They think it's all over ...!!

Although 482's masonic season is officially over, the last two weeks or so have proved to be quite busy!!

However, it would be very remiss not to begin without thanking all the members and visitors who attended our last meeting and it's hard to believe that's half my second term as R.W.M. completed.

My sincere thanks goes out to everyone for their help and support, especially in our move back to Kirkliston.  It was truly great to see everyone pulling together to 'make it happen'!!

And as I said on the night of our last meeting, I'd like to wish everyone all the best for a relaxing and well-earned summer break.

As I mentioned at the start though, there were quite a few Masonic meetings to attend in April.

On Saturday 22nd, we were at Lodge St. John Fisherrow 112. As they meet the same night as us, it was good to catch up with Bro. Douglas Hoy R.W.M. and all the Lodge brethren and to witness an excellent working of their unique version of the 3rd degree.

There was also a fine harmony to follow and and thanks to everyone at 112 for their hospitality.

On Monday, it was a visit to Lodge Royal Thistle 1338 for Bro. Tommy Doyle's greetin' meetin'. It was a bit of an emotional night for Bro. Tommy on his last meeting as R.W.M. and he enjoyed a full house as the brethren joined to thank him and wish him all the best.

The following night, it was a similar scenario for Bro. John Hardie, R.W.M. at Lodge St. Clair Edinburgh 349. Bro. John was marking the end of three years in the Chair of King Solomon so it was a special night for him as well.

On Friday 27th, we had a deputation to Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho No. 85 - a Lodge with whom we share a long association.

The most surprised person on the night was Bro. Les Duff P.M. who received Honorary Membership of No. 85 from Bro. Bob Potter R.W.M. for his contributions to the Lodge over the years.

He was about the only one present who didn't know this was going to happen and it was great to see him honoured in this way.

There were two other Honorary Members in the deputation, Bro. Peter Ritchie P.M. and Bro. Gordon Yeoman P.M.

Of course, there's no such thing as a free lunch, so Bro. Les had to making his usual contribution during the harmony that followed.

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The presentations didn't stop there though as later on I had the pleasure of presenting a framed photograph to Bro. Bob on behalf of everyone at 482.

I was privileged to have been able to take part in Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho's 250th anniversary celebrations last year and the photo shows the Office Bearers who were in place at that time.

Thanks also to all at No. 85 for their hospitality in the harmony that followed.

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Finally, on Saturday 28th, I attended a first-class ceremony at Lodge Liberton 1201 that saw Bro. Steve Johnson installed into the chair of King Solomon. Excellent ritual from Installing Masters Bro. Keith Black and Bro. Andrew Laven, both PM's of 1201.

My thanks to the brethren of 482 who came along to lend their support at these meetings.

There are still a few more meetings and events taking place in the coming weeks and months.

This Saturday, there's the Installation at Lodge Royal Thistle 1338, when Bro. Gary Sibbald P.M. will be proposing the toast to the Lodge.

The following Saturday it's Installation day at Lodge St. John Corstorphine 788 and the Friday after that sees the Installation at Lodge Dalkeith Kilwinning No.10.

On Saturday 2nd June, there is the Grand Family Barn Dance that marks the end of the CCLASP appeal and on June 13th we have the Reigning Masters' Degree taking place at Lodge Dalhousie Bonnyrigg 720 when the Grand Master Mason will be in attendance.

In Lodge terms, we hope to have some display items in place for the start of the new season and I'll post more on this in due course.

In the meantime, it's thanks again to everyone for all their help and support.