News from 2018
The links to years 2014 through to 2020 are after the following months of 2018 - Click on the link which interests you - the Year pages link to each other to make browsing easier.
December 2018
Friday 21st: The Annual Christmas Draw took place tonight resulting in 24 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 11th: The last regular meeting of 2018, and the first of RWM Bro Ian Thompsons year, was reasonably well attended despite being a business only meeting. The customary business was dealt with and Bro Gary Gilfillan PM of Lodge St Clair No.427 installed two office bearers who had been unable to attend the Installation meeting. He did so in his customary quiet and dignified manner. RWM wished all Brethren a Merry Christmas and gave his best wishes for the coming year. With nothing left to do but blether and enjoy each others company, the visitors present and the brethren of 1096 made short work of the soup and pies. Surprisingly enough!!
Tuesday 4th: It is with deep sadness that the Lodge intimates the passing of Bro John (Ian) McLellan to the Grand Lodge on High. His passing leaves his family bereft of a good and honest man. The world has lost a good man, the lodge has lost a good Brother. As a celebration of his life, his funeral will be on Wednesday 12th December at 9:30am in Cleland Parish Church, thereafter to Cambusnethan cemetery. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Janette and his family.
Saturday 1st: The Annual Installation of our new RWM and Officebearers took place at 5:30pm. RWM Bro Derek Douglas 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 Substitute Provincial Grand Master Bro Angus Ross was then received and welcomed, followed by the Installing Masters of the evening Bro Ian Cleland PM 427 and Bro Gary Gilfillan PM 427. The Installing Masters delivered an excellent Installation Ceremony which was warmly received by the new (recycled!) RWM Bro Ian Thompson, 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 6th time Ian 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 Ian Thompson 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.
A photo of the Key players of the evening.
Left to right : RWIM Bro Ian Cleland, RWM Bro Ian Thompson, RWIM Bro Gary Gilfillan, SPGM Bro Angus Ross. Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM.
Tuesday 27th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to his last regular meeting. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No.203 headed by their RWM Bro James Paisley. RWM Bro James Paisley assisted by an excellent Mark degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable Mark degree on one of our own candidates Bro Frank McBride, who was joined in the ceremony by two Brethren from Lodge Robert King Stewart No 919, Bro Dale Gordon and Bro Ciaran Caldwell. The degree was conducted by a well rehearsed Mark degree team who were all excellent and impressed the assembled Brethren. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro James Paisley, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro James Paisley and his team on the high standard of the degree. The link between the two Lodges grows stronger with each mutual visitation, 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.
A wee photo of the three musketeers who were advanced at the ceremony.
From left to right, Bro Dale Gordon, Bro Frank McBride and Bro Ciaran Caldwell. Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM
Whilst at harmony, the usual routine of selling tickets for the Joker draw took place amidst much jovial banter, including Bro Secretary advising the assembly that, should any visitor actually win the Joker draw, leaving the building in one piece might become problematic!!
Having said all that, the draw produced a very happy winner in Bro James Purdie PM of the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203, who felt that his Christmas had certainly come early as he went home with the Lodge cheque for £1000.
The following photo is of Bro Ian Douglas, Treasurer presenting Bro James Purdie with the cheque. If you look closely, you will see the wee tears just forming in Bro Treasurers eyes!!
Bro Ian Douglas PM (Weeping Treasurer on the left) and Bro James Purdie PM (Happy early Christmas present receiver!!) Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM
Thursday 15th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed the last deputation of his year to Lodge St Thomas, Larkhall No 306 accompanied by 10 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Eric McPhee and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, Bro Willie Napier PM, and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a grand MM degree on candidate Ryan Orr. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated him, and accompanied by RWM Bro Eric McPhee, introduced him to the assembled brethren. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Eric McPhee congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called on the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. At the close of the meeting, RWM Bro Eric McPhee invited all to harmony, and the link between the two Lodges was strengthened. Harmony was delightful and consumed in fine fashion by the assembled brethren. Much chat ensued as the brethren renewed old friendships and formed new ones.
Tuesday 13th: 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 leaving one office 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 Ian Thompson PM, WSW Bro Willie Jackson PM, WJW Bro Willie Napier 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 Frank McBride, Chaplain Bro Duncan McBride, DoC Bro Jim Cathcart PM, President of Stewards Bro Ryan Douglas, Junior Steward Bro Scott Anderson, Bible Bearer Bro Frazer Douglas, Tyler Bro Bert Alcorn PM. The post of Organist is currently vacant.
Tuesday 6th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge Clydesdale, Larkhall No 551 accompanied by 15 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Colin Dunbar and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, Bro David Craig PM, and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine FC degree on a weel kent volunteer candidate Bro Alex Wilson PM. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Wilson for volunteering. Bro Wilson in replying, enlightened all brethren to his fondness for 1096 and why he was so keen to be the volunteer on the evening. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Colin Dunbar congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called on the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. At the close of the meeting, RWM Bro Colin Dunbar invited all to harmony, and the long established link between the two Lodges was further strengthened. Harmony proceeded in 551 customary manner with much chat and reminiscences.
