NO HORROR FOR 348 RAM!
FRIDAY 13th, not the best night to be allocated a night to carry out an Emergency meeting, due to the availability of a busy Taunton Masonic Hall, as it was the only date available. So on a cold, wet, windswept evening the Lodge met. Some 27 members and 11 guests managed to make it to the Hall.
The reason for this Emergency Meeting was to Elevate our final 2 candidates for this Masonic year. Bro Samuel Brown, the Worshipful Commanders son, and Bro Peter Wall were our candidates.
The Worship Commander and the Officers of the Lodge pulled out all the stops to give them an excellent ceremony. Both stating at the festive that it was not quite what they expected but thoroughly enjoyable. Being an Emergency meeting, it was completed within an hour, so all sat down to dine at 7:45 pm.
Once again Karen produced an excellent meal, after having problems with the gas supply in the kitchen all week.
A thoroughly good evening enjoyed by all. We now look forward to our Installation meeting in April!
THE LODGE HONOURS THE LATE WBRO JIMMY DURANT.
On the risings above, the Scribe rose to explain why the Lodge Banner was freestanding overlooking the Worshipful Commanders chair, rather than being in its normal position hanging high on the Temple wall.
The story;
At our last F & U 348 Mark meeting in late January on which the Provincial Grand Master RWBro Philip Voicey and the Provincial Team were in attendance, we carried out an Advancement ceremony.
After the ceremony the PGM was invited to present 2 x Long Service awards to WBro John Phillips ( 40 yrs ) and WBro Terry Haggett ( 30 yrs ) although WBro Terry was unable to attend.
He also had an MBF Grand Patron’s Collar for WBro Jimmy Durant. Jimmy had donated to the 2028 Festival, but in the time it took to process the paperwork he had unfortunately passed in October 2025.
WBro Rod Green was tasked to take the collar and certificate and visit Jimmy’s widow Sigrid.
Sigrid was aware of Jimmy’s donation, but explained that she could do nothing with the collar but place it in a drawer. She requested that it be displayed in the Lodge if possible.
Rod mentioned this at our recent RAM Committee Meeting and it was agreed by all that his jewel should hang on the Lodge Banner until the completion of the 2028 Festival.
The reason for this was that WBro Jimmy had commissioned and paid for the Lodge Banner which was dedicated by the Provincial Grand Master in January 2023.
All in the Temple deemed that this was a fitting way to honour Jimmy, and it will be hung back in it’s normal position within the Temple.
WBro Rod Green.
