It was a special and different meeting of Columbyne Mark Lodge this time. So special and expecting a big attendance due to also having a full Provincial Visit, they were granted a dispensation to meet at Diss in Norfolk, which has a larger Masonic Hall than their usual residence at nearby Stowmarket, just over the Suffolk border. This was a wise decision, with members, visitors and the Provincial Team out in force totalling nearly sixty in total.
The occasion was to dedicate their lodge banner, plus unveil their Past Masters Board, with an added surprise to most of a stand-in Worshipful Master for one day only. Consecrated in 2005, Columbyne still has eight Founders in the lodge, and Worshipful Master W.Bro. Bob Goodall gave way to V.W.Bro. Geoff Keer the Founding Secretary, who has managed to continuously hold on to the job for all 21 years! Geoff didn’t say if he wanted to retire as Secretary, so only time will tell if he gets his name on the PM board.
After Geoff opened the lodge and conducted the normal business, the Provincial Grand Master R.W.Bro. David Boswell entered with the Provincial Team. He accepted the gavel and occupied the Chair, conducting the dedication ceremony, with the banner carried around the lodge by Banner Bearer W.Bro. Roger Florey, who was instrumental in the production and design, assisted by Bro. Les King.
The Past Masters Board honoured those who had held the highest Office the lodge could confer, with some fondly remembered and plenty of space to record future Worshipful Masters. Deputy Provincial Grand Chaplain W.Bro. Alan Fairchild gave an Oration and dedicated the banner and PM board with appropriate reverence, dignity and solemnity. A great day was enjoyed by all, an occasion to celebrate a milestone in the lodge history, dedication to the lodge, while also looking forward to the future.
There was also an appearance by Ernest Hound, kept under control by Bro. Allan Wood from Ernest Hines Mark Lodge. Ernest was a raffle win and will now be escorted around the Province by Worshipful Masters and new members, passing on their best wishes on the card he carries around encouraging visiting local lodges. Columbyne Worshipful Master W.Bro. Bob Goodall was the first to receive Ernest and see him on his way around East Anglia. We await the outcome of his travels and hear how far he has been. Maybe some sort of doggie reward will be waiting for Ernest and his handler?
Columbyne is a daytime lodge and meets on the first Friday in February, May and October at Stowmarket.
