Visitation to 305 on 13 January 2005

A deputation of 21 brethren, headed by RWM Bro Robin Adair, attended the first visitation in 2005 at Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305. There was a bit of confusion before the meeting due to the IPM, who was conferring the bulk of the degree, having an accident at work and arriving at the Lodge quite late.  

There was also a small but distinguished deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Middle Ward headed by the RWPGM who were present to dedicate the new regalia recently purchased by 305. This was done, with great dignity, in a short, simple and beautiful ceremony. 

After the dedication ceremony Lodge 919 presented an exemplification of the second degree with the help of a brother from 305. Considering this was the first degree conferred by the RWM and the Office Bearers since the Installation in early December the brethren were treated to an excellent degree although being an exemplification certainly takes something away from the occasion. After the degree the RWM received his first Honorary Membership for which he thanked the brethren of 305.

There then followed Lodge Harmony with plenty food and drink and the brethren went home happy if a little later than normal. 

Visitation to 427 on 26 January 2005

15 brethren, headed by RWM Bro Robin Adair, attended the visitation to Lodge St Clair No 427. This was an unusual deputation in that both Wardens, the Junior Deacon and the Inner Guard were unable to attend due to sickness and work problems. A combination of Past Masters , junior Office bearers and brethren filled the offices to good effect.

The degree was a Third Degree which maintained the high standards set by the Lodge over the last few years and was well appreciated by the brethren of Lodge St Clair if not by the candidate.

The RWM received Honorary membership of Lodge St Clair for which he thanked their Brethren and we went to lodge harmony before returning home.

Visitation to 187 on 3 March 2005

A deputation of 18 Brethren headed by the RWM attended the visitation to Lodge St John Carluke No 187. Once again both wardens were unable to attend. 

The degree was a second which went very well with an excellent candidate although some of the degree team did not meet their usual high standards. The RWM and the degree team received a hearty vote of thanks for their efforts and the Brethren adjourned to harmony.

A piping hot pie or sausage roll both served with peas helped absorb the free flowing liquor and after a brief singsong and joke telling session the brethren made their way home.

Visitation to 31 on 17 March 2005

A deputation of 18 Brethren, including the RWM and a PM from Lodge Murdostoun Castle no 1096, and headed by the RWM attended the visitation to Lodge St Mary Coltness No 31. It was sad to see that 31 have a major problem with the front of their building which is one of the finest Masonic temples in the area. They have now started an emergency building fund to try to repair the damage.

The degree was an exemplification of a second which showed the high standard of degree work we can attain. The RWM and the degree team received a hearty vote of thanks for their efforts and the RWM had honorary Membership conferred upon him for which he expressed his sincere thanks.

Visitation to 1096 on 26 April 2005

A deputation of 21 Brethren, including a PM from Lodge Dura No 1513, and headed by the RWM attended the visitation to Lodge Murdostoun Castle No 1096. 

The degree was a third which once again showed the high standard of degree work we can attain. The candidate had been at New Stevenston for our last meeting and was certainly very attentive and interested in the degree work. The RWM and the degree team received a hearty vote of thanks for their efforts and the RWM had honorary Membership conferred upon him for which he expressed his sincere thanks.

We then adjourned to harmony -  Scotch pie and mushy peas with ham in them - an excellent lining for any brother's stomach.

Visitation to 1228 on 19 September 2005

A deputation of 15 Brethren headed by the RWM attended the visitation to Lodge Motherwell Caledonian No 1228. 

The degree was an exemplification of a second which was competently performed by the RWM and Office Bearers.  The RWM and the degree team received a hearty vote of thanks for their efforts and the RWM had honorary Membership conferred upon him for which he expressed his sincere thanks.

We then adjourned to harmony -  Scotch pie and baked beans - a debate about whether enough tins of beans had been opened proved inconclusive.

Visitation to 203 on 12 October 2005

A deputation of 21 Brethren, including a visitor from Lodge Clydesdale No 551 headed by the RWM made their way to the Operative Lodge of Airdrie No 203 on a wet autumn evening. This is the third time the RWM has had a deputation of 20 or more accompanying him this year.

The degree was a Third and was very late in starting with the result that the meeting did not finish till 10:30. However it was an excellent degree conferred on a very interested candidate. A visiting PM from Canada commented very favourably on the degree work informing those present that he would commend both lodges to his brethren in Canada.  

We then adjourned belatedly to harmony where a well-heated scotch pie was washed down by some excellent whisky. 

Visitation to 1461 on 24 October 2005

A deputation of 16 Brethren headed by the RWM made their way to Lodge Heatheryknowe No 1461 on a very wet  evening. The RWM and IPM of 1461 have strong links with 919 where their grandfather and a couple of his brothers were members.

The degree was an exemplification of a Second and the "candidate" was the RWM of Lodge St Andrews Military No 668 who is an affiliate member of Heatheryknowe. An excellent if light- hearted degree was conferred to the satisfaction of  the few brethren present.   

We then adjourned  to harmony or went straight home.