An early start on Thursday 20th Dec 2018 saw over forty members and guests assembled at Glenmore House for Claygate’s annual installation meeting.
The Lodge came together to remember our greatly respected member W. Bro Ian Wixon Willis (initiated into Claygate Lodge 1984) who sadly died earlier in December. W. Bro Lionel Frewin gave a brief eulogy and the brethren stood to order as a mark of respect for a true gentleman and great friend and brother.
Installing Master Martin Schollar, assisted by W.Bro Lionel Frewin (Acting SW) and W.Bro Phil Worsley (Acting JW), installed W.Bro John Siviter as the 55th Worshipful Master in an excellent ceremony.
Brothers Ivan and Ioan, two of our younger brethren, gave excellent renditions of the 1st and 2nd degree working tools and the Lodge was delighted to have our Grand Officer and senior member, W.Bro Peter Habermel present the Address to the Wardens.
The Festive Board which followed saw the Brethren sit down to an excellent dinner with an inspired choice of smoked salmon followed by chicken on a bed of haggis and finished off with mince pies and coffee (great choices Andrew).
The usual toasts were honoured, and the Lodge was surprised and delighted to be visited by Dep PGM Richard Wildeman and Assist PGM Robbie Dobbie who popped in to the Festive Board to raise a glass to our new Master and to wish seasons greetings to all the Brethren.
The generosity of all present was reflected in the amazing sum of over £800 collected for charity and huge thanks are due to Bro Bill Carley for his excellent organisation of the raffle, pun-pot and other collections.
The evening completed with members grouped round the piano singing Christmas Carols under the guidance of our guest chanteur, W.Bro. Chris Sims – all in all a memorable evening and a fitting start to the Christmas festivities.