Recently St James Lodge No 8910 had a proclamation ceremony which may seem a bit unusual but when duty calls it has to be done. While the proclamation only normally happens when the master is staying in office for another year however this was not the plan for the lodge.
Due to sickness the master elect could not make it so the master, Stuart Thomas, agreed to stay in the chair of King Solomon for another year.
The principal guest, representing Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, was Neil Ward, who was most pleased to be attending and gave thanks to the master and to the director of ceremonies, John Dowsett for the ceremony he witnessed.
Due to the unfortunate sickness within the lodge, a lot of brethren were stepping in for other roles, standing in as senior and junior wardens, Geoff Mort and Howard Dickinson. Stuarts reliance on their knowledge and past accomplishments goes a long way when he needs to rely on a past master, especially for a warden’s position. After the officers were invested the lodge could duly be closed where responses were given at how smooth and efficient the ceremony went.
The social board went ahead and after a lovely meal by the team at Brookfield Hall, toasts were given and the raffle was conducted which raised over an astounding £100 for charity, where Stuart presented a bottle of whiskey to the winner.
