2005

Another change of venue for 2005 took us down to Lodge St. Andrew No.524, East Kilbride. As The Lodge was not tyled until 4.00pm. we had a leisurely journey down to The Central Belt, in time for a fine lunch in the Lodge.
 

Rt.W.M. Derek Bell and his very able team greeted us well and gave us a good demonstration of an Entered Apprentice Degree. Each Master or I.P.M. of each visiting Lodge performed a part of the degree, and it was again very interesting to see the variances of the ceremony from all the different parts of Scotland.
 

Our own Rt.W.M. Dougie Robertson demonstrated "The Working Tools" admirably, never putting a word wrong and completed it all without hesitation. Well done Dougie, we're proud of you.
 

We were in a total company of approximately 80 Brethren, and we were honoured by the presence of The Rt.W. P.G.M. Bro. Dixon Dryden, of The Province Of East Renfrewshire, who gave an excellent address on presentation of the gavel.
 

It was unfortunate for the hosting Lodge that due to lack of space, they were unable to use their own temple for the ceremony and had requisitioned a church hall, nearby.

We were in a group of about 30 or so Brethren making our way to this church hall, just prior to the Lodge being tyled. We came across what we assumed was the correct place and as it was only a few minutes before the time to tyle, we quite literally 'barged' in, only to find that we had 'gate-crashed' a wedding! Fortunately for us the bride found the whole thing rather amusing.

Some moments later our Dougie Robertson told us that he was in the party of about 20 Rt.W.M.'s and I.P.M.'s walking to the church hall, which also accidentally invaded the wedding. There was no word from Dougie as to the bride's reaction to a second intrusion by a gang of black-suited gents, all carrying cases. She must have thought that the Mafia had arrived!
 

We returned to The Lodge following the ceremony to enjoy a truly excellent 'Harmony'. We were well entertained by a member of our hosting Lodge with song, verse and jokes. The in-house catering staff did a regal job of feeding us, and as usual we were well able to make sure that we were well watered.
Two of our contingent were lucky in the raffle, and they very generously donated their prizes to the whole bus on the way home!

It was a long, long road home, and it necessitated a refreshment stop at Ballinluig. This in turn necessitated at least two comfort breaks on the journey up the A9.
 

Two o'clock on the Sunday morning saw us home to Inverness, and a further hour got the Ardersier and Nairn boys home. A really long day out, but once again it was a great fraternal occasion, not to be missed.
 

Next year will not be quite such a long trip, as we will be travelling to Denny, near Falkirk.