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Monday 28th April 2025

Andrew Marvell Lodge 5642

by Malcolm Forbes

On a warm sunlit evening I picked up Bro Chris Wright (Minerva 250) in Burstwick and fellow Thorngumbald residents Bro Ian Fuller (Lord Bolton 3263) and Bro Ian Montgomery, (Lodge of St Andrew 4683) on my way to Beverley Road Masonic Hall for the Andrew Marvell (5642) initiation ceremony,

Arriving in plenty of time before the start of the meeting as Junior Deacon I was able to talk to Christopher Ayre, the candidate for initiation, in the anteroom to prepare him for the evening. Director of Ceremonies W Bro Richard Green and Lodge Treasurer W Bro Colin Shields ensured that Mr Ayre was correctly attired for the ceremony.

At 6.30pm Worshipful Master W Bro Tom Cawkwell duly opened the Lodge. Seventeen Brethren were in attendance at the meeting.

W Bro Green accorded W Bro Eddie Wildman his rank as a Grand Lodge Officer. A portion of the Antient Charges and a portion of the bye-laws of the Lodge were read out by W Bro John Towler, the Lodge Secretary, and the minutes of the Lodge meeting held on 24th March were approved.

WM W Bro Cawkwell then admitted Mr Ayre in response to a signal from Tyler Bro Montgomery, acknowledged by Junior Warden Bro Nigel Henry. W Bro Shields acted as stand-in Inner Guard, as I and Senior Deacon W Bro Chris Brown took our positions at the door of the Lodge room.

The ceremony was conducted without any hitches. The Obligation was performed with authority by WM Cawkwell. The Lesser Lights were delivered by Lodge Almoner W Bro Chris Lefevre. W Bro Shields explained the Secrets to Bro Ayre. I directed Bro Ayre to the significance of the Warrant of the Lodge. Senior Warden Bro Ian Fuller Invested the candidate with his apron. The Address at the North-East Corner was performed in a most meaningful way by W Bro Wildman. Bro Henry explained the Working Tools. Lodge Chaplain W Bro Adrian Hayward delivered the Charge with his customary assurance.

After the Wardens had answered the questions put to them WM W Bro Cawkwell informed Bro Ayre that the ceremony was concluded. Before his departure from the Lodge room Bro Ayre gave the appropriate sign as an Entered Apprentice.

Credit is due to the Lecture Master W Bro Shields for ensuring the high standard of ritual from the ritualists throughout the ceremony. The Lodge has now performed three consecutive first degree ceremonies. Both Bro John Robson, who was initiated on 24th February, and Bro Daniel Aldred, who was initiated on 24th March, witnessed the ceremony.
After the initiation ceremony, Lodge reports were presented.

The risings took place with W Bro Wildman giving greetings as a Grand Lodge Officer. He subsequently gave greetings as the Worshipful Master of Humber Lodge 57. I rose also as a member of Humber Lodge. Minerva was well represented by the WM and the SD, but protocol does not permit those olding office to give greetings from elsewhere.

The Festive Board was as always lively and friendly. A long toast list was submitted and proposed. Bro Ayre was acknowledged by the Entered Apprentice's Song and the firing of glasses. The toast to the candidate was made by his proposer W Bro Alan Smelt. Bro Ayre responded well to his toast. Masonic passports signed by the Brethren present were presented to Bro Ayre and Bro Aldred.

In his parish notes WM W Bro Cawkwell thanked everyone who had taken part in a first class ceremony. He also reminded Brethren that the next LOI will be on 12th May and that due to a Bank Holiday on the normal Lodge night the next Lodge meeting will be on Tuesday 20th May when he will deliver an explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board.

It had been a highly satisfying night. With another possible candidate in the wings the Lodge is looking upwards. The night reflected the fun and friendliness of the Lodge.

(Tom Cawkwell's account may be seen on the blogpage of the Andrew Marvell website https://www.andrewmarvell5642.co.uk/?%26nbsp%3BBlog_Page)

(Photo: Brother Chris Ayre with the Worshipful Master, W Bro Tom Cawkwell.)

