Centenary Celebration at Abbey Lodge
On Friday 7th July 38 members of the current Provincial Team accompanied by visitors and guests visited Abbey Lodge in Keynsham, to witness the presentation of their Centenary Warrant by the PGM Ray Guthrie.
The history of the Lodge was given by several of the current members, with Ray sharing some personal fond memories when he visited the Lodge and also when he joined them in their trips to France. The occasion was also bittersweet, as Abbey have taken the sad decision to hand their warrant back later in the year, due to falling numbers and they now have only 19 members. Although the name Abbey will live on in the Royal Arch.
Bob Moore gave one of his superb orations on the Lodge and Freemasonry in general, stating that times are moving on, with the advent of Social Media and changes to current lifestyles, saying we need to embrace change, but the “Old Stagers” need to monitor, steer and keep alive the “Essence of Freemasonry” whilst seeing the changes taking place, in order for Freemasonry to continue and progress as it should.
The Ceremony was followed by an excellent Festive Board, which was a hot buffet, with so much choice, in a very friendly and convivial atmosphere. Due to the warmth of the day, everyone was allowed to take off their gloves for the meeting and jackets for dinner, which was greatly received by everyone.
Photos Courtesy of Les Pickersgill
Item written by Ian Evans
