On Tuesday 17th May I went to Pangbourne Masonic Centre, Berkshire, for the Installation of Enborne Lodge 7906, where W. Bro. Phil Cottrell installed his son W. Bro. Toby Cottrell into the Worshipful Master’s Chair. The PGM was represented by the Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire, Iain Marnock.
This was actually the second time this has happened, though the first time in Enborne Lodge. (Phil and Toby were members of Aviation Lodge, though unfortunately it closed and had to return it’s Warrant – fortunately Phil joined Enborne Lodge, and swiftly re-introduced Toby to Freemasonry again).
Although Phil is a Grand Officer, he will be the first to say that he has issues with learning the Ritual. Although this is not down to lack of trying – despite his experience and rank he attends every Lodge of Instruction and rehearsal that he can, and spends many hours with his head buried in the Blue Book. (Though how he manages that is anyone’s guess because he seems to be out visiting Lodge’s almost every night of the week, and that’s no exageration.
However, from my point of view he did a lot better than he gave himself credit for. Not only that, the Installation of Toby into the Chair was done with passion – which some would argue is even more important than the occasional need for a prompt.
Toby must also be given credit. He said the Obligation perfectly, and invested his officers well. Once the Installation ceremony had finished he conducted the rest of the business of the Lodge with confidence before closing it.
One thing to note is that I was invested as Senior Warden, and it is planned that in a year I will be Installed as the Worshipful Master of Enborne Lodge. This is therefore a good opportunity to revisit my 100 Days to Learn Masonic Ritual for a second time – with the benefit of hindsight – and update the book with a second edition. (I also have a few other ideas kicking around…)
The Festive Board was a fun evening, with a fun atmosphere that distinctly characterises Enborne Lodge meetings. It often surprises me at just how surprised visitors are at how much fun is had.
Make sure you follow the following social media accounts:
- My personal Masonic Twitter account: twitter.com/BroRobFromBerks
- Learn Masonic Ritual Twitter account: twitter.com/LearnTheRitual
- Learn Masonic Ritual Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/masonicritual
- Enborne Lodge Twitter account: twitter.com/enborne7906
- Enborne Lodge Facebook page: facebook.com/enborne7906
- Enborne Lodge website: enborne7906.org.uk