Malcolm Forbes, Junior Deacon

Thursday 17th April 2025:

Earl of Yarborough Lodge 2770

by Eddie Wildman

Named after the Fourth Earl of Yarborough, British peer and politician Charles Alfred Worsley Pelham, who served as the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire from 1895 until 1936, the Earl of Yarborough Lodge meets in the capacious custom-built Masonic Hall at Cambridge Road, Grimsby. (The Second Earl of Yarborough held the same position, but is perhaps better known for his bet, offering the high odds of 1000:1 that a hand of bridge or whist would not contain at least one card of denomination 10 or above. A hand without such a card is known as a Yarborough.)

The Lodge is a Hall Stone Lodge, having made a significant contribution to the building of Freemasons' Hall in London (formerly known as the Masonic Peace Memorial) built between 1927 and 1933 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died on active duty in World War 1.

W Bro Tom Cawkwell and I visited the Lodge's 993rd Regular Meeting, he representing the Andrew Marvell Lodge as WM, I representing as the Humber WM. It was a pleasant drive despite the notoriously noisy A180 and we arrived in good time to greet the Candidates who were being raised to the 3° that evening, Bro Hammond and Bro Kordaku.

The ceremony had been well rehearsed: fortunately the Lodge Room is large enough to easily accommodate a double ceremony, and the Deacons, perambulating the Candidates, did their work very well and with enormous dignity. The Worshipful Master, W Bro A Hall obligated them individually, and subsequent work was impressively delivered by senior Brethren: W Bro Andy Gillman (DC) with the Retrospect, W Bro Lindsey Studd the Historical Oration, with an explanation of aspects of the Tracing Board, and the Tyler, W Bro Steven Dickson the Ancient Charge. Mention should be made also of the Inner Guard, Brother Felix, who gave an impressive rendition of the Working Tools of a Master Mason.

It is always interesting to observe differences between Lodges; the familiar words of the Opening and Closing Odes to different tunes, the Salutations and singing at the Festive Board: it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Congratulations to the new Master Masons and to the Earl of Yarborough Lodge!

Pictured L to R: Bro N Hammond, JD; Bro Ash Kordaku, MM; W Bro A Hall, WM; Bro A Hammond, MM; Bro N J Fletcher, SD.

Eddie Wildman, gate-crasher.

Saturday 22nd March 2025:

Cornerstone Lodge Installation meeting

by Malcolm Forbes

For the first time I visited Cornerstone Lodge10051, a peripatetic Lodge, for its Installation meeting at Beverley Road Masonic Hall. The eight visitors included W Bro Michael DeVillamar Roberts, the Representative of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master and his Director of Ceremonies, WM of the Ridings Tablers' Lodge 9586 and a member of Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge 9611. There were also two visitors from Lion Lodge 312 in Whitby, a visitor from York Lodge 236, and closer to home, W Bro Russ Garbutt, a member of De La Pole Lodge 1605.

Amongst other Brethren I was able to talk to before the meeting were Worshipful Master W Bro Barry Longstaff, the Lodge Membership Officer of Andrew Marvell Lodge 5642, and Cornerstone Lodge members W Bro Tom Cawkwell, the Worshipful Master of Andrew Marvell Lodge, and Bro Steve Walker, who held office as Junior Warden in Andrew Marvell Lodge during 2024.

The Lodge tyled at 11.0 am. It was opened by WM W Bro Longstaff with W Bro Allan McKay as IPM, Bro Adam Tunnicliffe as Chaplain, W Bro Cawkwell as Senior Warden and W Bro Alex McCallum as Junior Warden. W Bro James Ashby-Kelly acted as Director of Ceremonies and Installing DC.

On Tyler W Bro David Waddington's report, the DC for the Representative, on his entry into the Lodge room announced the presence of W Bro Roberts at the door of the Lodge. Escorted by Officers of the Lodge W Bro Roberts took his seat alongside WM W Bro Longstaff.

