Columbanus Lodge visit Midsomer Norton

We had the privilege of hosting Columbanus Lodge, No9941, on Saturday 16 June. Columbanus is a peripatetic biker Lodge, not to be confused with the Widows Sons, which is a club in comparison. They visit Lodges throughout Somerset as well as in neighbouring Provinces.

Opening at 11.00hrs the intention was to carry out a demonstration of the First Degree Ceremony with an explanatory commentary. However as the member who was to present commentary was absent the demonstration went ahead as normal. WM. Robert Bullen expertly presided over his first ceremony since his Installation. The six Connaught brethren who attended as visitors, including WM. Chris James, found everything somewhat different. For instance, many of the Columbanus brethren wear white short sleeved shirts with their regalia, rather than the formal dark suit, and there were a few subtle differences in the ceremony – intentional or otherwise.

A lively Festive Board with a meal of sausage and mash with a cheesecake desert (typical biker sustenance) followed. As the gathering broke up our robing room was full of half-naked bodies as those who had travelled by bike changed into their leathers. They then formed up for their traditional post meeting ride-out.

An enjoyable time was had by all.