Lyndhurst Lodge No. 8012

Lyndhurst Lodge No. 8012 met at the Brockenhurst Masonic Centre on Tuesday evening to pass Bro. Jack Harding to the 2nd Degree. There was no drama, which is always slightly disappointing for me, but very reassuring for the candidate. Jack was duly passed, and I was left with the difficult task of making a smoothly run evening sound exciting.

Bro. Pete Leconte gave an excellent rendition of the extended Working Tools. W. Bro. James Prendergast combined an explanation of the Traditional History with additional Masonic instruction in a unique presentation. It was history with added enlightenment, rather than just the usual. Bro. Phil gave us his long version of the Apron. W. Bro. WIN read the Royal Arch Narrative, before ARF and Bro. Jack sat down to listen to the 2nd Degree Charge.

Our V.O., W. Bro. Alan, brought news from Province. It was something about “Building Portal Together”, although my attention had apparently gone off to build something elsewhere. Any inaccuracies in that title are therefore entirely mine and probably explain why I am not in charge of Portal. He then presented W. Bro. Tony Stride with a lapel pin celebrating his 35 (long, very long) years in Freemasonry. W. Bro. Alan will shortly be heading off on an autumn break to Shelbyville, near Kentucky in the USA, to visit family and, no doubt, investigate Colonel Sanders’ original recipe. Whether the secret herbs and spices count as further Masonic instruction remains open to debate. We wish him a safe and tasty trip, and trust that any report on his return will be finger-licking good.

The WM concluded by reminding the Brethren of the white table event on 1st December, when appropriate Christmas clothing will be worn. Brethren are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit, though any jumper requiring batteries may wish to consider the dignity of the occasion. Ho Ho Ho.

Dinner is reviewed separately under “A Square Meal”.