October 2018
Friday 26th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to The Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203 accompanied by 14 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Jim Paisley and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, Bro David Craig PM, and Bro Scott McKittrick PM, delivered a fine FC degree on a very attentive candidate. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas introduced him to his own RWM Bro Jim Paisley who likewise congratulated him and presented him to the assembled Brethren. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Jim Paisley 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 Jim Paisley invited all to harmony, and the link between the two Lodges was well established. A great visitation and we look forward to welcoming 203 on 27th November to confer the Mark degree.
Tuesday 23rd: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the second meeting of October. After the customary business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No.1228 headed by their acting RWM Bro Alan Nightingale IPM. IPM Bro Alan Nightingale assisted by a superb degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable FC degree to volunteer candidate Bro Ian Douglas. Although fewer in numbers than usual, each member of the degree team more than made up for the sortfall by conferring excellent lectures. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated IPM Bro Alan Nightingale and his degree team, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate them all. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a wee bit dinner and a guid blether. The links of friendship between the Lodges were strengthened, and the Brethren of both Lodges look forward to further intervisits in the future.
Tuesday 9th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the first meeting of October. After the customary business, as the visiting Lodge had had to call off, the Deacons introduced Bro Frank McBride who was raised to the Master Mason degree in fine fashion by our own Brethren as follows:-
Opening Bro Ian Douglas PM, Obligation RWM Bro Derek Douglas, Penalty / Mode of preparation / Lights / Grips Bro Jim Finlay PM, Apron Bro Willie Napier PM, Tools Bro Willie Jackson PM, Retrospect Bro Jim Finlay PM, Tidings Bro Ian Douglas PM & Bro Willie Jackson PM, acting Chaplain Bro Duncan McBride, 5 Points Bro Ian Douglas PM, Emblems Bro Ian Thompson PM, Signs Bro Jim Finlay PM, Charge Bro Tom Gilfillan PM.
At the conclusion of the ceremonial, the newly raised Master Mason was presented to RWM Bro Derek Douglas who congratulated him on his third step in Freemasonry and presented him to the assembled Brethren.
RWM Bro Derek Douglas asked Bro Joe Speirs PM of Lodge Coltswood No 1067 to comment on the degree. Bro Speirs was most complimentary and paid tribute to the high standard of ceremonial work as carried out by the Officebearers. RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Speirs and called on all present to congratulate Bro Frank McBride and the degree team. Soup and pies were consumed in short order and the customary blethering ensued.
Thursday 4th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge St Mary, Coltness No 31 accompanied by 9 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Archie Sands and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Willie Napier PM, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, Bro David Craig PM, and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine FC degree on a very attentive and helpful volunteer candidate. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas introduced him to his own RWM Bro Archie Sands who likewise congratulated him and presented him to the assembled Brethren. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Archie Sands 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 Archie Sands invited all to harmony, and all were well provided for in 31s customary manner. Much blethering ensued and links between the two Lodges were once again strengthened.
September 2018
Tuesday 25th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the second meeting of September. After the customary business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge St Thomas, Larkhall No.306 headed by their own RWM Bro Eric McPhee. RWM Bro Eric McPhee assisted by a superb degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable and instructive FC degree to candidate Bro Frank McBride. Each member of the degree team excelled themselves, and the hushed silence of the assembled Brethren spoke volumes for the quality of the degree. RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro McBride on this next step in his Masonic career, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Eric McPhee on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a wee bit dinner and a guid blether. The links of friendship between the Lodges were strengthened, and the Brethren of both Lodges look forward to further intervisits in the future.
Tuesday 11th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the first meeting after recess. The visiting Lodge having had to call off at short notice, the meeting was business only. Having amassed a great deal of correspondence and items for discussion during recess, Bro Secretary had his work cut out keeping the Brethren awake for the extended duration of the business. Rousing from their slumbers, some were heard to whisper "is he still talking?" However, much work was done, and much accomplished in the meeting. Bro Secretary expresses his gratitude to all who endured, and stuck with him until the business was completed. After the close of the meeting, the soup and pies were consumed in short order by the gathered brethren as a reward for their fortitude.
Wednesday 5th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge Dura No.1513 accompanied by 10 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Alan Graham and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Scott McKittrick PM, Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Willie Napier PM, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM, Bro Duncan McBride and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine MM degree on candidate Bro Andrew Downs. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated Bro Andrew and introduced him to his own RWM Bro Alan Graham who likewise congratulated him, explained his new privileges and presented him to the assembled Brethren. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Alan Graham 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 Alan Graham invited all to harmony, and all were well provided for in 1513s customary manner. Much blethering ensued and links between the two Lodges were once again strengthened.