Interestingly, Lodge Secretary W Bro Christopher Hall read a portion from the Regius poem, a fourteenth century manuscript of Masonic writings setting out, inter alia, the Obligations of a Worshipful Master, as an alternative to the Antient Charges. Cornerstone Lodge is justly proud of incorporating variations to traditional Masonic ritual, which included W Bro Adam Crozier waving a thurible of incense around the Lodge room to link up with the Lodge's Consecration before the start of the meeting and a short period of silence for Brethren to reflect on their spiritual relationship with Freemasonry.

WM W Bro Longstaff was proclaimed as Worshipful Master for a second consecutive year in Office. Bro Walker was installed as Senior Warden and Bro Josh Broderick-Gray was installed as Junior Warden. The Address to the Master was presented by W Bro Waddington. W Bro Cawkwell, with his customary mastery of ritual, delivered the Address to the Wardens. W Bro Longstaff delivered the Address to the Brethren. The whole ceremony was conducted smoothly under the directorship of W Bro Ashby-Kelly.

Following the Installation, a talk entitled " Allegorical Links between Freemasonry and Ancient Greece" was given by Bro Broderick-Gray. Much research went into the talk which was given with authority from the lectern. Again the Cornerstone Lodge leads the way in encouraging its Brethren to expand their Masonic knowledge.

The risings incorporated Provincial greetings given by W Bro Roberts and visitors' greetings. As a member of De La Pole Lodge I rose alongside W Bro Garbutt as he gave greetings on behalf of the Lodge. I gave greetings on behalf of Andrew Marvell Lodge and its Worshipful Master W Bro Cawkwell.

In the absence of honorary member W Bro Eddie Wildman, the Worshipful Master of Humber Lodge 57, who was attending a Chapter Consecration in Beverley, pre-recorded music provided the backing to the singing of the Opening and Closing Hymns by the Brethren.

Downstairs the twenty-two diners sat opposite each other at a long table with WM W Bro Longstaff at one end and W Bro McCallum, standing in as Senior Warden for Bro Walker at the Festive Board, at the other end of the table. A full toast list was submitted / proposed.

In his response to the toast on behalf of the RW Provincial Grand Master, W Bro Roberts recognised the importance of Cornerstone Lodge in providing a pathway for Masonic excellence and increasing Masonic advancement. In his response to the visitors toast, W Bro Garbutt warmly thanked the Brethren for a thoroughly enjoyable lunchtime Lodge meeting and Festive Board. The visitors song and handshakes from the Brethren were much appreciated.
The raffle raised £110.

The parting toast was delivered at 2.15 pm. The Lodge since its Consecration and through the efforts of its Worshipful Master in setting new boundaries for the educational development of Brethren throughout the Province represents a high water mark in Masonic development and the future of Freemasonry.

Malcolm Forbes

Monday 18th March 2025:

Raised Standards

by Tom Cawkwell

I had the pleasure of visiting Holderness Lodge 3563 for the raising of Bro James Anderson. I first met James when he and his partner were seated alongside my husband and I at the Holderness Ladies night in 2023; a curious and inquisitive potential candidate for freemasonry, I made a point of attending his initiation a few months later and so it was wonderful to join him as he completed his Masonic journey.

I was joined by WB Dean Marshall & Bro Rich Driver of the Minerva Lodge. As an aside, the latter this week became the first member of Minerva to complete his Solomon Diploma! Well done Rich!

The ceremony, in familiar Humber ritual, was performed with the quality and assiduity I have come to expect from the Holderness brethren, presided over by WM Danny Marshall, the whole team excelled. The ritual was equally crisp and a special mention for WB Eddie Wildman who captivated us with the Historical Oration.

Reports followed during which we were advised that Minerva’s own Danny Betts would be proposed as WME at their next meeting. (I will no doubt be back in May for his installation).

WB Sharples exhorted our newly made MM to consider HRA masonry to continue his Masonic education.

Downstairs the FB was warm & welcoming with great company & conversation. Despite the longer 3° ceremony, carriages were away by 10pm thanks to the expeditious & experienced DC, WB ‘Rolo’, but not before I had the opportunity to respond on behalf of the visitors.

In somewhat traditional spirit, I was attending on the evening as the personal guest of WM Danny Marshall and I look forward to returning the honour at AML very soon.

