Brethren, after three years we have a new Worshipful Master in the shape (person) of WBro Richard Barter who was installed by his predecessor, WBro John McDowell
Brethren, after three years we have a new Worshipful Master in the shape (person) of WBro Richard Barter who was installed by his predecessor, WBro John McDowell in a most exemplary manner which WBro Peter Keaty, APGM, complimented him on and referred to several times. WBro Barter became a Freemason many years ago following his father, Peter. It is only recently, with the encouragement of the Bovey brethren that he has had the time and felt confident enough to progress to the Chair.
This year, as an experiment, the venue for both the Meeting and the Festive Board was held at the Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton. There may have been others involved, but I’m aware that our Secretary, WBro Adrian Hammett, Director of Ceremonies, WBro Charlie Peace and Assistant Director of Ceremonies, WBro Brian Cocker worked particularly hard to ensure these facilities would be suitable and organized for us to walk in to when we all arrived. The only ‘hitch’ in not having organ or organist was resolved when a guest from Taunton kindly agreed to put his reputation on the line in playing an electric organ which WBro Charlie found in his roof space!
Worshipful Master Richard included among his guests his father-in-law, Bro Heath Dadd, now a magnificient 97 years old and Heath’s other son-in-law, WBro Robert Hendy. Our Worshipful Master’s son, Bro James was Inner Guard while his nephew Bro Chris Skelton was to be Junior Deacon but he was absent unfortunately.
45 Brethren enjoyed an excellent dinner in comfortable surroundings. WBro Paul McCormick, Charity Steward reported £430 raised for charity during the evening.
Our huge thanks must go to the small group of brethren who worked their ‘socks off’ to make this happen including the installing Master, John!
WBro Richard Baker, PPrJGW (Somerset)