Masonic Forum / Travellers' Diary & Dates / General

Date for Initiation....

SWA — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:04:19 GMT

Dear All

I received confirmation today that following enquiries over the last few months about joining Freemasonry, I have finally been accepted for initiation into the (soon to be) amalgamated Sale 2962/Cope 1357 Lodges in Cheshire.

My date of initiation will be Friday March 26, and I can only say that after such a long time thinking about joining, I am very excited and pleased about what is soon to become reality after many years of thought and deliberation.

I will keep the forum informed about how it all goes!

With best regards,

John

Fellowcraft ceremony

New2Craft — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:44:50 GMT

It's my fellowcraft ceremony this evening. I'm all ready, got my reitual learned of by heart and got my speech ready. So wish me luck Brethren and i'll let you know how I get on.

Visiting is what its all about....

Vintagemalt — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:27:04 GMT

Greetings to you all

I have practically lived out my masonic journey so far on this forum.

From my Initiation in November 2007, Passing in March 2008 and my Raising in March 2009. I was then Advanced into mark and exalted into HRA Chapter last year.

Well I had another first tonight so I thought I would share that as well. I visited Wilfred Attenborough lodge for the first time, that in itself was not unusual I have visited some 15 different Lodges in the last couple of years but this time I was asked to do the reply on behalf of the visitors. Well 3 years ago i would not have been able to do this but one of the things that Masonry has given me is the confidence to stand up and speak in public. They loved my speech! Got a genuine round of applause and several people came up to me afterwards - including the WM and the DC and congratulated me on doing this at such short notice (half an hour).

I just wanted to share this step in my journey with you, small I know, but nevertheless another step.

Where I have been thus far

liketheroman — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:40:31 GMT

Since my initiation into my Mother Lodge, Saint Fin Barre's Lodge Number 8 (Cork City) and with the encouragement of Brethren in the Province I have thus far visited:

The First Lodge of Ireland (Cork City)
The Third Lodge of Ireland (Cork City)
The Fifteenth Lodge of Ireland (Skibbereen)
Harmony Lodge Number 67 (Cork City)
Lodge Number 68 (Youghal)
Ancient Bandon (formally Boyne) Lodge Number 84 (Brinny)
Neptune Lodge Number 190 (Cobh)
Bezaleel Lodge Number 234 (Kinsale)
Harmony Lodge Number 555 (Cork City)

Hope some of the Brethren here are familiar with some of these Lodges all of which are in the Province of Munster. Thus far there are four Lodges in the province I have yet to visit and I shall post when I do. Or indeed when I visit any new Lodges!

Finally ..My initiation

Azaziel — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:54:19 GMT

Hi Folks

Just wanted to pop in and tell you all that finally I have a month for my initiation

(for those of you who know me, I have been like an impatient child waiting for Christmas :D)

I just want to say thank you to everyone here, all your patient conversations with me. You have all kept my spirits up and I just hope that I become a good mason and become a credit to my brethern.

I have also been invited to the Master's installation dinner this month. I am a bit scared, is there any tips so that I don't make an idiot of myself

Chris

New Masons' Reception

Nosameerf — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:11:03 GMT

Hi Brothers,

Anyone here attending the New Masons' Reception at Freemasons Hall on the 16th March? I'll be attending and would love to say hello to any forumites.

This is the description:

[quote]Reception and Buffet for all Masons particularly those initiated in the past 5 years, wives, Partners, friends & Family both Masonic and non Masonic.[/quote]

Cheers,

Nosameerf

Delighted

BrotherSteele — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:55:11 GMT

The possibility of contiuing my career in the Craft has been presented to me this week. I will (Dv) be advanced to the Degree of Mark on the 15th March . Hopefully all should go well.

Raised Last Night

Sean — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:54:51 GMT

Hello everyone

I just wanted to share that I was examined last night, and also raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. It was a wonderful experience, and I will never forget it.

Reykjavik Visit

scotfree69 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:40:27 GMT

Hello all.

I haven't been visited the forum for quite some time due to a number of things including work as well as being pretty ill a number of times last year.

I am posting this message to ask if anyone has information about Freemasonry in Iceland as i am going to be on holiday in Reykjavik from the 9th March till the 16th March and would really like to meet any brothers as well as visit a lodge.

I have done some research and found that they practice Swedish Rite and are recognised by the UGLE so i know i would be okay to go to a meeting.

I am guessing that i would need a letter of introduction from our lodge secretary as well as my Grand Lodge Certificate to establish my credentials.

