Well, the summer (if we can call it that!!) recess is over and the Masonic Season now gets pretty much back to normal.

For Lodge Kirkliston Maitland, our first meeting is on Wednesday 5th September and it's our A.G.M.

As such, it's a members only meeting with no Degree. However, I'd really like to see as many members as possible on the night, as we hear how the Lodge has done over the past 12 months.

There will be other matters to discuss of course and it is an important night in the 482 calendar.

Although we have been in recess, there was no shortage of meetings, as some Lodges do meet throughout the year.

August 22nd was such a night when Bro. Jimmy Stewart P.M.D.M. received Honorary Membership of Lodge Colinton & Currie 1029.

Congratulations again to Bro. Jimmy and thanks to all the brethren who joined our deputation. It was great to lead such a distinguished group on such an important occasion.

It was a full house at 1029 on the night, and the same could be said a couple of nights later at Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No. 10 for their annual 'Festival' meeting. 

This was Bro. Andrew Smith's first meeting since being installed as R.W.M. and congratulations again to him and his team, with a special mention for Bro. Richard Carmichael who gave an excellent presentation of the Working Tools, his first time on the floor.

Of course, although the Lodge has been closed, things have been taking place 'in the background'. With the help of Bro. David Swan I.P.M. and Bro. Gordon Yeoman P.M., all the 482 photographs have been removed from Lodge St. John Corstorphine, along with the Past Master Boards. We'll be bringing everything back to Kirkliston in the very near future.

We must now look at the best was to display these items in Kirkliston and this was one of the matters discussed at our committee meeting on 13th August.

There were some very positive suggestions on how best to proceed with this and I look forward to working on these very soon.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing as many 482 members as possible on Wednesday.

Well, most of the Lodges in the Province are about midway through their Summer Recess but there have still been events taking place.

First of all, we had the Family Barn Dance which marked the climax of the CCLASP fund-raising programme and during the evening, Bro. Brian Kerley, our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, presented CCLASP founder Mrs Valerie Simpson with a cheque for £60,000.

This was a tremendous result by the Lodges in the Province of Midlothian and in making the presentation, Bro. Brian said: "Members of the Province were greatly influenced by CCLASP and the work they do  and it was a very special moment indeed when we presented them with the cheque.

We were very impressed by the donation given by the 'Secret Millionaire' and I have to say this spurred us on in our effort to raise as much money as possible.

Reaching £60,000 is way above our expectations and we are extremely humbled and privileged to have been able to assist this truly worthwhile charity in such a positive and committed way."

In response, Valerie Simpson said: "This is a truly remarkable amount, well above what we expected, and on behalf of CCLASP, I'd like to thank all the brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Midlothian, as well as their families and friends, for a contribution that will provide holidays for children and their families."

If you haven't already seen them, there is a selection of photographs from the night on the Lodge website.

Another big night was the Reigning Masters' Degree held at Lodge Dalhousie Bonnyrigg 720.

Almost 190 brethren signed the book and the Grand Master Mason was in attendance.

I think it's safe to say it was an excellent degree, one which the candidate will remember for a long time.

I really enjoyed taking part but I almost missed the event entirely!! It was the same day as the Olympic Torch was paraded through Broxburn and although I parked my car in a spot I thought was good for a quick get-a-way, I was proved horribly wrong!!

This whole part of the town was in complete gridlock and I eventually had to abandon my car. However, things died down a bit and I was able to make the dash to Bonnyrigg, arriving (thankfully) just before the candidate was about to go in.

Relief all round, as I would have been really disappointed to have missed out.

However, an important night still to come during the summer recess takes place on Wednesday 22nd August at Lodge Colinton & Currie 1029, who meet throughout the year.

On that night, Bro. Jimmy Stewart P.M.D.M. will receive Honorary Membership of 1029. This is a great honour for Bro. Jimmy and for Lodge Kirkliston Maitland and I intend to take a deputation to lend Bro. Jimmy our support.

The Lodge tyles at 7.15pm and I really would like to see as many 482 brethren as possible there on the night.

Finally, I have updated the Lodge web site with some dates for the new Masonic season and you can see these by clicking HERE.