A lot of fun was had recently in Twickenham when a new Mark lodge was created. Kenton Lodge unfortunately had to hand in its Warrant three years ago, but it has now been reborn in the shape of the Home of Rugby Lodge. This new lodge is to be based in Twickenham. Being synonymous with rugby in England, this seemed a great opportunity to fill a gap in Mark Masonry and to have a prestige special interest lodge based there.
A reponement meeting was therefore held, presided over by the Provincial Grand Master for Middlesex, R.W.Bro. Peter Hyde. The Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters of Middlesex, W.Bro. Darrel Palmer and W.Bro. Steve Heynes also attended. They were accompanied by a full complement of Middlesex Mark Provincial Grand Officers, which added to the special nature of the evening.
R.W.Bro. Peter Hyde, Officiating Officer, together with W.Bro. Darrel Palmer (left, who conducted the installation of the new master) and W.Bro. Steve Heynes
The Ceremony had many a lighter moment. References were made to the game of rugby throughout, with the Wardens being presented by the new master with whistles to keep order on the field. The Working Tools were suitably adapted to cater for medical emergencies on the pitch, and a full book of rugby rules presented to the new Master, W.Bro. Alun Thomas-Evans. A rugby ball was donated by W.Bro. Darren Payne which was signed by all members of the lodge.
The new Master shared with members that his daughter Rachel played for Wales at U18s and U20s, so a real coup for an English rugby lodge to have secured Alun as the new Master. No transfer fees were involved !
The light-hearted nature of proceedings continued during the festive board. The Grand Master addressed the new Worshipful Master and mentioned the fun nature of the Mark degree. Both he and the rest of those there acknowledged that this lodge looked like being the epitome of a fun-filled Mark lodge, with many members clearly aiming to adapt standard masonry practice within the lodge and all united by a common love of the game of rugby.
Article submitted by Roger Dewell a member of the Provincial Communications Team