This is my first visit to Iceland so i am a little nervous.

Fraternally

Ian

Essex again

bob c — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:00:26 GMT

I'm back in Essex,(Braintree) for 2 weeks from the 14th of Feb. I'd hopefully like to visit a meeting/order on Friday 19th Feb as I should be finished work around 1pm. Unfortunatly I can't get to any meetings during midweek as I'll have too much work on.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

INITIATING MY OWN SON FEB 5TH 2010

staffs — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:42:54 GMT

On Feb 5th 2010 and following a hopefully successful ballot i will be a very fortunate and proud Father when my eldest son Lewis,who is 21 will be the candidate for initiation into Brighthelmstone Lodge 8042 (UGLE) at the Sussex Masonic Centre Queens Road Brighton.
I am sure that you will all appreciate just what a special occassion will be for both of us and this will be my first ceremony as the newly installed master of my Lodge.
I will also endeavour to make the evening a special occassion for my son and would ask that if any qualified brother wishes to witness and share this moment with both my son,myself and Brighthelmstone Lodge then i can assure you that you all those duly qualified would be more than welcome to attend .
If so please e mail or PM me and i will gladly provide full details on request.

I would also like to thank you all for your warm and fraternal congratulations on my installation as master of 8042 which has been covered in a previopus thread.

Heres looking forward to a good year in which we have two initiates already and hopefully 4 joining members who are master masons and wishing to progress through office.

EA tomorrow!

Trismegistos — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:11:53 GMT

I've been lurking on this forum for a long time, but I thought it might be fitting to "go public" tonight, as I am going up for my first degree in LDH tomorrow evening, God willing. I live in the south of Sweden, but I will actually be initiated in the Copenhagen lodge, as that is the closest to where I live. I have chosen to join LDH instead of the Swedish Grand Lodge partly because the latter organization works the Swedish Rite, which requires its members to be professing Christians, not only that they believe in a Supreme Being. Since I belong to another religious tradition, the SwR was not an option for me. And after much deliberation, here I am, ready to take my first degree. I am a little nervous, but hopefully all shall go well.

So - hello to you all!
/ (soon to be Br.) Ola

(and yes, it's a male name - despite the ending :) )

Exalted tomorrow

mickx — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:20:07 GMT

My next steps in freemasonary is tomorrow evening.

I am nervous but I hope and am sure it will be as enlightening as my previous steps.

:unsure:

Mersey Installation - 22/01/10

Mike Martin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:04:50 GMT

For those interested, the brethren of Mersey have decided to give me a second chance to do the job properly in 2010 and I am now Master Elect.

If anybody suitably qualified fancies coming along please let me know. I am afraid that with dining at £36 per head I can't actually offer to host you though.

1st Degree GLoS Lodge 20th Jan 2010

DHS — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:04:08 GMT

Fraternal greetings to all.

Next week I will be leading the Degree Team for the Initiation of 2 new candidates at Glasgow Kilwinning Lodge #4. It is on Wednesday 20th January and we tyle at 7:00 pm prompt.

Our meetings are held in Glasgow's magnificent Trades Hall, the oldest secular building in Glasgow still used for its original purpose and well worth seeing just for itself. [url=http://www.tradeshallglasgow.co.uk/]http://www.tradeshallglasgow.co.uk/[/url]

GKL4 harmonies almost always have a professional musician and/or singer and catering is sandwiches and sausage rolls rather than a formal festive board. Visitors are always welcome and will not be disappointed with the hospitality at the Wardens' Table, nor will reigning Masters be disappointed at the Master's Table.

Our 2 City Centre mainline stations are easy walking distance for most; Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street. For any drivers, there is an NCP carpark (the Glasshouse) 2 mins walk from the door of Trades Hall.

It would be fabulous to see a few of you there, not least as it will give our growing band of "Expeditionary Brn." an excuse to visit you in return.

Euphrates Installation

mopsey — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:48:43 GMT

Hello Brethren.
On 26th January Euphrates Lodge No. 212 is holdin it's Installation meeting at Freemason's Hall, Great Queens St, London.
The meal is £25 including wine. :D
If anyone would like to attend let me know.

laying of a foundation stone

Hussar — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:15:15 GMT

is any forumite attending the event above on 16th January?

Lodge operative 47 Dundee

Alan Campbell — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:27:45 GMT

The above lodge's installation is on the above date, the brother who is being installed is from our lodge in Polmont and is a member of both. We are taking quite a large deputation to the degree(at the moment we have 33 names travelling on the bus) anyone interested in joining us would be made most welcome.