[Photo: W Bro Ashby Kelly, SD; Bro James Anderson, MM; W Bro Danial Marshall, WM; W Bro Danny Betts, JD.]

Tom Cawkwell, Secretary

Wednesday 12th March 2025:

A Good Start

by Eddie Wildman

The opening hymn used in Minerva Lodge 250 uses the tune St Bees by John Bacchus Dykes, a Hull man who became a minister and travelled to Malton, York Minster and later Durham Cathedral. He composed over three hundred hymn tunes, some of which are used Masonically. St Bees was named after the valley in Cumbria. Minerva's closing hymn is sung to Dykes' St Sylvester and Melita, sung at the Absent Brethren toast, is also by him. Dykes (1823 -1876) was born about five minute's walk away from the Lodge.

W Bro Dean Marshall opened the well attended Lodge, after which Bro Andrew Start was tested in the Q&As leading to the 2°. He then left the Lodge for preparation and the Lodge was raised. In the interim before his return, the WM asked for the Almoner's Report. It was good to see W Bro Malcolm Sharman back in the Lodge; he has been troubled by ill health for a while, but looked much fitter as he had been on holiday in Madiera. Never one to use a sentence when a paragraph will do, W Bro Sharman gave a gripping account of an accident abroad and speculated about the future of the British Health Service.

A report from the Tyler, W Bro David Green indicated that the Candidate was ready: he was admitted in due form by the Inner Guard, Bro Wayne Sutherby and showed he was now prepared, pausing at the pedestals of the Junior and Senior Wardens, Bro Kurt Crawford and Bro Simon Tomkins to show he was in possession of the necessary password.

Brother Start was obligated by the WM; the secrets were communicated by W Bro Mike Ogram. The Senior Warden invested him with the apron of the degree after which W Bro Mark Hartley gave the address at the South East Corner. Bro Dave Fee explained the Working Tools, and W Bro Tom Cawkwell gave a stirling account of the Second Degree Tracing Board - all the more remarkable as the day before he had expounded on the First Degree TB. Brother Crawford then dilated on the Five Noble Orders of Architecture - a complex piece of ritual which is rarely encountered. It was a pleasure to here it so admirably delivered.

The Q&As for the next degree were exchanged between the WM and the Wardens after which Bro Start retired to restore himself to his usual Masonic attire - a relief as it was not warm in the Lodge Room (nor, indeed in the Dining Room afterwards.)

The Lodge was lowered to the 1° and the Tyler admitted to give his Charity Stewards Report. He spoke of an intended walk over the Humber Bridge for Charity. W Bro Graham Miles submitted the Treasurer's Report. W Bro Hartley as Mentor asked the Junior Deacon, Bro Rich Driver (first member of Minerva Lodge to receive his Solomon Certificate) to speak about the Cornerstone Circle, Bro Driver recommended it as an inspirational enterprise. W Bro Tadeusz Krawczyk as Chapter Representative informed the Lodge that the Minerva Chapter was exalting a new Candidate next month. A new Craft Candidate was proposed and seconded, greetings were given, the Closing Hymn was sung and the Brethren retired.

As this was a White Table night, with non-Masonic visitors, only two toats followed the Mexican-themed meal. Though not all the twenty-six Brethren stayed to eat, the raffle raised £98. It had been a pleasant evening - though somewhat chilly. I hope they get the heating sorted out soon!

[Pictured: John Bacchus Dykes, Bro Andrew Start, FCFM and W Bro Dean Marshall, WM.]

Eddie Wildman, Organist

Tuesday 11th March 2025:

