Apollo University Lodge No 357 Raising

On Saturday four of our Members travelled south to go and visit Oxford, but more importantly Apollo 357.

This was one of the Universities Scheme visits – organised by Worshipful Brother Daniel Hayward and also organised as part of the New and Young Masons Clubs.

Hartington 1085 was represented by the Worshipful Master, Immediate Past Master and two of our more junior Brethren (two Stewards).

It started off with a couple of drinks in the Oxford Students Union, then a short walk to the Macdonald Randolph Hotel to watch two Brothers being Raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.

After the ceremony we were treated to a Champagne reception and a tasty Festive Board.

Following this, it was back to the Students Union for a few more drinks, then off to a couple of clubs in Oxford.

An excellent day was had by all………..same time again next year?

Three members en route.

David and Peter in their way to the Union.

The Randolph Hotel.

IPM, WM and Steward in the Union.

Hartington 1085 and their new friend.

Hartington, before the start of the meeting.

Hartington 1085 at the Champagne reception.

Ready for the start of the Festive Board.

One of the speaches (in French no less).

Hartington 1085 and Apollo 357’s JW.

Hartington WM, 2018 Prestonian Lecturer, IPM, Apollo 357 WM, two Hartington 1085 Stewards and last, but by no means least W. Bro Hayward (the instigator).

David and his new German friend.

David and Peter back in the Union.

Their WM and our IPM

Our IPM in his study.

Derbyshire Festival Essentials Event

Last Thursday was the Festival Essentials Event at Pride Park.

The event was aimed at Charity Stewards, Festival Stewards and Worshipful Masters of the Lodge and it was hoped all Lodges in the Province would attend.

The evening started with paying our respect to those who took part in the D Day Landings to mark the 75th Anniversary.

Surhail Alam, of the Masonic Charitable Foundation was in attendance, who gave an informative overview of what the MCF was all about and how it has a huge impact on a lot of people’s lives and ways in which we’re able to raise more money from our donations.

The Provincial Grand Master announced that we have already raised £262,000 towards our target, whilst still donating to local charities.

An enjoyable evening was had by all those in attendance.

St Werburga Lodge

Well these last couple of weeks have been busy, considering we’re supposed to be winding down for the summer break.

Last Friday our IPM visited St Werburga Lodge to see his friend Rob Ingram conduct his first – Third Degree.

Rob’s currently in the Chair for his second year and this is the first opportunity his Lodge and the Province have seen him perform. All I can say is, we’ve all been missing out! Do I detect a possible Silver Matchbox contender in the making?!

It was a great ceremony and he did everyone proud. He was also well supported by his fellow ATM.

The ATM gang at St Werburga

Hartington visit Tyrian Lodge

Tuesday night saw our IPM visit Tyrian Lodge No 253, for a Raising of Brother A. P. Broadist. The ceremony was carried out by the Worshipful Master Brother Rob Walmsley and an excellent time was had by all.

The IPM wasn’t actually booked in for the Festive Board, as he’d missed the cut-off with the Assistant Secretary. However, he still managed to secure a place at the Festive Board, where he had to respond on behalf of the visitors. Despite being surrounded by a number of Aston Villa fans he still had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. It was also nice seeing the toast to the Worshipful Master given by the Senior Warden, who happens to be his Father.