Swan Chapter, in an unprecedented move, recently voted to make M. Ex. Companion Mark Meerman the 1st Principal. However, they very wisely also voted in R. Em. Companion Bryan Miller and V. Em. Companion Robert Nicholls as 2nd and 3rd Principles. It is hoped that, with such experienced Companions to keep an eye… um.. I mean to guide him, he shouldn’t be able to do too much damage. Most Eminent Companion Richard Joyce allayed the fears of those present by assuring them that as long as Mark ‘picks up the phone and talks to people first’ then everything should be fine.                

It is traditional in a lodge for the exiting Worshipful Master to be presented with a breast jewel to commemorate the time he spent in office. This jewel is usually an old one; possibly because the things are damn expensive and they don’t grow on trees ya know, but mostly because it provides the brother with a link to the history of the lodge. Our ex-WM admits to being a slightly vain person and was hoping that the jewel would not be too tatty and tarnished. He was greatly relieved when his Proposer (Right Worshipful Bro. Miller) presented him with a jewel that, despite being 87 years old was absolutely immaculate in every way. It is engraved with the words ‘West Guildford’ and ‘102 W.A.C’ which is the name and number of the Lodge that eventually became the Bassendean Lodge and it was originally presented to W.B. W.S.G. Livie in 1934. I have quite a few breast jewels because I’m in Chapter but this is by far my favorite one. Not just because it’s unique and a strong link to the history of my Lodge but because, unlike the jewels you get for completing a degree, it’s a reminder of the three wonderful years I spent as WM.

Worshipful Brother Nelo Gallow recently came to the Guildford Bassendean Lodge as a Master Mason and quickly proved himself to be an excellent ritualist. The brethren of the lodge had no hesitation in voting him into the position of Worshipful Master and we look forward to enjoying his leadership for a very long long time. His popularity is evidenced by the number of people who attended his installation. Most of them weren’t paid to attend (a few were there to stop him fleeing when he came to his senses) but, all in all, it was an excellent turnout. The photographer even had to clamber over the seats to get everyone into the shot. It is extremely unfortunate that the Covid restrictions prevented him from enjoying the South. The ceremonial dinner afterward always magnifies the celebratory aspect of the achievement. On the bright side (for the Lodge) it just means that he’ll have to serve another year in the office if he wants to experience that unforgettable event.