An Enthralling Cawkwell Presentation

by Malcolm Forbes

On arrival at Dagger Lane Masonic Hall there was the usual convivial pre-meeting atmosphere. I joined Bro John Robson, who was attending as a visitor for the first time, at his table. Bro Robson was initiated into Andrew Marvell Lodge 5642 on 24th February 2025. The Worshipful Master of Andrew Marvell Lodge, W Bro Tom Cawkwell was also in attendance as a guest of W Bro Eddie Wildman, the Worshipful Master of Humber Lodge. There were also visitors from Minerva Lodge 250, the Lodge of St Michael 7833, and Taurus Lodge 3981, which is a London based Lodge for the Freemen and Liverymen of the Worshipful Company of Butchers.
The Lodge tyled at 6.30 pm. and was opened in due and antient form by WM W Bro Wildman. Director of Ceremonies W Bro Trevor Whitfield duly greeted the Grand Lodge Officers present, W Bro Wildman and W Bro Richard Smedley, who stood in as IPM and Chaplain.
After a portion of the antient charges were read out and the minutes of the Lodge meeting held on 11th February 2025 were approved, W Bro Wildman proceeded to the main business of the meeting, which was to receive a presentation on the 1st degree tracing board by W Bro Cawkwell.
In his oration W Bro Cawkwell unerringly mapped out the historical and symbolic meaning of the tracing board. He was assisted in his talk by a pictorial image of the tracing board which W Bro Craig Maurier had prepared for distribution to the Brethren.
A long version of the explanation of the tracing board was delivered and incorporated the significance of the layout of the Lodge room and the distinction between the movable and immovable items within its paramaters.
The presentation was both clear in its delivery and its content. The audience was in thrall to W Bro Cawkwell, whose verbal dexterity and mastery of ritual is corroborated by his ability to deliver an explanation of the second degree tracing board taking place at the Lodge meeting of Minerva Lodge twenty-four hours later!
Following the presentation, Lodge reports were delivered. Due to the absence of W Bro Charles Alexander, the Lodge Almoner following a family bereavement, no Almoner's report was received. Similarly, no Royal Arch Representative report was tabled as W Bro David Terry, the MEZ of Humber Chapter 57, was taking a well deserved holiday. A Charity Steward's report, which had previously been forwarded in writing to W Bro Stanley Smith, the Lodge Secretary, was elaborated upon in open Lodge. A report was also forthcoming on the Cornerstone Circle by Bro James Wright.
Before the risings, stand-in Junior Deacon Bro Craig Fish announced that he and his wife were undertaking a fundraising walk for a Hull-based children's charity. Updates would be put on the Humber Lodge WhatsApp page on the sponsored walk.
Visitors greetings on behalf of Andrew Marvell Lodge were given by W Bro Cawkwell. I rose along with Bro Robson as these greetings were given. I also rose as W Bro Ian Syddall, who stood in as assistant Secretary, gave greetings as Worshipful Master of Humber Installed Masters 2494.
Toasts to the King, the Grand Master, Grand Lodge Officers, the Provincial Grand Master, the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters were given before the meal was served at the Festive Board.
Subsequently the response to the visitors toast was given by Bro Ashley Mason, a member of Taurus Lodge. In his first such response Bro Mason merited the warmth of the Brethren’s applause.
A toast to absent Brethren was also submitted after the singing of Dykes' Melita. The raffle raised £87, whilst the collection for the Almoner's fund raised £17.51.
Before the parting toast, Lecture Master W Bro Phil Watts reminded Brethren to attend the next LOI on 17th March. Those attending were encouraged to meet up beforehand in the Head of Steam pub in Trinity Square.
In his parish notes W Bro Wildman announced that the next Lodge meeting on 8th April 2025 would include a Masonic quiz.
Masonic knowledge had certainly been advanced through W Bro Cawkwell's presentation. It was my pleasure to give Bro Cawkwell a lift home after such an erudite talk.

[Pictured: W Bro Tom Cawkwell]

Malcolm Forbes, Charity Steward

Monday 24th February 2025:

Small but Perfectly Formed

by Eddie Wildman

Unusually, numbers were low at the Andrew Marvell Lodge 5642 and there was only one visitor, W Bro Ben Kelly of the Holderness Lodge 3563, who I discovered had come along to deliver the Ancient Charge. Nonetheless, it was a very satisfactory meeting. The WM, W Bro Tom Cawkwell opened the Lodge promptly and efficiently at 6.30; W Bro Andrew Peach, looking a little lonely on the dais, stood in for both the IPM and the Chaplain - executing both roles with his usual impeccable diction and clarity. The Secretary, W Bro John Towler gave apposite portions of the Charge and Bylaws, after which there was a successful ballot for two new Candidates. (There was a proposition for another Candidate at the end of the meeting, proposed by the Inner Guard, W Bro Colin Shields - things are looking up for the Lodge!)

