Installation was a Historic Night for Lodge Kirkliston Maitland

That's the only way to describe our 2012 Installation, the first meeting in our new home at Kirkliston Bowling Club.

It truly was a memorable occasion and I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who attended on the day.

The 87 members and visitors witnessed an excellent ceremony and my thanks and congratulations go to Installing Masters Bro. Gordon Yeoman P.M. and Bro. David Swan I.P.M. and all the Installing Team: Bro. Stuart White P.M., Bro. Les Duff P.M. and Bro. William Reddington P.M.

The Festival of St. John saw a series of first class toasts and replies and we were well entertained by our artistes: Bro. George Veal from Lodge St. John Corstorphine 788, Bro. Alan Banks from Lodge Kirknewton & Ratho No. 85 (and an honorary member of 482) and Bro. Walter Renton from Lodge Dalhousie Bonnyrigg 720.

For me, it proved - once again - to be a very emotional night. I didn't really think I'd experience the same feelings '2nd time around' but I was very wrong!!

This may of course have been enhanced by the fact that this was out first meeting in Kirkliston Bowling Club bu, nevertheless, my emotions were very high indeed.

And it would be very remiss of me not to thank everyone at Kirkliston Bowling Club for their help and I'm sure we'll continue to work together to our mutual benefit.

As for the Lodge itself, I couldn't believe how great it looked and I don't think we could all be blamed for giving ourselves a wee pat on the back for putting it all together in such a short space of time.

With the last of the dividers only delivered on Friday, it was very close to the wire. And when we combined the dividers and display systems with our Lodge furniture, I think it was a case of 'job done'. I really do think that everyone was impressed with what we had done.

We will be adding some enhancements, principally some photographs and other Lodge information but we can now do this in a much more relaxed fashion.

I am truly honoured and very proud to have again been installed as Right Worshipful Master and I extend my grateful thanks to every member of the Lodge for allowing me this great privilege.

I will continue to do everything I can to further the interests of the Lodge.

Thanks again brethren.