Well, 2012 is almost over and, looking back to the past few months, one of the biggest events in the 482 calendar was the Consecration of our premises in Kirkliston carried out by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian.

The Provincial Office Bearers who carried out the ceremony were headed by our Provincial Grand Master Bro. Brian Kerley  and the very dignified ceremony was enjoyed and appreciated by all the brethren, most of whom had never previously seen this kind of event before.

In his address that followed, this particular point was emphasised by Bro. Kerley who said the ceremony of consecration was one that some masons would perhaps see only once in a lifetime.

He made special mention of the three main participants, Brother Colin Thomson, PG Chaplain, Brother Drew Laven PG DOC for the tremendous amount of preparation they put in to ensuring everything went smoothly and also Brother Bobby Hooker, PG Organist, whose musical ability had enhanced the occasion.

He added that it was also pleasing to have one of the Provincial representatives of this Lodge, Brother William Reddington P.M., take on the duties of Worshipful Provincial Grand Senior Warden and thanked him for his assistance during the Ceremony.

Bro. Kerley congratulated the brethren of 482 for their ingenuity in creating a Temple that was not a ‘one size fits all’ solution, with ‘walls’ that could be expanded or contracted as the need arose.

He also mentioned the dedication of the Brethren who set up and put back the Lodge every second Wednesday and why it was more important than ever that fresh members are attracted to the Lodge in order to share this heavy load in the future.

But there was another highlight to come. Bro. Les Duff R.W.M., in the company of our R.W.P.G.M. then presented Bro. George Arbuckle M.M. with his jubilee diploma, marking 50 years as a member of the craft. The R.W.M. and the R.W.P.G.M. congratulated Bro. George on reaching such an important milestone in his Masonic Career.

The inaugural competition for the Bob Duff Trophy, played between the Lodge and Kirkliston Bowling Club proved to be an immense success, with great fun had by all who took part.

The sun shone throughout the event and, at the end of the day, the Bowling Club proved worthy winners, beating the 482 bowlers by 70-50. Even the presence of two reigning Provincial Grand Masters in our team couldn't save us from defeat!!!

Bro. Brian Kerley, R.W.P.G.M. of Midlothian and Bro. Bob Scott, his counterpart from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire, are Honorary Members of 482.

The match was played in a totally informal mode and this was highlighted by the variety of attire on display. 'Bowling Whites' certainly weren't the order of the day!!

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 was organised by Bro. Alan Faichney, Bro. Bob's Son-in-Law.

Mrs Helen Duff, who also threw the 1st jack, presented the trophy to Bowling Club President, Jim Gray, in the company of our R.W.M.

Both Jim Gray and Bro. Les thanked everyone concerned for taking part and for helping to further cement the relationship between 482 and Kirkliston Bowling Club.

The duo also thanked Bro. Les's sister Linda who provided a buffet for the day and all all the other ladies who were on hand to help.

Bro. Les recorded later: "A really enjoyable afternoon in great company supplemented by glorious weather. We may have lost on the day but the memory of Dad remains and I'm sure he'd have been so proud to have seen so many friends participate in his memorial bowling competition. Many many thanks to everyone who made it possible."

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

You can see a selection of photographs from the event HERE.

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!!