alan Nightingale and his team on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a blether, and the links between 1228 and 1096 grew stronger as the brethren enjoyed each others company once again.
Tuesday 14th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the Annual Meeting. The customary business was conducted and following the Report on Lodge Finances by Bro Treasurer, the Statement of Accounts was passed. The election of Office Bearers for the coming twelve months took place, sadly (once again) leaving two offices vacant. At the conclusion of the meeting, RWM congratulated all of the newly elected Office bearers and wished them well in the year ahead. The Office Bearers Elect are:- RWM Bro Derek Douglas, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM, WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, Secretary Bro Jim Finlay PM, Treasurer Bro Ian Douglas PM, Almoner Bro David Craig PM, SD Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, JD Bro Scott Murdoch, IG Bro Duncan McBride, Chaplain Bro David Craig PM (yes, he is holding two offices!), DOC Bro Jim Cathcart PM, President of Stewards Bro Willie Napier PM, ORG Bro Ronnie Fleming PM, Tyler Bro Bert Alcorn PM.
Friday 10th: With deep sadness, the Lodge intimates the sudden and unexpected passing to the Grand Lodge on High of Bro Gary McKiddie. As a celebration of his life, his funeral was held today at the Co-op Funeral Parlour in Wishaw, thereafter to Holytown Crematorium. A very large company attended to show respect and to comfort his daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with her at this trying time in her young life.
Tuesday 7th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed his last deputation of the year to Lodge Clydesdale No.551 accompanied by 15 other Brethren, and the deputation was accompanied and enhanced by RWM Bro Robert Cook of Lodge St Thomas No.306. After being welcomed by RWM Bro John Logan and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM Treasurer, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, and Secretary Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine FC degree on candidate Bro Luke Ramsey. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated Bro Ramsey, and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro John Logan congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. At the close of the meeting, RWM Bro John Logan invited all to partake of 551s excellent harmony, and as ever, much blethering ensued and the long established links between the two Lodges were again strengthened.
October 2017
Tuesday 24th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all who had attended. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge St.Mary, Coltness No.31 headed by RWM Bro Archie Sands, who, with the assistance of his degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Douglas PM. The degree was conducted in an excellent manner and the skill of the lecturers was much appreciated by the attending brethren. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Ian, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Archie Sands on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a blether, and the links between 31 and 1096 were further strengthened, as the brethren enjoyed each others company once again.
Tuesday 10th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all who had attended. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge St.John, Shotts No.471 headed by RWM Bro John Aitken, who, with the assistance of his degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Thompson PM. The degree was conducted in an excellent manner and the skill of the lecturers was much appreciated by the attending brethren. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Ian, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro John Aitken on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a blether, and the links joining the two lodges were further strengthened.
September 2017
Tuesday 26th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the second meeting of September. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Clydesdale No.551 headed by RWM Bro John Logan, who, with the assistance of his excellent degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Alex Wilson. The attention paid by all present throughout the degree bore testimony to the high quality of the degree team. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Alex, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro John Logan on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a blether, and the links between 551 and 1096 were further strengthened, as the brethren enjoyed each others company once again.
Tuesday 12th: In the absence of RWM Bro Derek Douglas and IPM Bro Barry McCulloch, Acting RWM Bro Ian Thompson welcomed all to the first regular meeting after recess. After the usual business, Acting RWM Bro Ian Thompson welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630 headed by RWM Bro Frankie Hoey. Having been given control of the Lodge, RWM Bro Frankie Hoey, with the assistance of an excellent degree team, passed volunteer candidate Bro Kyle Mathewman to the rank of FC in great style much to the appreciaion of the assembled Brethren.
Acting RWM Bro Ian Thompson, on resuming control of the Lodge, thanked Bro Kyle for volunteering and congratulated him on once again being made a FC. He called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Frankie Hoey on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a great deal of companionable chat, and the strong links between 1630 and 1096, were further enhanced as the brethren enjoyed each others company.