PS. there website is pretty good as well especially the lodge history which goes back to 1536

Royal Arch Installation

Stu Thorpe — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:59:10 GMT

Last night, I was privileged to be elected as MEZ of Shenstonian Chapter No 5544 for the year 2010/2011

The Installation Meeting will be at the Old Sillhillians Memorial Clubhouse, Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull on Monday 11th January 2010 at 6:00pm.

If you'd like to come along, please let me know. My apologies if you're not in Royal Arch

Soon to be Exalted

Cora B — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:22:48 GMT

Well Brn:., fingers crossed, but it would seem it will be 3 times lucky for me. After having had to cancel to possible dates for my Exaltation due to poor health, all now seems good to go for 28 January.

Needless to say I can't wait!

The HRA is one of the degrees I have felt attracted to since before my Initiation, and it is made extra special because (a) it is a double, together with a good friend of mine, and (b) the ruler is my long time guide and mentor, and most deeply beloved Brother.

Good things come to those who wait:)

S&F,

Visit to another lodge

steve7168 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:56:27 GMT

i would like to appologise if this is in the wrong section.

last night i was a guest of the Hilsea Bastion Lodge (8245), at first i was i little apprehensive as it was my first visit to a different lodge, there was no need as they made me extremely welcome.

i was informed on arrival, that they were changing there WM and that the ceremony could last a few hours. Being a new MM i had not seen this ceremony so i was really looking forward to it. I was not disopointed, it was wicked, it kept me on the edge of my seat, until i had to leave the temple that is.

After we had all left the temple and sat down for our meal, which was 10 out of 10. I was privileged to hear the JD sing to the WM a hymn. The JD assures me he is not a professional singer, he was brilliant. The hymn was very emotional and im sure the new WM had a lump in his throat, (I did).

I would like to thank Hilsea Bastion Lodge for there warm welcome and an extremely wonderful evening.

Wakering & Barling Lodge Installation 23rd February

chestnut — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:49:13 GMT

Hi I am fortunate to be going in the Chair of the Wakering & Barling Lodge of which I was a Founder member. The date is the 23rd February and it meets as the Rochford Temple in Essex and if anyone is interested in coming along please let me know. I can promise a great meeting, extended Inner Workings with some more, good food and company.

Thorpe Bay Lodge Installation 13th January

chestnut — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:46:37 GMT

For any who may be interested and wish to attend. My Mother Lodge of which I am DC is having their Installation meeting on the 13th. It will be held at the Southend Masonic Centre, Saxon Hall. A good meeting, venue, food and company promised.

William Cobbett Demonstration team

Vintagemalt — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:42:07 GMT

Greetings to you all

There have been several mentions on the forum recently about the William Cobbett demonstration team, including one from myself. All the mentions have been very positive from people who have seen this demonstration. It is a demo of an initiation from as it was in a Masonic Lodge in the 18th century. All in full period costume. This a great fun evening and very different from most other Masonic meetings. Where else will you see pints of beer in the Temple during a meeting??

We have this team at our Lodge in January and it is proving to be very popular. We have about 60 guests booked in already with a limit of about 90. If anyone would like me to book them in please contact me by PM or email as soon as you can. I already have 4 possibly 5 from the forum booked in, I would get us all on the same sprig at the FB.

Our dining charge is only £14 which is very reasonable compared to most, for 4 courses and coffee. No wine included in that and no stewards to serve you i am afraid. we all buy our own wine from the bar and serve ourselves. Well what do you expect for just fourteen of your English pounds??

This is certainly NOT a commercial or a recruiting notice. It is simply that several people expressed an interest and I am concerned that if I don't get folk booked in it will fill up.

Stephen...

The details of the meeting;

Lodge of Humility, Kings Court Masonic Centre, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Tuesday January 5th 2010. Main event is a demonstration of the first degree as it was in the 18th century, in full period costume, by the William Cobbett Demonstration Team,

Installed

Jimmy — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:32:34 GMT

I am delighted to say that yesterday evening I was, for the first time, installed into the chair of KS. I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening although I was extremely nervous to begin with, probably the most nervous I have been in lodge since my initiation. I wasn't unduly worried about the Inner Workings, that was all in the hands of the Past Masters, but for afterwards when investing my officers, and then conducting the general business of the lodge after the ceremony. I know that everyone had worked extremely hard to ensure the ceremony went smoothly and I was worried that I would make a pig's ear of it. In the end all went well and that was definitely testament to the hard work that all involved had put in beforehand.

