A Most Memorable Year

2025 has been a busy year for us Connaught Freemasons. Looking back to December 2024, the Midsomer Norton Scout Group had their equipment trailer stolen, including all the contents. The trailer is used when they attend fundraising events or go camping and other similar activities. When wanting to purchase a replacement trailer, they found themselves facing a financial shortfall. We came to their rescue by donating the £1,500 they required (made up by £500 from the Lodge, £500 from Connaught Chapter and £500 from Somerset Province), that was presented to them in March. After a delay in sourcing suitable trailer, it is now in use and was prominent during the November Midsomer Norton Carnival.

In April we gave ‘SWALLOW’ £500 to expand their Gardening in the Community Project whereby members maintain the gardens of elderly residents. This benefits both parties as mutual friendships develop and communication skills improve.

One of our ongoing year-on-year projects is sponsoring a Guide Dog puppy for the first two years of its training. We now have two trainee puppies: Clover in her first year and Clyde in his second year. Both are reported to be doing extremely well and in the fullness of time will become a valuable companion for a visually impaired person. When Clyde progresses to the next phase of his training at the end of his second year and Clover starts her second year, we will then sponsor a new first year puppy; and so the cycle continues.

A Commemorative Service to VE Day was held in Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 8 May which was attended by Freemasons from the Provinces of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. Over one hundred Lodge banners were paraded into the cathedral at the start of the Service and similarly paraded out afterwards. It was an impressive and spectacular sight to see and brought Freemasonry to the attention of the public who were there.

In June we were at the Party in the Park at Peasedown St John. Our helium balloons were a great attraction to the children, as was the free draw for a cuddly toy. Drawing in the children gave us an opportunity to talk to their parents about what we do as Freemasons and there was considerable interest. Unfortunately, heavy rain showers and a football final drastically reduced the attendance during the afternoon. This was followed up by an Open Evening at the Lodge the week after during which we met a potential new member.

We held our second MacMillan Coffee Morning on Saturday 27 September. We decided on the Saturday, so we weren’t competing with similar events held earlier in the week and it seems to have paid off as we had a particularly good response. In addition to the cakes and beverages, we gave guided tours around our temple for those customers who were interested. Although not charging for the refreshments, £210 was donated that we topped up to £500 from our Charity Funds.

There was the Somerset Festival of Remembrance in Wells Cathedral on Saturday 1 November, where there is a memorial to those Somerset Freemasons who lost their live during World War 1. In particular we remember Fellow Craft Lance Corporal Percy Blinman who was killed on The Somme. The Sunday after, Worshipful Master Chris Brooke laid the Lodge wreath at the Midsomer Norton Remembrance Parade and W. Bro Alastair Slade laid a wreath on behalf of the Merchant Navy.

And as usual we finished the year celebrating Christmas with a goodly number of our Ladies and Guests. While we had a short business meeting, they were treated to a Prosecco Reception courtesy of WM Chris Brooke and his wife Anne. With voices suitably lubricated we all went up to the Temple, that was dressed with garlands and candles (battery operated to keep the ‘Safety Elves’ happy), for Carols and Readings humorously led by W. Bro Adrian Moore. Then back to the dining room for a traditional Christmas Dinner.

Following a very generous raffle a large number of Teddies for Loving Care were quickly snapped up, thereby enabling us to donate a plentiful supply to the Paulton Hospital Minor Injuries Unit for their use when treating distressed children. A great time was had by all……as was evidenced by the number of bottles on the tables.

During the year we have held some interesting ceremonies with our first ever Double First Degree Initiation in January with a Burns Night Supper, thus giving us three Entered Apprentices. This was followed by a Double Second in February, with a Burns Night Supper as the Festive Board. March was a Third Degree, with the Installation of Chris Brooke as WM in April. May was another Second Degree then after the summer break we had a catch-up meeting in September. In October we had the Membership Challenge Visit with the Provincial Team led by the PGM, RW. Bro Ray Guthrie. During the meeting Ray presented the Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro James Jefferies and a 60 Year Certificate to W. Bro Colin Lunt. The followed a lively Festive Board with members of the Provincial Team. Our final formal ceremony in November was another Third.

We held a Joint Lodge of Instruction in May with Kenneth Kinnersley Lodge, to which the PGM, RW. Bro Ray Guthrie attended. Afterwards, W. Bro Ray Conneely (Provincial Grand Mentor) gave a very comprehensive talk on Solomon and Portal. Unfortunately our planned pizza supper got lost in delivery. Following the November LOI we had a presentation by the charity ‘Sporting Family Change’, and this time the pizza supper actually did arrive.

Responding to the Membership Challenge and having a proactive Membership Officer, W. Bro Jerry Hann, we were pleased to welcome five Candidates and two Joining Members during the year, and there are two more Candidates in the pipeline for next year. Sadly in September we lost W. Bro Richard Allen to ‘The Grand Lodge Above’ and the church at Paulton for his funeral in October was overflowing, with a strong Lodge contingent.

Happy New Year to all our Followers