May 2017
Thursday 18th: It is with great sadness that the Lodge intimates the passing to the Grand Lodge on High of two well beloved brethren.
On Tuesday 16th, Bro John David Bell PM of Lodge St.Andrew Annan No.1443, an Honorary member of 1096 passed peacefully to the Grand Lodge on High. As a celebration of his life, his funeral will be a Masonic funeral on Monday 22nd at 11:00 am in St.Andrew's Parish church in Annan, Dumfrieshire followed by interment.
On Wednesday 17th, Bro Duncan McBride slipped quietly away from the cares of this imperfect world, and went home to Glory. As a celebration of his life, his funeral will be held on Wednesday 24th at 11:00am in Cleland Church, thereafter to Holytown Crematorium.
Both of these two great Masons have been faithful servants and have served their Lodge and the craft with honour. They are sadly missed. We shall not see their likes again.
Friday 12th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed everyone to a Special Meeting to showcase a deputation of 14 Reigning and Past masters from both Middle and Upper wards of the Province of Lanarkshire and from the Province of Linlithgowshire. The deputation was headed by RWM Bro Archie Sands of Lodge St.Mary No.31 and the Degree team comprised :-
RWM Bro Ross Goldie of the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No.203,
RWM Bro Craig Carenduff of Lodge Union No.244,
RWM Bro Bill McBride of Lodge Lockhart St.John No.248,
RWM Bro David Yule of Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305,
RWM Bro Robert Cook of Lodge St.Thomas No.306,
PM Bro Jack Alexander of Lodge St.John No.471,
RWM Bro John Logan of Lodge Clydesdale No.551,
RWM Bro Hunter Maxwell of Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573,
PM Bro Richard Hastings of Lodge Hope Bridge Castle No.827,
RWM Bro David MacDonald of Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919,
PM Bro Alan Nightingale of Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No.1228,
RWM Bro Alan Graham of Lodge Dura No.1513,
RWM Bro Frankie Hoey of Lodge Mauldslie Castle No 1630.
There being no business to discuss, control of the Lodge was given to RWM Bro Archie Sands who, together with the Masters Team, proceeded to deliver an exemplification of a unique EA degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Douglas PM. The degree, being a combination of 14 different rituals, was delivered in a smooth and professional manner by an exemplary degree team. The silence from the assembled Brethren during the degree spoke volumes for the quality of each speaker, and for the degree as a whole.
At the completion of the degree, the newly recycled Bro Ian Douglas was presented to RWM Bro Archie Sands who, along with RWM Bro Derek Douglas, thanked him for volunteering and called on the assembled company to give him a warm vote of thanks.
RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro Archie Sands and the entire Masters degree team on the high standard of their work and called on the assembled Brethren to congratulate them. RWM Bro Derek Douglas then invited the Masters team and all present to retire to harmony, where much chat ensued accompanied by a drop or two of the water of life! A great evening, a great degree, looking forward to the next one.
A wee photo of the Reigning Masters team 2017
From Left to right:- RWM Bill McBride, RWM John Logan, RWM David MacDonald, RWM Hunter Maxwell, RWM Alan Graham, RWM Derek Douglas, (in front) RWM Frankie Hoey, RWM David Yule, RWM Archie Sands, PM Richard Hastings, PM Jack Alexander, RWM Robert Cook, (hiding at the back) PM Alan Nightingale, RWM Craig Carenduff, RWM Ross Goldie.
Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM
April 2017
Tuesday 25th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the last regular meeting before recess. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a large and distinguished deputation from Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919 headed by RWM Bro David MacDonald. Having been given control of the Lodge, RWM Bro David MacDonald asked Bro Nicol Ross PM to act as Mark Master which he did and, with the assistance of an excellent mark degree team, advanced Bro Frazer Douglas to the rank of Mark Master Mason in great style much to the appreciaion of the assembled Brethren.
RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Frazer on his preferment, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro David MacDonald on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a great deal of companionable chat, and the strong links between 919 and 1096 established over many years, were further enhanced as the brethren enjoyed each others company.
