Brethren attending the meeting of Pomfret Lodge No. 360 held on Thursday the 7th of November 2019 witnessed a wonderful climax to the Lodge's bicentenary year, one that proved be a fine follow-up to the Banner Rededication Ceremony held on Thursday the 7th of February; also the Progeny Banner Parade held on Thursday the 4th of April.
On this occasion the Lodge was honoured by the presence of the Deputy Grand Master, RWBro Jonathan Spence, accompanied by the Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, WBro Edward Goodchild. The Deputy Grand Secretary, VWBro Graham Redman PGSwdB was also in attendance.
The event was doubly special as it marked the Deputy Grand Master's first visit to the Northants & Hunts Provincial Headquarters at Sheaf Close, Northampton.
The meeting commenced in due form with a reading of the Lodge's minutes from 100-years ago by lodge secretary, WBro Mark Deane PProvSGD. Many if not all of the names mentioned in the minutes were represented, or the very least remembered, by the brethren in attendance.
The brethren present then greeted The Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes, followed by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Charles Bennett PGSwdB, and the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, WBro Luigi Orsi PSGD and WBro Mark Constant JGD. The Lodge was also honoured by the presence of RWBro Nicholas Hart and RWBro Barrie Hall, both Past Provincial Grand Masters of the Province.
A short history of the Lodge was read most eloquently by the Lodge's assistant secretary, WBro Nigel Morley. Click here to view WBro Nigel's presentation.
The Deputy Grand Secretary, VWBro Graham Redman, then read the wording of the Lodge's new Bicentenary Warrant at the conclusion of which the Deputy Grand Master presented it to Worshipful Master WBro Mark Charteress PPGSuptWks, for his safe keeping. The DGM wished the Lodge and its members health and happiness for the next 100-years.
Following the presentation, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, WBro John Simmonds, gave an oration in his own inimitable style, sharing his thoughts on the longstanding traditions and benefits of our wonderful institution. This was followed by the Patriarchal Blessing and Hymn of Thanksgiving.
The Deputy Grand Master, RWBro Jonathan Spence, then addressed the brethren, congratulating the members of Pomfret Lodge on their wonderful longevity and associated history.
In conclusion, the Master of the Lodge, WBro Mark Charteress, thanked all those involved in making the bicentenary year and its celebrations so special.
He gave special thanks to the Deputy Grand Master and his Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies for their visit. He also thanked the Provincial Grand Master, his Executive, and the rest of the Provincial team for their support throughout the year.
The Festive Board that followed the meeting was enjoyed by all of the 200 or so brethren who attended, which was most appropriate considering the meeting celebrated the Lodge's 200th birthday. All in all it was a wonderful evening.
We add our congratulations to all the members, past and present, of Pomfret Lodge No. 360. We have no doubt that the Lodge will enjoy many more happy years to come.
Picture Gallery
A gallery of pictures taken at the event is available by clicking the following button:
Please contact the Provincial Webmaster, WBro Simon Key, if you have additional pictures that you'd like to contribute.