Garston Masonic Hall was the venue for the raising of two brothers, Michael and Ryan Hitchmough, to the degree of a fellow craft. The Lodge of Harmony No 220 was opened in due form by the WM Eirwyn Jones and completed the domestic business of the lodge including welcoming Neil Francis as a joining member. He responded by saying he was looking forward to many happy and interesting evenings.
Michael and Ryan Hitchmough were then presented to the WM Eirwyn Jones who asked the appropriate questions, which they answered alternatively and then they left the lodge to be properly prepared to be raised to the degree of a fellow craft.
When they were readmitted into the lodge, Michael Hitchmough was led by his father Kevin Hitchmough as senior deacon and Ryan Hitchmough by Lee Lindley acting as senior deacon. Michael and Ryan, assisted by the deacons, perambulated around the lodge visiting each of the pedestals. They then finished at the WM’s pedestal at which they were both obligated as fellow crafts by WM Eirwyn Jones. Eirwyn also entrusted them with the signs and passwords.
To complete their passing to the degree of a fellow craft, they had the working tools of the second degree explained to them by the senior warden Kevin Flynn. They were then led to the junior warden’s pedestal were Geoff Bush delivered the second degree charge. It was a difficult ceremony with two candidates, but the lodge delivered an excellent ceremony with Michael and Ryan at ease.
Eirwyn Jones closed the lodge after completing all the correspondence and collecting for the charities the sum of £115.20, the brethren then retired to the festive board. At the festive board, there were two celebrations, one for the director of ceremonies Geoff Ireland on his birthday and for Kerry who will be 40 on Sunday 4 May.
Kerry has been a valuable member of the catering and bar staff for several years and was presented with a bouquet of flowers from Mal Yates, the Garston Hall Chairman, on behalf of the lodge as a mark of appreciation for all she does.
A raffle at the festive board, which had 30 diners, raised £150 for our charities. It was also a white table event with three candidates to be initiated at the September meeting invited.