Portcullis Mark Lodge welcomes Provincial Grand Junior Warden
The Portcullis Mark Lodge, which of course meets at the World Famous Hanging Chapel (as if you didn’t know!) in Langport, advanced Bro Neil Hitchcott from Vivary lodge on Tuesday 22nd February. The lodge was honoured to have the company of the Prov. Grand Junior Warden – W.Bro Mike Nathan for the evening.
The Advancement Ceremony was carried out in fine Portcullis style, led by the WM David Hutchins, the signs and secrets were immaculately performed by the very stylish W.Bro David Rocky, who was also the DC for the night. Performing admirably was Bro Barry Horsgood (Senior Deacon) who led the candidate around the lodge for his first ceremony in that office, under the watchful and ever helpful eye of the DC.
W.Bro Ian Moore explained the badge and Jewel with assured confidence. W. Bro George Small explained the tools, with Bro Mike Norton narrating to conclude the Ceremony. Although we were small in number on the night, the atmosphere in the Chapel was superb. Bro Neil who has fun and good humour in abundance very much enjoyed his Mark ceremony and was an excellent candidate! I am sure he will Mark Well!
The Festive board was a joyous occasion with W.Bro Mike Nathan thanking us all for making him feel so welcome and he said how much he enjoyed the evening. He also reminded us about the Mark Summer BBQ at The Tithe Barn Hazelbury Mill, Crewkerne, on 10th June. The Toast to the candidate was left in the capable hands of Mike Norton, followed by a reply from Neil which was full of quips and jokes. The toast to visitors was carried out by Ian Moore, who is a dab hand on such occasions. Bro David Preece, who incidentally is going into the Chair next week at Quantock Lodge, gave a lovely warm response on behalf of the visitors. The members of Portcullis wish him the best of luck for his installation ceremony.
Mike Norton