An alarm from the Tyler, W Bro Barry Longstaff informed the IG that there was someone outside requesting entry began the initiation procedure for Mr John Robson. The Candidate was ably escorted round the Lodge by the Junior Deacon, W Bro Malcolm Forbes, passing before the WM and the Wardens before being obligated by the Master of the Lodge and being introduced to the three Great Lights in Freemasonry.

W Bro Colin Shields explained the Lesser Lights and communicated the distinguishing signs whereby Entered Apprentices are known to each other. Brother Robson was paying great attention, obviously understanding the explanations as they proceeded. (This is not always the case - sometimes those undergoing the ceremony are overcome by the dignity of the situation they confess to taking very little in as the time " - It was all a blur." The Senior Warden, Bro Ian Fuller invested Bro Robson with the simple sheepskin apron which is the mark of the entered apprentice, and W Bro Christopher Brown delivered the Address at the North-east Corner of the Lodge.

The Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Richard Green pointed out the Warrant, the authority by which we act, and presented Bro Robson with the Book of Constitutions and the Bylaws. Bro Robson was conducted to the Junior Warden, Bro Nigel Henry, who showed him the Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemaon and explained their symbolic significance. W Bro Kelly delivered the Ancient Charge, making this difficult piece of ritual look easy.

Brother Robson retired to restore himself to his suit, and in the interim reports were given. The Tyler was called in on the Candidate's return; he presented Bro Robson with an explanatory booklet about the ceremony and spoke of visiting elsewhere.

The festive board was delightful as ever - Ben Kelly remarked it was one of the tastiest meals he'd enjoyed at Beverley Road, already renowned for its high standards. French onion soup, Beef bourguignon, Creme Brulee. Bro Robson responded eloquently to the toast to the Entered Apprentice despite the excruciating singing of the Apprentice Song following the toast. Firing glasses were used following his observations and thanks to the Brethren for their participation in his initiation.

It had been a pleasant evening - I was given a lift home along with Bro Fuller by W Bro Malcolm Forbes, and we agreed that though the Lodge had this evening been somewhat reduced in numbers, it was still perfectly formed.

[Photographs: WM Tom Cawkwell and Bro John Robson at the festive board, with Andrew Marvell observing from behind; Brother Robson in the dining room.]

Eddie Wildman, Organist

Monday 17th February 2025:

Visit to Holderness Lodge 3563 by Tom Cawkwell

I attended the Holderness Lodge at Beverly Road as a guest of Worshipful Master Danial Marshall.

Despite some last-minute standings, most notably the APGM Steve Cox as Inner Guard and Minerva’s WB Betts as Senior Warden. After opening the Lodge, a eulogy for the late Bro Philip Grange was given by Bro Tim Harris. The Brethren stood in respectful silence.

The WM asked Bro Andrew Richardson if it was his desire to be passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft.

Having proved his proficiency with aplomb, Bro Richardson retired for preparation.

The ceremony of passing was slick with notable ritual from Bro Anderson, a FC himself who no doubt is eagerly anticipating his raising next month, and WB Wildman who was briefly separated from his organ to remind us all of his impeccable oration by delivering the communication.

After the main attraction, we were treated to a presentation by W Bro Peter Bebb on the TLC charity which provide teddy bears for children in A&E, for which a cheque of £535 was presented, followed by an informative talk from W Bro Longstaff on the Solomon Academy and Diploma programme.

[Photos: W Bro Peter Bebb; Peter Bebb, Stephen Cox and Danny Marshall; Andrew Richardson and Danny Marshall.]

Downstairs the festive board was jovial and equally efficient, with just two toasts after a typically good Beverly Road meal.

Congratulations to Bro Richardson on his passing and I look forward to returning next month for Bro Anderson's raising to the 3°.