Now W.Bro Staffs

staffs — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:04:39 GMT

Well,it finally happened on Friday night when i was so fortunate to be installed into the chair of KS of my Lodge,Brighthelmstone 8042 (UGLE) Sussex.

I have already posted on MFOL and LRUK and as an old member here i thought some of you might just like an update about what i am up to in FM in general.Thanks to all those who have already sent congratulations and what a great evening it was.Memorable,exhilirating,overwhelming ......and so so much more

WOW!!!! I was completely speechless on more than a few occassions and especially before kick off when a familar voice said "Hello Lee alright? " i looked round to see Bill Mc wandering up the hall to the temple !!!! WHAT a suprise and pleasure it was.

We were lucky to have an amazing 50 visiting brethren and with Lodge Members the number swelled to around 75

We also managed to raise nearly £400 for our chosen charity which is the Sussex Coastwatch and is run purely by volunteers and need funding since the it had any government funding removed. We were able to raise an additional £700 in June at my LOI festival so its looking good so far.

I wont go on and on about the whole evening but one thing as Chris mentioned that i Proposed My eldest son Lewis aged 21 as a candidate for initiation into the Lodge which all being well and successfully balloted for will take place on February 5th 2009.
So if any qualified brethren which to see Father initiate his own son then please contact me by e mail and i can assure you that you would be most welcome.

The Lodge has two initiates for next year and working on a third so we should have a busy year.

I do though have many many questions about the installation ceremony itself and the meaninghs and have already being given an inner workings booklet from one of my neighbours who was also there last night.
Just when i thought i was on top of it I can see there is a lot lot more to learn as installing master but i am going to make sure that i enjoy my year and thank all those who have helped to mentor me throughout my masonic career. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.. Thank you ALL

Busy Week

BainesMason — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:15:19 GMT

Well I've just got back from collecting my gifts, my guests have been paid for and my dinner suit is in the dry cleaners for the biggest week of my masonic "career". On Tuesday I get exalted into Holy Royal Arch and on Friday I get installed into the chair of King Solomon... Finally everything seems to be in place and I have to admit I'm starting to look forward to it.

RAISED TOMORROW!!!

BK — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:15 GMT

Evening brethren...This time tomorrow I will (hopefully) have been raised to the sublime degree of MM.....anticipation??? YES....trepidation???? YES!!! can't wait?? YES YES YES!!!!!:D:D:D

Visit UK

Free State Boer — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:53:43 GMT

Hi all

I am planning a trip to the UK for 2011, I need to do some ground work first. I would appreciate a bit of advice.

Firstly are there any organised trips from London up to Edinburgh, where many lodges can be seen, visits done etc. I was thinking of 14 to 16 day trip.

Otherwise I will do my own trip, I would like to see UGLE and UGoS, Rosslyn. On the way up to Scotland I would like to pass through York. I would also like to know the price of a train ticket that would cover a trip to Scotland from London.

I also have some stuff of Masonic interest, jewels, papers. Some dating from 1890's and onwards, that I would like to swop, sell etc.

I still have lots of time to plan, but need to start getting all the info I can.

Thanks

Fraternal greetings

MEZ tomorrow

mopsey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:57:16 GMT

I've been to help set the temple out for tomorrow's Chapter Installation this morning and was told that i'll have 2 candidates for exaltation during my year as Z.
Good news.
I have to say that i've found the Royal Arch ritual far more difficult to get my head around than the Craft. I didn't struggle with PS at all however the lectures really seem like hard work.
Thankfully they are normally performed by other PZs so i've a while before i'll be called upon.
Wish me luck.

It's my 3rd on the 13th!!

Carlos — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:59:58 GMT

Well Brethren

Is is almost Friday the 13th and the day of my Raising. I'm not normally a superstitious man but to put my 3rd on such a date did worry me a little:)

I can honestly say I'm not nervous, in fact I'm really looking forward to it. I've had to learn 64 items of text to recite and with the exception of occasionally tripping over my own words, have got them all nailed.

I'm so proud to be doing this tomorrow night, to have got in this far and to have my Stepfather pass me his own Apron to wear is really great. We haven't always seen eye to eye and didn't really speak for many years. Through the Craft, we have found new common ground and rebuilt a mutually respectable relationship and for that alone, Freemasonry demonstrates it's weight in Gold in bringing people together.

