APGM Richard Styles writes:
On a cold raw December evening, with showers of sleet, ice and snow, I set off on an intrepid journey to the wilds of Norfolk to Dereham. Picking Up Sutton Glover and Steve Frankland on the way we arrived in plenty of time. Despite walking past the Masonic Centre, twice, we discovered it had been brilliantly hidden behind another building.
It may well have been cold outside, but the warmth of the welcome inside kept the cockles of my heart on the go. The Lodge opened and we entered with the Provincial Grand Master to much applause and he took the gavel, conduct and Chair. The evening went well, and despite there being no Founders present, the 75th year of the Lodge was celebrated in style.
Afterwards we tiptoed on the icy pavements just up the road to the Kings Head pub for the festive board, where with much merriment and laughter, we all, well nearly all, donned paper hats and had a most enjoyable dinner. Quite why the Senior Warden felt the need to cover his head with a napkin, remains unclear. Perhaps the lack of a turkey was too much for him to bear?
Also, quite why I was jammed in the corner by the Christmas tree remains a mystery. And no, before you ask, I was not asked to atop it. The Christmas cracker jokes were of top quality, as in ‘What happened to the man who stole an Advent Calendar?.........He got 25 days!
Then it was time to be driving back on the dark, forbidding A47 and head for home. An evening well spent with many fond memories.
