16 members of Lodge of Chivalry No 3974 gathered in Ormskirk to visit Lathom Abbey Lodge No 6286 to claim the ‘traveling gavel’ that had been donated to the Ormskirk and Bootle Group by Peter Levick in 2019.
The idea of the ‘traveling gavel’ was to encourage visiting by brethren and companions between all lodges and chapters that meet in the Ormskirk and Bootle Group. To claim the gavel for a visiting lodge the WM must be accompanied by his wardens and other members of the lodge. In the case of a tie between two lodges, the lodge with the most visiting members win and can claim the gavel, which will be theirs until another lodge or chapter claim it.
At this meeting, the members of Lathom Abbey Lodge initiated Paul Anthony into Freemasonry assisted by Malcolm Sandywell who delivered the charge. After the ceremony 49 brethren, (nine from Aughton Lodge No 7996, who had hoped to claim the ‘traveling gavel’), retired to enjoy the meal at the festive board.
After the required toasts, Stuart Flynn, the WM of Lodge of Chivalry stood up to claim the ‘traveling gavel’, which despite some of the members of Aughton Lodge trying to claim the challenge, was not in accordance with the rules. Stuart dismissed their claims saying that his two wardens, chaplain, secretary, DC, 2 deacons, membership officer, mentor and his inner guard and steward, along with one member, 2 fellow crafts and a grand officer were in attendance.
Stuart concluded by thanking all the members of Chivalry Lodge for joining his raiding party and he challenged the members of Lathom Abbey Lodge and Aughton Lodge to visit Lodge of Chivalry on 13 May to see him initiate Andrew Sepfton into Freemasonry and claim the ‘traveling gavel’ at the festive board.
All lodges and chapters in the Ormskirk and Bootle Group are welcome to book in with the Lodge of Chivalry secretary L3974sec@aol.com to try and claim the ‘traveling gavel’.