A Busy Night At The Lodge Of Perpetual Friendship
The Lodge of Perpetual Friendship No.135, Bridgwater hosted the Quantock Lodge No.4446 during a fraternal visit to receive the travelling trowel on the 14th October. Alan Sandwell, Master of the Quantock Lodge gave an excellent handover and was supported by a goodly number of Quantock Lodge brethren. Perpetual Friendship will now hand over the travelling trowel to the Somerset Military Lodge No.10021 in November.
Quantock paid tribute to their retiring Director of Ceremonies, Dougie Towells, who has been in post for twenty-four years. As the new DC, Andrew Spiers, observed on being appointed that he had a very, very difficult act to follow, as Dougie had been ‘the consummate DC’. Alex Moran, Quantock Secretary, made a presentation on behalf of the Lodge to Dougie at the Festive Board. A presentation was also made to Roger Biss by Alex, on behalf of the Lodge, who was standing down as Charity Steward, again after many faithful years in Office. The Brethren are grateful to Dougie and Roger for all their past service.
Quantock Lodge Installation Report
The 2nd October saw the brethren of the Quantock Lodge No. 4446 in Watchet have the pleasure of installing Alan Sandwell as their Worshipful Master. Alan recently retired after running his own business for many years and is a keen and enthusiastic mason who has prepared carefully for the Chair. He was installed by Denis Griggs in an exemplary manner to the appreciation of all the brethren.
The Provincial Grand Master was represented by the Past Provincial Grand Master Stuart Hadler, who brought his usual charm and friendly manner to the proceedings, creating a very warm and happy meeting. He was escorted by Tom Nutt, who also brought his friendly and positive demeanour to our proceedings.
At the Festive Board, the Master’s Song was sung by three brethren of the Lodge, particular friends of Alan, who admitted that they were not as good as the Three Tenors, and as such called themselves the Three Fivers! Alan has planned a year full of masonic and family/friends events, which Quantock brethren look forward to. In summary, a superb evening enjoyed by all present and Quantock thanks everyone who attended and made it such a special evening.
Report by: Andrew Spiers, LCO, Quantock Lodge
Photos by: Les Pickersgill – Provincial Photographer
Quantock Lodge Receives Its Centenary Warrant
The Quantock Lodge 4446, who meet in Watchet, celebrated their Centenary on the 12th April 2023. The Lodge was consecrated on 5th April 1923, having been formed by the brethren paying the sum of £1260.00. The Lodge was almost at capacity for the Centenary meeting and the ceremony was performed by the Provincial Grand Master Ray Guthrie with the help and support of many of his Provincial Officers. The Centenary Warrant now has pride of place in the Temple.
The ceremony, festive board and the support received from the Provincial Officers and the many guests, contributed to a memorable evening thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Apart from the unfortunate absence of Mike Greedy, the only downside was Eric Murrell being taken ill. Alex Moran, Quantock Lodge Secretary advises all who attended that Eric is well on the road to recovery following his collapse. Eric thanks all those who sent him their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Pictured above is Quantock WM John Barnes receiving the Centenary Warrant from Ray Guthrie PGM.
Article by; Alex Moran – 4446 Secretary & Posted by: Ed Richings (ACO) SW
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A Unique Celebration for Quantock Lodge
Quantock Lodge No 4446, who meet at Watchet, recently had the opportunity to celebrate a combined 112 years in Freemasonry for two of their lodge members and bring a very fitting end to their Masonic year. The lodge was honoured by the presence of Stanley Hopkins, Past Provincial Grandmaster for Somerset, who presented a 60 years in Freemasonry certificate to Eric Murrell and 50 years in Freemasonry certificate to the Keith Lloyd – the additional collar adornments added to the sense of fun and enjoyment.
This was the third attempt to celebrate with Eric (now actually 62 years a Mason) as previous attempts to mark the occasion were thwarted by the COVID lockdown in March 2020 and then an outbreak of COVID amongst Lodge Officers in April 2022. It was pleasing to see the lodge back to an almost capacity audience with a good number of guests, enjoying an excellent festive board and the renowned Quantock atmosphere.
Sadly, the lodge also bid a fond farewell to Karen Dingle who had decided that for several reasons she had to resign as Quantock Lodge caterer. Karen had been the caterer for many years and had always presented good fare for the many festive boards and lodge social occasions. The WM on behalf of the brethren presented her with a bouquet of flowers, a decanter and a good supply of wine.
A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable evening was had by all present and it certainly raised spirits after the impact of the pandemic.
(L-R) R.W.Bro Stanley Hopkins with W.Bros Keith Lloyd and Eric Murrell.