Tuesday 11th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the first meeting of April. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Hope Bridge Castle No.827 headed by PM Bro John Plant (RWM Bro John Stewart was unwell and unable to visit). RWM Bro Derek Douglas then welcomed a deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) headed by RWPGM Bro Bill Perry, who had come to present the Jubilee certificate to PM Bro Billy Cowan of Lodge St.Clair No.427.
Bro Willie Craig Provincial Grand Secretary read the text of the diploma to all assembled. RWPGM Bro Bill Perry then gave an excellent summary of the life of Bro Billy Cowan, mentioning his family and his working career. He also highlighted the milestones of Bro Cowans long and distinguished career in Freemasonry and congratulated him on achieving 50 years as a Freemason. Accompanied by RWM Bro Derek Douglas, he then presented the Jubilee certificate and a Jubilee lapel pin.
Bro Cowan replied in his own inimitable style, thanking RWPGM for the presentation and thanking Lodge Murdostoun Castle for arranging the certificate. He was congratulated by all of the assembled Brethren.
On being given control of the Lodge by RWM Bro Derek Douglas, PM Bro John Plant, with the assistance of a great degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Tommy Johnstone PM of Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, thanked Bro Johnstone for volunteering and congratulated him on once again being made a FC, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate PM Bro John Plant on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony and the links between 827 and 1096 were further strengthened.
March 2017
Tuesday 28th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the second meeting of March. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Dura No.1513 headed by RWM Bro Alan Graham, who, with the assistance of his excellent degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Frazer Douglas. The attention paid by all present throughout the degree bore testimony to the high quality of the degree team. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro Frazer, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Alan Graham on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a blether, and the links between 1513 and 1096 were further strengthened, as the brethren enjoyed each others company once again.
Friday 24th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge St.John, Shotts No.471 accompanied by 10 other Brethren, and the deputation was accompanied and enhanced by RWM Bro David Yule of Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305. After being welcomed by RWM Bro John Aitken and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Scott McKittrick PM SD, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, and Secy Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Gary Forsyth (Bible Bearer in 471). At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Gary Forsyth for volunterering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro John Aitken congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. At the close of the meeting, RWM Bro John Aitken invited all to harmony, and as ever in 471, the visitors got to dig in first. Overheard were comments about "if yer no fast, yer last!". Much blethering ensued and links between the two Lodges were once again strengthened.
Tuesday 14th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the first meeting of March. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire (Middle Ward) headed by Depute Provincial Grand Master Bro Andrew Miller. The business of the deputation, being the Annual Report, was conducted in short order by DPGM Bro Andrew Miller. The Lodge was then passed to the FC degree and an exemplification was conferred on volunteer candidate Bro Blair Mathewman by RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by Bro Ian Douglas PM Treasurer, Bro Jim Finlay PM Secretary, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW and Bro Barry McCulloch IPM. At the conclusion of the degree, Bro Mathewman was thanked for his labours by all assembled. DPGM Bro Andrew Miller delegated the reporting on the degree to Bro Thomas Reid. Bro Reid was gracious and profuse in his praise for the degree team. All then retired to harmony to talk over the events of the evening and enjoy each others company once again.
Thursday 9th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305 accompanied by 11 other Brethren, and the deputation was accompanied and enhanced by RWM Bro Alan Graham of Lodge Dura No.1513. After being welcomed by RWM Bro David Yule and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Scott McKittrick PM SD, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, Bro Barry McCulloch IPM and Secy Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Barry Horn. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Barry Horn for volunterering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro David Yule congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. At the close of the meeting, RWM Bro David Yule invited all to harmony, and hunger was assuaged for all by the fine catering provided in 305 customary style. Much blethering ensued and links between the two Lodges were once again strengthened.