Eddie Wildman's report may be found on the Humber website https://humber57.org.uk/?Blog-Page

Tom Cawkwell, Secretary

Saturday 15th February 2025:

Visit to Technical Lodge 5666

by Malcolm Forbes

After having arrived at Beverley Road Masonic Hall at 8.30 am to help set up the Provincial Training and Information Day for Lodge and Chapter Charity Stewards in the south of the Province, I returned at 6.00 pm to attend the regular monthly Lodge meeting of Technical Lodge.
Amongst the visitors who were in attendance who had given presentations at the earlier training event were Assistant Provincial Grand Master Worshipful Master W Bro Martin Eggermont, the Chairman of the Festival 29 committee, and W Bro John Murphy, the Vice Chairman and W Bro Ged Demoily, Festival Secretary They were attending the Lodge meeting to give a presentation on Festival 29.
Also in attendance as a visitor was W Bro Jimmie Kerr, the Lodge Festival Ambassador for Technical Lodge.
The Lodge tyled at 6.30 pm. Stand in Worshipful Master W Bro Ian Parkinson took the place of WM Anthony James, who was unable to attend. W Bro Dr Hiten Thakur stood in as IPM. Another stand in was W Bro David Green who stood in as Junior Warden. It was a long day also for W Bro Green as he had attended the earlier training event as Charity Steward of Minerva Lodge 250.
Tyler W Bro Paul Hillary had also attended the training event as Treasurer of FCYNER.
After the opening of the Lodge and other formalities a successful ballot was conducted to initiate a potential candidate.
Before the presentation on Festival 29, W Bro Eggermont presented a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro John Atkinson. W Bro Eggermont subsequently presented a Solomon certificate to Entered Apprentice Bro John Hemingway.

The Festival 29 presentation was thorough and informative. As was clear from proposals made at the meeting to donate Lodge money to worthy causes, the Lodge through its Charity Steward W Bro Robert Atkinson, is to be congratulated on the many such causes it supports. W Bro Atkinson also performed admirably as DC.
As Almoner Bro Nigel Goldthorpe updated the Brethren on absent Brethren. Lodge Membership Officer W Bro Steve Berry expressed the hope that the Lodge would continue to attract a steady stream of candidates. W Bro Parkinson in his Royal Arch Representative report reminded Brethren of the Technical Chapter 5666 Installation meeting on 4th March.
During the risings Grand Lodge Officer W Bro Eddie Wildman gave greetings on behalf of Grand Lodge supported by W Bro Eggermont. As Worshipful Master of Humber Lodge 57 W Bro Wildman also gave greetings. As a member of Humber Lodge I rose to support him and as a member of De La Pole Lodge 1605 I also rose when W Bro Kerr gave greetings on behalf of De La Pole Lodge. I gave greetings on behalf of Andrew Marvell Lodge 5642.
The Lodge meeting concluded at 8.30 pm.
The Festive Board maintained the high standards set by chef Luke Pyrah, who was also at Beverley Road at 8.30 am to provide tea/coffee and biscuits for delegates arriving at the training event. Two toasts were delivered. There was much revelry at the Festive Board.
Musical accompaniment to the voices of W Bro Philip Daniels, Bro David Turner, Lecture Master W Bro Jonathan Sykes and W Bro Atkinson was provided by W Bro Wildman at the end of the Festive Board.
The parting toast was delivered at 10.15 pm.
It had been a long day. I had thoroughly enjoyed the company of the Technical Lodge Brethren who as always were most welcoming.

[Photo: Rob Atkinson, John Atkinson, Martin Eggermont, Rob Parkinson, John Hemingway, John Murphy, Ged Demoily.]

Malcolm Forbes

Saturday 15th February 2025:

Visit to Technical Lodge 5666

by Malcolm Forbes

[Photo: Rob Atkinson, John Atkinson, Martin Eggermont, Rob Parkinson, John Hemingway, John Murphy, Ged Demoily.]

Malcolm Forbes

Wednesday 12th February 2025:

The Raising of Chris Milner
by Dean Marshall

The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form at 18.35. W Bro Eddie Wildman was greeted with three as a Grand Lodge Officer. He in turn greeted the Brethren well. W Bro John Murphy PPSGW representing the Provincial Grand Master, was received under the direction of his DC W Bro Garry Collins. W Bro Murphy and the officers of Grand Lodge were greeted with three and responded accordingly. The Secretary read a portion of the Ancient Charge, and the minutes from the last meeting were approved and signed.

