Seven years in the planning, seven years saving, seven years promoting our centenary and it all came down to a phenomenal weekend. The Hilcroft hotel was the venue, One hundred and eighty tickets sold for the meal, twenty seven in the deputation from Grand Lodge. Thirty visiting lodges represented.

The brethren met on the Friday night prior, to get the hall set up. It was a stunning sight to behold, the excitement was certainly in the air. The brothers Secretary and Treasurer had worked diligently organising the programs, tickets, table seating plans, toast list, donations, raffles and of course the management of the Hilcroft. With visitors arriving on the Friday from Aberdeenshire, Wolverhampton (in the persons of W Bro. Michael Richard Heena Grand Senior Deacon in U.G.L.E) and Manchester in anticipation for the following days festivities.

Saturday morning and the brethren met at 10am to get check-in sorted. Both private rooms for the dignitaries were set up, hospitality was given to Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge in the form of sandwiches and drinks. There was an almighty buzz in the air. Piper John Anderson RWM St Margaret No.548 ensured the pomp and ceremony for the introduction of the dignitaries

The words of the Grand Master Mason on entering the temporary temple..”Wow..its like being at a wedding”

After the meeting the Hilcroft was transformed into a stunning banquet style room. 180 cupcakes with the lodge crest emblazoned on top were donated by Gemma Duncan. Complimentary lodge jewel distributed to everybody attending the meal and a free drink for the loyal toast, the brethren were set for a great meal. With the Grand Lodge DOC Bud Gauld taking over the proceedings, the speeches were perfectly delivered.

Donations of £1186 were made to Grand Lodge, £500 to Provincial Grand Lodge and £500 to the Food Train (local charity). Five £100 raffle prizes were also given out to some lucky brethren.

Then it was time to bus everybody up to the Lodge.

The lodge was the focus for the after party. Cabaret was booked (singer and comedian), the lodge was dressed for the occasion and some 80-90 returned for the festivities, which carried on till the wee hours. A truly memorable occasion which will forever be a memory to all the brethren and wives who attended.

​

​

​