Friday 3rd: Twas a cool night for a QUIZ night - just as well with all the overheated brains trying to fathom out the answers to the Quiz questions set by the torturer - oops sorry, quizmaster, Bro Craig Taylor PM. However, the presence of many of Scotlands Masterminds made for a fun filled evening. Fun filled that is only if you knew the answers!! Lots of questions in many (weird) categories from Bro Craig, brought some even weirder answers in response! The quiz was eventually won by a team of visitors from Lodge Dura, the team headed by RWM Bro Alan Graham, ably assisted by Drew Sykes and Jim Galloway. Much blethering followed, and those who didn't manage to attend missed a great night. Thanks to Craig Taylor for organising the event, and to Trevor Douglas for NOT burning the pies!. I think that a repeat quiz night is in order.
February 2017
Tuesday 28th: IPM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed all to the second meeting of February. RWM Bro Derek Douglas was in Northern Ireland attending at a family funeral. After the usual business, IPM Bro Barry McCulloch welcomed a distinguished deputation from The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No.203 headed by their RWM Bro Ross Goldie. RWM Bro Ross Goldie assisted by an excellent Mark degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable Mark degree on candidate Bro Kyle Mathewman. A well rehearsed Mark degree team who were all excellent and impressed the assembled Brethren. IPM Bro Barry McCulloch, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro Ross Goldie, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Ross Goldie and his team on the high standard of the degree. This being the first official visitation by The Operative Lodge of Airdrie, a new link of friendship has been formed, and will strengthen as years go by. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a blether and soft drinks in abundance.
Monday 20th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No.1228 accompanied by 9 other Brethren. After being welcomed by Acting RWM Bro Alan Nightingale and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Scott McKittrick PM SD, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, and Secy Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine exemplification of the EA degree on volunteer candidate Bro Joe Allan. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Joe for volunterering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, Acting RWM Bro Alan Nightingale congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. At the close of the meeting, Acting RWM Bro Alan Nightingale invited all to harmony, and all were well provided for in 1228s customary manner. Much blethering ensued and links between the two Lodges were once again strengthened.
Wednesday 15th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a large deputation to Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919, accompanied by 12 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro David MacDonald and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM Treasurer, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, IPM Bro Barry McCulloch, SM Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, and Secy Bro Jim Finlay PM, proceeded to deliver an excellent exemplification of the EA degree on volunteer candidate Bro Graham Hill. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Graham for volunterering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro David MacDonald congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called on Bro Andrew Affleck PM to comment on the degree. Bro Affleck was most generous in his praise for the high quality of the degree. At the close of the meeting, RWM Bro David MacDonald invited all to harmony, where all were well provided for in 919s customary manner. The links between the two Lodges go back a long way and tonight they were further strengthened.
It is with great sadness that the Lodge intimates the sudden passing on Tuesday 14th to the Grand Lodge on High of Bro Jimmy Onion. As a celebration of his life, his funeral will be held on Wednesday 22nd February at 1:30pm at Holytown Crematorium. If you can, please come and show support for the family. At the regular meeting yesterday, our Almoner Bro David Craig PM had the sad task of giving a eulogy for both Jimmy Onion and George Smith. He delivered an informative and graceful eulogy for both of our Brothers to the hushed assembly. The eulogy itself being a poignant reminder to us all of our own frail mortality. May these two well loved and popular Brethren be at peace and eternal refreshment. They are sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
Tuesday 14th: Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the first meeting of February. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573, headed by their own RWM Bro Hunter Maxwell, who was accompanied by PGM Bro Bill Perry. RWM Bro Hunter Maxwell assisted by an excellent degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable exemplification of the EA degree on volunteer candidate Bro Scott Murdoch JD. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro Hunter Maxwell, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Hunter Maxwell on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a blether, and the links joining the two lodges were further strengthened.
