Jez Hyland promised that for just one ceremony during his time as Assistant Provincial Grand Master he’d take the gavel and lead a Round Table Lodge ceremony – and a passing for Darren Barnes was it.
As APGM he is offered the gavel at every ceremony, and normally hands it back, though this time he took it from WM Tim Miller. They’re seen above with Darren.
It was a landmark evening for stand-in Lodge Secretary Stephen Hill, who has been holding the fort for Chris Jones during his round-Britain walk. With Chris being back home before Christmas, he’ll be taking over the reins ahead of the Lodge’s next meeting in April.
Chris wasn’t forgotten. By the time the festive board was taking place he would have been in his tent south of Great Yarmouth, where he was sent picture of the brethren we’ve published below.
He also sprung a surprise of his own, since he send back a picture of him and Stewart Buckingham of Olive Union Lodge, who’d driven down in his motorhome. Said Chris: “I could have slept in the motorhome with him, but his shaggy dog would have set off my allergies, so I’m in the play park!”
The raffle raised £400 for the Almoner’s Fund.