What a midweek meeting in mid-November! The Palace at St Annes on Sea was buzzing with the hustle and bustle of the brethren of Ansdell Lodge No 3607 and their guests, in eager anticipation of the ceremony to celebrate the raising of Ian Dewhurst.
Before the meeting was duly opened, the lodge’s annual November commemorative picture was taken. With WM John Bradley proudly surrounded by his loyal and supportive band of brothers, it didn’t take long for the brethren to find their places, regalia gleaming and proudly on display. It was evident that this meeting was going to be something special.
The meeting was duly opened in the first and second degrees, with the usual gusto and finesse of WM John Bradley and after the customary proceedings of the evening were dispensed with, it was time for Ian Dewhurst to experience what he described as ‘one of the best nights of his life’. Ian was expertly and patiently led throughout the proceedings by ever-reliable senior deacon, Juan Topping. Indeed, it was difficult for Ian to put a step out of place with such well-rehearsed routines. It was evident that many hours of experience, along with a sense of pride in the craft of ritual was on display.
If this wasn’t enough, John Bradley truly gave a masterclass, providing Ian with a magnificent display of word-perfect ritual delivered with pin-point precision. It truly was nothing short of awe inspiring. This even included delivering the working tools as well as all other ritual without a single prompt. During the festive board, immediate past master John Nicholls commented to John Bradley that he wasn’t able to have the pleasure of leading Ian’s raising due to it being postponed following Ian’s hip-replacement surgery, however, Ian should be pleased to have been raised in such a fantastic fashion, with the standards bar being raised to a sublime degree. The brethren were quick to applaud as John Nicholls ended his speech with “Hail, worthy Master”.
There were many toasts proposed on the evening; notably, junior warden Leon Teale gave a visitors’ toast on which he gleefully commented on their being 20 guests present. A true testament to the commitment that Ian Dewhurst has given to Freemasonry. This toast was returned by David McBain of the Operative Lodge of Dumfries No 140, which will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. David was proud to announce that the lodge is the only true operative lodge left in existence in the country and thanked John Bradley for a magnificent display of ritual in addition to the brethren of Ansdell Lodge for the welcome he had received and finished by commenting that he will look forward to the opportunity to return, whilst welcoming brethren to visit during the prestigious anniversary of his lodge.
Group membership officer, Jon Hardman, took pride in introducing Ian’s thank you speech. Jon fondly regaled how he remembered the day Ian contacted him as someone looking to widen his social circle. As a previous member of the Armed Service, Ian told Jon that he missed the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood and Jon gave Ian a knowing nod as he exclaimed that during Ian’s two years at Ansdell, he is confident that Ian has found what he was looking for.
Ian gave a heart-warming speech. He began by saying that he stands before the brethren today with immense gratitude and a heart full of appreciation. This evening marked a significant milestone in his Masonic journey, and he is deeply honoured to share it with everyone. He went on to thank immediate past master John Nicholls and WM John Bradley for their unwavering support, guidance and wisdom and acknowledged the tremendous effort that had clearly gone in to preparing the evening’s event. Lastly, he thanked the Fylde Light Blues Club for their patience and dedication, pointing out that the lessons they have taught go beyond the rituals and symbols, but have been lessons in integrity, brotherhood and personal growth. A truly touching speech, felt by each brethren present.
John Bradley gave a hearty congratulations to Ian, having being raised to the sublime degree of a master Mason and thanked the brethren responsible for their meticulous planning of a ceremony that could not be faulted. He had the brethren in stitches as he was quick to comment that he hoped John Nicholls enjoyed the shortbread he brought for the raffle, having pulled out his own number and reclaiming them with his winning ticket. £344 was raised for Masonic charities and as proceedings came to an end, there was a sense from all present that they had been part of something special. Something that would stay in the memory for the foreseeable future. The very thing that Freemasonry is built on; brotherhood, benevolence and friendship.
