It was certainly a very proud night for the Grime family at St James Lodge No 8910 with the family starting out with David Grime (son) as immediate past master, Daniel Grime (son) as worshipful master and James Grime (father) as senior warden.
Principal guest at the installation ceremony representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews was Malcolm Dewhurst. Malcolm was accompanied by group chairman Peter Allen, Stephen Gregory and Gary Smith.
With 40 brethren present, current master Daniel Grime proceeded to install his dad James into the chair of King Solomon in an excellent and heartfelt ceremony from start to finish with many members and guests in support.
Delivering the working tools were three younger brethren, Stuart Thomas with the third degree tools, Tom Grimshaw the second degree tools and completed by Kurt Hill with the first degree tools. Each delivered their ‘word perfect’ explanations in a very confident and sincere way.
After the addresses to the master, wardens and brethren, a cheque was passed to the principal guest of the evening Malcolm Dewhurst. The donation made was for the total of £1,950 and was split between five separate receivers. Malcolm thanked the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
Following the installation, it quickly became even more interesting, when it became apparent that there were two lodges present with significant numbers. St James Lodge were the current holders of the ‘Gavel that Travels’ and the brethren of both Peace Lodge No 2269 and Tyldesley Lodge No 2572 began the bidding for the gavel.
As set out in the rules, the masters stake their claim and the adjudicator, who was the junior warden Tom Grimshaw, very calmly conducted the headcount and announced the winning lodge. It was 11 members to 8 in favour to Tyldesley Lodge who celebrated when they claimed to the gavel. It was a light-hearted and friendly exchange and Peace Lodge were magnanimous in defeat.
This wonderfully friendly and relaxed atmosphere continued for the rest of the evening and throughout the festive board. The night was only finished with another surprise, when group secretary Mike Silver stepped up to sing the Master’s Song, which he did very well.
Everyone attending went home well fed and watered after having a most enjoyable time in both the lodge room and at the festive board.