Saturday 1st: It is with great sadness that the Lodge intimates the sudden and unexpected passing to the Grand Lodge on High of Bro Frankie Hoey PM of Lodge Mauldslie Castle No 1630, an honorary member of 1096, a good friend and a great Mason. His untimely passing leaves his family bereft of a good and honest man. Freemasonry is poorer without him. He will be greatly missed.
June 2018
Wednesday 27th: Bro Willie Jackson PM and Bro Jim Finlay PM had the great pleasure of representing the Lodge at the P7 leaving celebrations at both Primary Schools in our village. Another year passes, and more of our children are going to High School. Where have all the years gone? It's hard to believe that this year was the 17th presentation of the Endeavour Trophy which the Lodge sponsors. Bro Finlay remembers well the first time, as he was at both presentations in 2002. To all of the P7 children, tomorrows fine citizens, we send our very best wishes for your future. May you all continue to strive to match the meaning of the Endeavour Trophy and continue to "be the best that I can be". Enjoy the journey to wherever your destiny takes you.
May 2018
Friday 11th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed everyone to a Special Meeting to showcase a deputation of 12 Reigning and Past masters from both Middle and Upper wards of the Province of Lanarkshire and from the Province of Glasgow. The deputation was headed by RWM Bro David Yule of Lodge Woodhall St Johns No.305 who introduced the degree team as follows :-
RWM Bro James Paisley of the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No.203,
IPM Bro Alex Watson of Lodge Hamilton No.233,
PM Bro Jack Alexander of Lodge St.John No.471,
RWM Bro James R Gardner of Lodge Livingstone St.Andrew No.573,
RWM Bro Phil Biggerstaff of Lodge Robert King Stewart No.919,
RWM Bro John Dunn of Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No.1228,
RWM Bro Malcolm Murray of Lodge Bishopbriggs No.1259
RWM Bro Alan Graham of Lodge Dura No.1513,
RWM Bro Iain Morrison of Lodge Mauldslie Castle No 1630,
noted that our own RWM would be taking part, and lastly himself.
There being no business to discuss, control of the Lodge was given to RWM Bro David Yule who, together with the Masters Team, proceeded to deliver a unique EA degree on candidate Frank McBride. The degree, being a combination of 11 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 initiated Bro Frank McBride was presented to RWM Bro David Yule who, along with RWM Bro Derek Douglas, congratulated him on his first step in Freemasonry and called on the assembled company to give him a warm welcome into the Lodge.
RWM Bro Derek Douglas, on resuming control of the Lodge, congratulated RWM Bro David Yule 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 2018
From Left to right:- RWM Phil Biggerstaff, RWM Malcolm Murray, RWM Iain Morrison, RWM James Gardner, RWM Derek Douglas, RWM David Yule, RWM John Dunn, IPM Alex Watson, RWM Alan Graham (hiding at the back), PM Jack Alexander , RWM James Paisley.
Photo courtesy of Bro Jim Finlay PM
April 2018
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 Michael Mathew. RWM Bro Michael Mathew assisted by a superb Mark degree team, proceeded to deliver a most enjoyable and entertaining Mark degree to candidate Bro Scott Anderson. 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 Scott on this next step in his Masonic career, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Michael Mathew on the high standard of the degree. At the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a wee bit dinner and a guid blether. The links of friendship between the Lodges were strengthened, and the Brethren of both Lodges look forward to further intervisits in the future.
Tuesday 10th: 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 Clydesdale No.551 headed by RWM Bro Colin Dunbar, who, with the assistance of his excellent degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Thompson PM. 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 Ian, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Colin Dunbar 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.
March 2018
Tuesday 27th: 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 Bishopbriggs No.1259 headed by RWM Bro Malcolm Murray, who, with the assistance of his excellent degree team, raised our candidate Mr Scott Anderson to the rank of Master Mason. The degree was conferred in an excellent manner, and 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 Scott Anderson and welcomed him as our newest Master Mason and called upon the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro Malcolm Murray on the high standard of the degree. Bro Jack Alexander PM 471 having been asked to comment on the degree, was most effusive in his praise for the degree team. After the close of the meeting, all retired to harmony for a bite to eat and a blether, and the links between 1259 and 1096 were further strengthened, as the brethren enjoyed each others company once again.
Friday 23rd: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a small but talented deputation to Lodge St.John, Shotts No.471. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Robert Whitefield and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Willie Napier PM and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Tom Forsyth. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas thanked Bro Tom for volunteering and thanked his degree team and all who had accompanied him. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Robert Whitefield 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 Robert Whitefield 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.
