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.

There's quite a lot happening at Lodge Kirkliston Maitland in the coming weeks!!

At our regular meeting on Wednesday November 6th, Bro. Greig Robinson will be passed to the Fellowcraft Degree by the R.W.M. and his Office Bearers.

And on the subject of Office Bearers, please remember we have a committee meeting on Monday November 11th.

Saturday 16th November is the date of our Annual Dance, held again in association with our friends at Lodge St. John Corstorphine 788. Venue is Kirkliston Bowling Club - with a time of 7pm for 7.30 - and we're looking forward to another great night!!

Looking further ahead to the following week, on Tuesday 19th November, we have a deputation to the Celtic Lodge of Edinburgh & Leith No. 291  when Bro. Sid Yeoman P.M. - and Honorary Member of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland - will be presented with a diploma to mark his 60 years as a member of the craft.

This will be a memorable event, not only for Bro. Sid, but also for his son Bro. Gordon Yeoman, who was recently installed as R.W.M. of The Celtic Lodge. Bro. Gordon is of course well known as a Past Master of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland.

The next night, Wednesday 20th November, is indeed a big night for the Lodge, when The Consecration of our Lodge Room at Kirkliston Bowling Club will be carried out by The Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian.

As it is a regular meeting of the Lodge, all brethren are of course welcome to attend and the ceremony will be carried out in the Entered Apprentice Degree.

As well as the Ceremony of Consecration, our R.W.M. will present a 50year diploma to Bro. George Arbuckle, a Master Mason of Lodge Kirkliston Maitland.

The ceremony will be followed by an unofficial harmony.

Finally, a quick look back and our I.P.M. Bro. Murrie Thomson extends his sincere thanks to the brethren of 482, along with the honorary members and many friends of the Lodge who turned out in fantastic numbers to support him on his special night, when he became an Honorary Member of Lodge Newbattle St.Mary No. 1063.

Brother Murrie said that this was a great honour to himself and his Mother Lodge and it was fantastic to receive his jewel from the RWM Brother Tom Hendry on his "greetin meetin", after his two years in the chair of his Mother Lodge.

Brother Murrie shared this special night with Brother Brian Wales P.M. 1764.