Internet Lodge 9659 March 2019 - March 2020

Internet Lodge 9659 March 2019 - March 2020 This year we were ruled by a Master from Continental Europe. First since Ab Goedhals in 2020. W.Bro. Cristian Mihutoiu presided over three well-attended meetings and more social activities. The Lodge welcomed 83 joining members. 33 Members departed creating a net gain of 50. We enjoyed two lectures and a deputation traveled to Ohio to perform an Installation Ceremony with Emulation workings. There was a very popular visit to Dublin where members appreciated two Craft meetings in the splendid surrounding of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. There was a visit to Guinness premises in St James, proving that we can organise a event in a brewery. 5 Members Departed for the Grand Lodge Above Manchester Installation Meeting Members heard three eulogies and then stood in silence in respect for the departed members Having welcomed our PGM, RW.Bro. Sir David Trippier and his entourage, the highlight of our 23 rd installation meeting was to see W.Bro Alan Breward install his successor W.Bro. Cristian Mihutoiu W.Bro. Chris Malpas delivered the address to the Master. W.Bro. David Starbuck delivered the address to the Wardens, and RW.Bro. Sir David Trippier delivered the address to the Brethren. Members balloted for 12 joining members. Our Assistant Secretary announced there were 38 applicants for ballot in August. The Secretary announced 20 resignations. The Charity Steward proposed dispersal of £1, 000 to two Charities which was duly confirmed. W.Bro. Stephen Gregory proposed that W.Bro. Brian Robinson be made an honorary member of the Lodge. In the early days, he was a great help in organising the logistics of meetings and acted as our Tyler. W.Bro. Chris White presented Grand Lodge Certificates to two new (ish) members. August Meeting in Peacehaven, East Sussex On the night before the meeting there was the traditional get-together dinner inn the Hotel. At the commencement of the meeting on Saturday afternoon, Members stood in silence in respect for two departed members Members balloted for 36 joining members. Our Assistant Secretary announced there were 39 applicants for ballot in October The Secretary announced 4 resignations. The Annual accounts were reviewed and the members received reports from the Auditors after which the accounts were adopted. The members received a Lecture entitled “Rogues and Rascals in Freemasonry” by Wbro. Bob Lacey. W.Bro. Chris White presented a Grand Lodge Certificates to W.Bro. Radu Balanean. After the Meeting, the WM and his Lady hosted a gala dinner in Brighton. The food, music and dancing were excellent. The WM had brought delicate textile paintings from Romania to the delight of the Brethren. October Meeting in Shindlesham, Berkshire Th e process of electing officers for the next year proceeded without surprises. Bro. Emmanouil Diamantas had won the election and would be appointed JW in 2020. W.Bro. Stephen Gregory would be installed as WM 35 new members joined after a successful ballot. 7 Members were excluded for non-payment and 2 members resigned. There were 17 proposals for membership. The brethren received a lecture entitled the ‘ Craft and Mark pointers to the Holy Royal Arch and the Mark Degrees within the Craft’ by W.Bro. Phillip Harris