Monday 19th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas headed a deputation to Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No.1228 accompanied by 9 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro John Dunn and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM, Bro Willie Napier PM and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine MM degree on candidate Bro Stephen Brown. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated Bro Stephen and introduced him to his own RWM Bro John Dunn who likewise congratulated him, explained his new privileges and presented him to the assembled Brethren. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro John Dunn 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 Dunn 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.
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 Substitute Provincial Grand Master Bro Angus Ross. The business of the deputation, being the Annual Report, was conducted in the MM degree and in short order by SPGM Bro Angus Ross. The Lodge was then reduced to the FC degree and Bro Scott Anderson was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft in fine style by RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Jim Finlay PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM SD, Bro Willie Napier PM PoS, and Bro Duncan McBride IG. At the conclusion of the degree, Bro Anderson was formally presented to the Lodge by RWM Bro Derek Douglas accompanied by SPGM Bro Angus Ross. SPGM Bro Angus Ross delegated the reporting on the degree to Bro Allan Jamieson Provincial Senior Deacon who was most gracious and profuse in his praise for the degree team. At the conclusion of the meeting, all retired to harmony to talk over the events of the evening and enjoy each others company once again.
February 2018
Tuesday 27th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed all to the second meeting of February on a bitterly cold and snowy night. After the usual business, RWM Bro Derek Douglas welcomed a distinguished deputation from Lodge Livingstone St Andrew No.573 headed by RWM Bro James Gardner, who, with the assistance of his excellent degree team, initiated our candidate Mr Scott Anderson. The degree was conferred in an excellent manner, and 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 Scott Anderson and welcomed him as our newest Entered Apprentice. RWM Bro Derek Douglas then called on the assembled brethren to congratulate RWM Bro James Gardner 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 573 and 1096 were further strengthened, as the brethren enjoyed each others company once again.
Friday 23rd: 'Twas a repeat o' last years weather for "Cauld winter was howlin', o'er moor and o'er mountain" and the temperature ootside left a lot to be desired as another grand gathering of oor ain folks began to arrive at the Lodge Annual 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 Ian Douglas and addressed and toasted in fine style by Graham Milton. David Craig gave the Selkirk grace and all sat down to an excellent dinner catered by Motherwell United Services.
After dinner and the Loyal Toast, the entertainment began with May Torrance enchanting the company in song. George Warren gave a well researched and informative Immortal Memory, assisted by oor Ryan who played the lament. Anither sang this time frae Danny Farquhar, led us to Tommy Johnstone and his hilarious Toast to the Lassies. Baith May and Danny each gave us anither song, and David Walker, in his ain style gave us much amusement with excerpts frae Burns poems.
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 2019.
Wednesday 21st: RWM Bro Derek Douglas RWM headed a deputation to Lodge Robert King Stewart No 919 accompanied by 15 other brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Phil Biggerstaff and the assembled brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM SD and Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine EA degree on candidate Bro Stephen Speirs. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated Bro Stephen on taking his first step in Freemasonry. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Phil Biggerstaff congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called on the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. Afterwards, all retired to the lounge to partake of 919 hospitality. And as usual, much blethering ensued, and the long established ties which unite the two lodges were strengthened.
Tuesday 13th: RWM 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 Hamilton No.233 headed by IPM Bro Alex Watson who, with the assistance of his excellent degree team, conferred an excellent exemplification of the FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Ian Douglas PM. 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 Ian, thanked him for volunteering, and called on the assembled brethren to congratulate IPM Bro Alex Watson 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 233 and 1096 were further strengthened, as the brethren enjoyed each others company.
Thursday 8th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas RWM headed his Second deputation of February to Lodge Woodhall St Johns, Bellshill No.305 accompanied by 15 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro David Yule and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, Bro Tom Gilfillan PM SD and Secretary Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a fine FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Paul ????? (forgot his surname). At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated Bro Paul, and thanked him for volunteering. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro David Yule congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called on the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. Afterwards, all spent some time eating and blethering (as is our wont) and strengthening the ties between the two Lodges.
Monday 5th: RWM Bro Derek Douglas RWM headed his first deputation of February to Lodge Mauldslie Castle No.1630 accompanied by 11 other Brethren. After being welcomed by RWM Bro Frankie Hoey and the assembled Brethren, RWM Bro Derek Douglas assisted by his degree team of Bro Ian Douglas PM, Bro Willie Jackson PM WSW, Bro Ian Thompson PM WJW, and Secretary Bro Jim Finlay PM, delivered a comprehensive FC degree on volunteer candidate Bro Kevin Kerr. At the conclusion of the degree, RWM Bro Derek Douglas congratulated Bro Kevin, and thanked him for volunteering. Resuming control of the lodge, RWM Bro Frankie Hoey congratulated RWM Bro Derek Douglas and called on the assembled brethren to give a warm vote of thanks to the degree team. Afterwards, all retired to a cosy lounge for a blether and a bite to eat provided by the Brethren of 1630. Another great night.
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