Monday 6th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a large deputation to Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630.He was accompanied by 18 other Brethren and the deputation was enhanced by RWM Bro Alan Graham of Lodge Dura 1513. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Mark Rhind and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of SD Bro Scott McKittrick PM, IPM Bro Barry McCulloch, SM Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, and Secy Bro Jim Finlay PM, proceeded to deliver an excellent exemplification of the EA degree on volunteer candidate JD Bro Gerald McWilliams. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Gerry for volunterering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Mark Rhind congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and his team for the quality of the degree, and invited all to harmony. A serious amount of blethering took place as the link between the two lodges was further strengthened
Friday 3rd: It is with great sadness that the Lodge intimates the sudden passing to the Grand Lodge on High of Bro George C Smith. As a celebration of his life, his funeral was held today at Holytown crematorium. A great many of his friends gathered to bid adieu to a unique, very pleasant and delightful Brother. Bro George was an upstanding Mason in so many ways. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ellen and the family.
January 2017
Saturday 28th: Cauld Winter was howling, o'er moor and o'er mountain, And wild was the surge on the dark rolling sea.... hang on, that's the Road tae Dundee, no tae Cleland! Anyway, it was a shade on the cool side as a grand gathering of oor ain folks began to arrive for the Lodge Burns Supper.
As Chairman for the evening, RWM Bro Derek Douglas warmly welcomed 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 Hunter Maxwell (though some wid say the address was guid, but he murdered the Haggis!). Ian Douglas gave the Selkirk grace and all sat down to the dinner provided by Gibbs Catering (courtesy of Jennifer Gibb)
After dinner and the Loyal Toast, the entertainment began with Lisa Dutch and Carissa Swan once more enchanting the company in song. They certainly are twa Bonnie Lassies and sich braw singers!. Angus Ross gave a great and most informative Immortal Memory. David Walker, in his ain style gave the toast tae The Lassies, and later gave us a raucous rendition of Tam O'Shanter, and slightly quieter gave us Tae a Moose. Between each speaker, Lisa and Carissa weaved their magic on the audience with excellent entertainment in music and song. Aye Lads, ye hivna heard Angels sing till ye hear Lisa and Carissa!
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 (Irn Bru!) ensued and all retired homeward, weel fed, weel watered and weel entertained. A great night and already looking forward to Burns Night 2018.
A wee photo from the evening showing our speakers. From left to right :-
Hunter Maxwell, David Walker, Angus Ross, RWM Derek Douglas, Lisa Dutch, Carissa Swan.
Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay
Tuesday 24th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the second meeting of 2017. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Union, Stonehouse No.244 headed by their own RWM Bro Craig Carenduff. RWM Bro Craig Carenduff assisted by a superb Mark degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable and entertaining Mark degree to candidate Bro Blair Mathewman. Each member of the degree team excelled themselves, and kept the assembled Brethren enthralled. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro Craig, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Craig Carenduff on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a blether. This being the first official visitation by Lodge Union, the links of friendship between the Lodges were strongly formed, and the Brethren of both Lodges look forward to further intervisits in the future.
Thursday 19th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas led his first deputation of the year to Lodge St.Mary, Coltness No.31. He was accompanied by 16 other Brethren and the deputation was enhanced by RWM Bro Alan Graham of Lodge Dura 1513. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Archie Sands and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM, WJW Bro Ian Thompson PM, and Secy Bro Jim Finlay PM, proceeded to deliver an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate PM Bro Stan Sweeney (IPM). At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Stan for volunterering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Archie Sands congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and his team for the quality of the degree, and invited all to harmony. A serious amount of blethering took place as the link between the two lodges was further strengthened.
Tuesday 10th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the first meeting of 2017. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Woodhall St.Johns No.305 headed by their own RWM Bro David Yule. RWM Bro David Yule assisted by his excellent degree team, proceeded to deliver a terrific exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate IPM Bro Barry McCulloch. The attention paid by all present throughout the degree bore testimony to the high quality of the degree team. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated Bro David, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro David Yule on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a blether, and the links between 305 and 1096 were further strengthened.
Sunday 1st: To all of our readers, a wish for a Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful New Year from all at 1096.
News Items from some of 2014 - Website did not exist before September 2014