King Alfred – “The Trailblazers!”

At their January meeting, brethren at King Alfred Lodge conducted their 3rd initiation of this
masonic season.

There was probably a few tight fitting trousers amongst the brethren following the Christmas
festivities and maybe a few rusty screws but that didn’t stop everyone who took part in the
ceremony conducting their role with such fervour and passion, maybe a little too enthusiastic
at times, (Junior Deacon, you know who you are)…

This ceremony was a little different as our 3 entered apprentices carried out the 3 questions
to the initiate which is usually done by the worshipful master. This got them involved in the
ceremony and it went down well with all who attended.

We also had presented to the lodge our second Solomon paper titled “So Mote it Be”,
another lovely paper on the history and symbolism of this much revered saying amongst
masons.

However, all round, a jolly good effort once again, even the visitors gave their passing remarks at
how well the ceremony was conducted.

One has to make a special mention to the visitors toast, expertly delivered by Ian Moore, who’s jokes had the timing of a Japanese bullet train, right on the mark and not a second late, much to the enjoyment of the brethren.

Even our new Almoner has taken to his role with great care and attention, presenting to the
brethren how we are going about trying to retrieve some of our members who have drifted in
these recent years. Engagement and retrival with the membership is becoming a focus at
King Alfred.

And one final note, we bid out very own Simon Larkins a farewell, he has decided to
follow his passions in life and go traveling around the UK, we wished him all the best “for
he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow”…

All in all, another successful night at King Alfred.

Chris Whitehead LCO – King Alfred Lodge