Old Huttonian passes Country Pursuits member in style

Over 40 brethren attended the last meeting of 2024 for Old Huttonian Lodge No 7614, each of them eager to see this very distinguished member of the Federation of School Lodges pass a candidate from Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615.

Pictured left from left to right, are: Alan Scarrott, Joe Robinson, John Topping, Ian Heyes and Adam Ellis (Joe’s proposer). Pictured right: John Topping speaking about the founders of Old Huttonian, consecrated in 1959, and the relationship with Country Pursuits at that time, as featured in the weekly edition of ‘The Field’ magazine, dated 1st October 1959, which John read excerpts from.

Country Pursuits Lodge is a specialist lodge, soon be two years old, and was set-up with a wide-ranging theme that has something to offer for everyone interested in nature, the countryside and conservation. Joe Robinson was initiated earlier this year, and the lodge were seeking a sponsor lodge to deliver the ceremony.

The master of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire, Ian Heyes, who is also the director of ceremonies at Old Huttonian Lodge, coupled with the fact that the master of Old Huttonian Lodge is John Topping, who is also a member of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire. So, it seemed a natural partnership for Joe Robinson to be taken through the ceremony of passing within the beautiful lodge room at Hutton Grammar School.

John Topping said: “It was a very nice ceremony, with aspects of the ritual being shared out between Old Huttonian members and the working tools being skilfully delivered by Michael Cowsley of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire. As master, I am extremely grateful to the members of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire who attended and supported Joe throughout the evening. On behalf of myself, Ian Heyes, David Jenkinson and all the Old Huttonian members we wish Joe Robinson good luck and every happiness in his masonic journey.”