The next order of business was raising the Lodge to the second degree, in which Bro Chris Milner was examined by myself as WM before he was entrusted with the necessary information to gain reentry; he left the Lodge room for preparation. The Lodge was then raised to the 3° and prepared for the ceremony.

On his return, Bro Milner was proficiently conducted round the Lodge by the Wardens, Bros Bradshaw and Crawford before being obligated by the WM. The Retrospect was recounted by Bro Fear, W Bro Cawkwell and W Bro Swales in a way that I’m sure will have a lasting impression on the Candidate. It certainly did on me!

W Bro Cawkwell imparted the secrets, Bro Dave Fee recounted the traditional history and W Bro Dave Green described the tracing board. Finally W Bro Willoughby explained the Working Tools. Their flawless performances suggested much time and effort had been expended in committing the ritual to memory.

Bro Milner was instructed in the questions and answers to enable him at a later date to become a member of the Royal Arch Chapter should he so choose.

The Lodge was then lowered in due course to the 1° and reports were given. The evening’s business was concluded and the Lodge was duly closed in ancient form.

The festive board followed a delicious French theme. In his response to the fifth toast, W Bro Murphy mentioned how much he had enjoyed the ceremony any asked me to Inform him of any future Third Degrees as he would like to bring several members of his own Lodge to witness the spectacle.

[Pictured: W Bro Murphy, Representative of the RWPGM, Bro Milner, Master Mason and W Bro Dean Marshall, WM.]

Dean Marshall WM

Wednesday 8th January 2025:

Minerva 250 starts the Year!

by Eddie Wildman

Congratulations to the WM, W Bro Dean Marshall and his team of Officers for a brilliant exposition of the Third Degree Ceremony. The Minerva ritual is unique, and the Brethren, under the direction of Lecture Master W Bro Danny Betts PPSGD demonstrated it magnificently to the visitors from local Lodges, including the Earl of Yarborough Lodge 2770 in the Masonic Province of Lincolnshire. The Lodge was opened in due form and the Entered Apprentices present retired before the Lodge was taken into the 2°. The Fellow Crafts were then asked to leave, with the exception of Bro Evaldas Korsakos, who proved to the assembled Craftsmen that he knew the necessary responses to gain admission into a higher degree. He was entrusted with the password to the 3° by the SW, Bro Jim Bradshaw and retired for preparation.

There is a procedure for preparing the Lodge for a 3° ceremony which I shall not divulge here, but the Minerva Lodge did it well and Bro Korsakos was readmitted. He was obligated by the WM, entrusted with the secrets by W Bro Chris Brown PPJGW. The Badge of a Master Mason was invested by the Senior Warden. Bro Chris Fear delivered the Retrospect (one of the most meaningful passages in the whole of the ritual) and Bro Dave Fee explained the Traditional History. Bro Peter Willoughby directed the Lodge's attention to the Working Tools.

The Tyler, W Bro David Green was called into the Lodge to give an explanation of the 3° Tracing Board. The Q&A sequence following the Ceremony of Raising was exchanged between the Master and his Wardens and Bro Korsakos proudly retired as a Master Mason to restore himself to his usual comforts. I understand he will soon become a Companion in the Minerva Chapter 250.

The Fellow Craft and the Entered Apprentices were readmitted as the Lodge was lowered through the degrees, reports were given succinctly, and the Assistant Secretary dealt with correspondence and AOB with aplomb before greetings were extended and the Lodge closed.

The Festive Board was friendly without being informal, and the toasts limited to the first two, so the Brethren were able to take their leave of one and other before ten o' clock into what was a bitterly cold night, but warm in the succesful raising of a new Master Mason into the Minerva Lodge and in sincere Brotherly affection for each other. Well done!

"Evaldas" is a Lithuanian name, meaning "brave, strong, powerful."

[Photograph of Bro Evaldas Korsakos and W Bro Dean Marshall by Bro Matthew Barber.]

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