I doubt I will post again before the event. I have work tomorrow, several classes full of eager young minds to feed then a short time at home to get cleaned up and changed and out the door again to take my next step.

I'll let you all know how it went.

Carl.

Raised last night!

jbporter — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:54:09 GMT

Had my third degree last night, and it was a fantastic evening. Our DC was being awarded a certificate to mark 50 years in Masonry so the temple was well filled, and the deputy PGM was present to make the award. It was a joint ceremony, I waited in the Tyler's office while my FC brother went through, then it was a quick change of slippers (we only seem to have one pair in the lodge!) and it was my turn. It was a little daunting to start with but I found it to be a profoundly moving ceremony, and towards the end we were treated to the walking charge, beautifully presented by one of our senior brethren.

Altogether a most memorable evening!

In extensio Installation @ Portsmouth, UK 9.11.09

3GP441 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:07:04 GMT

Brethren,

My mother Lodge, United Brothers Lodge 1069 EC, will be having its next Installation ceremony on 9.11.09 at Portsmouth, in the Prov. Hampshire and IOW.

The Lodge meets in an historic set of Lodge rooms, Authur Conan Doyle was initiated there and the oldest MMML and KT Conc. in the world, meet there.

We work the in extensio Installation ceremony and have a very relaxed and enjoyable FB with some unusual types of ‘fire’.

The FB works out at £16 PLUS wines.

If any brother (from a constitution recognised by UGLE) would like to come and see the full esotery of a BoIMs please drop me a line and I can book you in (as a paying guest)!

Master Mason Degree

BrotherSteele — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:57:11 GMT

Just to let you know that last Saturday I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. It was a most excellent affair and It will stay with with me for many years to come.

Oh what a night......

Vintagemalt — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:06:54 GMT

last night was ,

Wonderful, awsome, emotional and so so worth waiting for...

Although its been nearly two years since my initiation it was worth every minute of the wait.

It is hard to explain but I really do not see how anyone can get as big a thrill as I did last night after only being a Mason for a few weeks - let alone a few days!

The waiting, the preparation and the anticipation all contributed to last night being one of the best experiences in my life - 4 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 wife must be taken into consideration here -

But my 3rd degree really is up amongst those wonderful experiences. Everything, simply everything went perfectly.

I loved every moment of it. I had 5 guests to support me 3 of whom are Grand Officers I have got to know really well in the last two years. Of course my own Lodge members too. It was a Past Masters night and so many members had a role to play.

If I could single out one special moment it would probably be the Walking Charge which was delivered by my closest friend in Lodge. I guess most of you will know that piece of ritual, if you don't - well you really must get to see it. Very emotional piece.

Thank you for reading this

Kind regards

Stephen

Here we go....My 3rd in a few hours...

Vintagemalt — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:49:17 GMT

Just got out of the shower...

We tyle at 6:00pm .... I have been so nervous all day,

I have practiced my words so many times that I am in danger of actually forgetting them!

I have got 2 hours to get dressed and get to the Lodge just 5 miles away.

Think I will go and have a cuppa and a biscuit....

I have got 8 guests coming myself. There are 54 at the FB

afterwards - that is the most we have had since I joined the Lodge

2 years ago!

Well thats wasted another 5 mins... logging off now...

Be back tomorrow a fully fledge Master Mason...

Bi-Centenary

mopsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:21:16 GMT

We've had the letter saying that finally Met GL are on the case and we can put the wheels in motion. It may seem a long time till 2012 but we all know that time runs very swiftly when there's alot to be done.
Wish us luck.

TFM Social - Scots Div - 26/11/09

Iain — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:51:02 GMT

I think the TFM social is an outstanding Idea and am happy to travel anywhere.

I see from the origional post that many brethren in the north would maybe find it hard to get the time to travel to London.

In light of that does anyone have any ideas for a Northern social meeting ?

First step on the ladder!

Matatu Man — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:44:26 GMT

Well, Brethren, on Saturday we had our Installation meeting.

As always, a marvelous evening. And our ritual was impeccable!

And I have made my first step on the ladder as I took up the position of I.G. The following steps suddently appear quite daunting!

Czeching out Prague (bad pun sorry)

stoneyg27 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:18:02 GMT

Brethren,
I have given the honour of being the Best man to our Senior Warden (Worshipful Master by the time he is wed), and would like to know is there a Masonic Hall/Museum in Prague that we could visit as he is getting married there. Would be great to add a Masonic slant to the proceedings.

fraternal regards Glenn