The old boys on the farm would always say that early mornings in the summer months was the best part of the day. Well, they were right. It is, as evinced by being picked up by the Provincial Assistant Director of Ceremonies Trevor Clarke at 6.30am to get to Sheringham and park by 8.15am.
Not only was the weather with us all day, but the Lodge laid on a splendid event for us to help them celebrate 100 years of continuous working. These events don’t come round very often, about 100 years or so, and they are therefore very special. This was the third time of asking, as firstly Covid lockdowns scuppered the planned day. Then many members of the Lodge were wary of attending due to the pandemic, but finally after much tenacity by the Secretary Martin Gude, who has worked so hard, as have other members of the Lodge to make the day go well, the meeting was a great success.
Martin’s field Provincial promotion to Past Junior Overseer was warmly received by the Lodge and is richly deserved.
As the Provincial Executive arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the excellent Secretary who was already working hard, and it was good the see the Deputy Provincial Grand Master Gary Allen getting to grips with the Royal Ark Mariner Standard, but before any damage was done, the Provincial Director of Ceremonies took it away.
I had time to peruse the local market before we started and then we had a quick walk through, and before we knew it, we were off. Thirty nine members came up to collect their centenary jewels, including the Past Provincial Grand Master Paul Norman who is an honorary member of the Lodge. The jewels looked first class, and I suspect will be worn with a degree of pride.
We sat down to dine at the vast banquet with me having made the mistake of telling my wife I would like something to eat when I got home. All in all, a joyous day and I can say, I was proud to be a small part of the day.
W.Bro Richard Styles
Assistant Provincial Grand Master
