Another great day was had by all when Lodge Kirkliston Maitland met Kirkliston Bowling Club in the 2014 Bob Duff Trophy Competition. Rain did threaten at the very start of the match but the sun soon shone through.

It didn't shine for the 482 bowlers though as KBC again came out as worthy winners. However, fun and friendly competition were the orders of the day and the match was enjoyed by players and spectators alike.

The trophy is named in memory of our R.W.M. Bro. Les Duff's Dad, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above in March 2012 and Mrs Helen Duff, who threw the 1st jack, also presented the trophy to Bowling Club President Ross Kelt, in the company of our R.W.M.

Both Ross Kelt and Bro. Les thanked everyone who took part and for continuing the great relationship between Lodge Kirkliston Maitland and Kirkliston Bowling Club.

Bro. Les said: "Another great afternoon with our friends from Kirkliston Bowling Club and thanks again to everyone who made it possible especially the members, Honorary Members and friends of the Lodge who made up the 482 team. A big thanks also to the Club for their generous post-match hospitality."

It was a masonic meeting - but not as you know it!! This might be an appropriate description of our Special Meeting on January 29th.

We took advantage of the 'five Wednesday month' to invite deputations from the two Lodges that meet the same night as 482; Lodge St. John Fisherrow 112 and the Thistle Lodge 270.

However, our R.W.M. Bro. Les Duff also invited deputations from Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho No. 85, Lodge St. John Corstorphine 788 and Lodge Newbattle St. Mary 1063.

And what superb deputations they all were!!! All told, 103 brethren signed the attendance book, a fantastic result and an equally fantastic night!!!

And it certainly was a meeting with a difference. Instead of a degree, we had the presentation of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Mark Degree Tracing Boards and well done to the four presenters who were respectively: Bro. Bob Potter I.P.M. No. 85, Bro. Murrie Thomson I.P.M. 482, Bro. Ned Kelly I.P.M. 788 and Bro. Brian Clements S.M. 1063.

The meeting finished just after 9pm and afterwards we all enjoyed some harmony together. Think we'll need to order more pies and make more soup next time though!!!

Continuing what is a bit of a busy time, we have our Annual Installation on Saturday, a committee meeting on Monday and a regular meeting on Wednesday 5th. It's all go.

Lodge Kirkliston Mailand may still be in recess for the summer, but 15 members and friends of the Lodge will head for their 'home' in Kirkliston on Sunday 21st July when 482 take on their counterparts at Kirkliston Bowling Club to compete for the Bob Duff Trophy.

The trophy is named in memory of our R.W.M. Bro. Les Duff's Dad, who passed to the Grand Lodge Above in March last year and the event has been organised by Bro. Alan Faichney, Bro. Bob's Son-in-Law.

Bro. Bob Duff was a member of Lodge Buchan St. John 636 and an affiliate member of 482.

And with two reigning Provincial Grand Masters as part of their squad, Lodge Kirkliston Maitland can surely boast a degree of 'celebrity' status!!

For joining Bro. Brian Kerley, R.W.P.G.M. of Midlothian is Bro. Bob Scott, his counterpart from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire, with both brethren being Honorary Members of 482.

The other 13 Brethren making up the 482 team are: Alan Faichney, Gordon Yeoman, David Swan, David Brown, Tam Perry, Bob Potter, Rod Hill, Alan Banks, Glen Brown, Greig Robinson, Andy Gray, Jim McDonald and Les Duff.

Bro. Les's sister Linda will be providing a buffet on the day and the trophy will be presented by Bro. Bob's wife, Mrs Helen Duff.

There will be five rinks of triples and the players will be at the club at 1.30 for a 2pm start - and supporters to cheers the teams on will be made very welcome. And, no doubt, our I.P.M. will be on hand to record the event for posterity!!