The Master's Diary – 2018 / 2019

Br David Pendreigh
Master, Lodge 195

This diary is intended to chart on a monthly basis my observations, thoughts, reflections and of course, visits over my term of office as Master of Lodge 195. Hopefully, it will be of interest to prospective Masters and won't discourage their Masonic ambitions and, perhaps might even be humorous.

Master’s Diary Archive

December 2018

1st December: Installation day and I am looking forward to being installed once again into the chair of King Solomon. Even though I have done it before, there is no denying the buzz of anticipation and excitement and being accorded this great honour by the brethren. As usual the 195 gang pull together, and the hall is set up in record time ready for our 3:30pm start. As regards the ceremony itself, my installing masters, RWM Bro Paul Mark Leslie of Lodge 39 and Bro Nigel Hutchins PM 195 do an excellent job both installing myself and the office bearers. I am delighted with the turnout on the day both from 195 brethren and our visitors. An excellent harmony and sore head follows and I would thank everyone who helped make the day such a success.

8th December: After a bit of re-arranging due to the awful weather I am in Rothesay to attend the annual installation at my Mother Lodge, Rothesay St John No 292. It's good to catch up with old friends and the ceremony itself is carried out in a most excellent manner by PM's James MacMillan and Ellis Rutherford both of 292.

10th December: Tonight, I attended The Athole Lodge No 384 where I witnessed an excellent Fellow Craft degree being worked by RWM Bro Liam Anderson and his office bearers. I was in the company of RWM Bro Angus Cameron of Lodge Ellangowan No 716 and RWM Bro Nigel Hutchins of Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444. Seems a bit funny sitting in the east with Bro Hutchins both being reigning masters from the same lodge.

13th December: First meeting after the installation and tonight we welcomed our good friends from Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 with the large deputation being headed by IPM Bro Frank Gordon. A fine working of the Entered Apprentice degree on Bro Nigel Hutchins PM follows and we then sit down to harmony. Great to keep this friendship going and again the brethren of 195 excel with the catering and tidying up of the hall. Normal Masters rules for the raffle, donation made and no prize.

15th December: Attended the installation at Lodge Kilsyth St John No 39 where I witnessed Bro Stewart Cochrane being installed into the chair of King Solomon. The first new Master in lodge since 2007. It is an excellent ceremony carried out by PM's William Neil Mitchell and George Lauder, both very experienced brethren and it showed in the quality of the ritual. There are over 110 brethren in attendance which shows the popularity of Bro Cochrane. I am delighted that Lodge 195 are well represented with no less than 9 brethren in attendance in various guises. An excellent harmony follows, which even though I am the designated driver, I thoroughly enjoy. As it happens, the snow is falling so I end up taxiing a few brethren home but that's all part of the experience. Congratulations to all at 39 and best wishes for the year ahead.

17th December: Off to Lodge Concord Glasgow No 1341 tonight where I witness an excellent Entered Apprentice degree by Lodge Knightswood No 1445 headed by RWM Bro George Monteith. It's the first time I have seen 1445 in action and whilst the deputation was small in numbers it was made up for by the quality of the floor work. I am asked to comment on the degree by RWM Bro Ian Parker of Lodge Concord. I also take the opportunity to confirm that Lodge 195 will be available to carry out a degree on the 1st April. Hope that's not an omen. I am in the company of RWM Bro Eric Glencross of Lodge Clyde No 408. Thanks to Bro Alex Moore, Inner Guard 1341 for the lift over.

27th December: Busy night tonight as we have a "Business Only" meeting in the Village Hall followed by a short trip up to Kirkintilloch to visit our good friends at The Athole Lodge 384 where we exemplify the FC degree on PM David Brown. As always we are made very welcome by RWM Liam Anderson and the brethren of 384 on this our annual festive visit. It's great to see so many 195 brethren in attendance despite the various attractions on offer at this time of year. Best wishes to all for 2019.

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January 2019

9th January: Another year another visit. Tonight I attended Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 where I witnessed an excellent Entered Apprentice degree by Lodge Coltswood Glenboig No 1067 led by their RWM Bro Iain Reid. 1067 are visiting 195 tomorrow night so no pressure!! Thanks to IPM Frank Gordon and the brethren of 199 for a very warm welcome into the lodge.

10th January: First regular meeting of 2019 and we welcome the brethren of Lodge Coltswood Glenboig into the lodge to work the Fellow Craft degree. The degree team led by RWM Bro Iain Reid deliver an excellent ritual on Bro Andrew Nicol SD, our "volunteer" for the evening. I am presented with a bottle of malt whisky and some shortbread by RWM Reid, 1067 being our "First Foots" of 2019. Great evening in the company of good friends.

15th January: Tonight accompanied by WSW PM Maxi Gray I took a wee trip down to visit our good friends at Lodge Clydesdale No 551 in Larkhall. PM Bro David King Anderson was also in attendance and we witnessed an excellent EA degree by Lodge St Thomas No 306. Thoroughly enjoyable evening in the company of good friends.

16th January: Off to the Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 tonight to participate in a Reigning masters degree which is being hosted by RWM Bro Nigel Hutchins who is also JD 195. The degree goes very well despite a large number of Reigning Masters being involved, each with their own take on the ritual. As always, the degree is well supported and a good number of 195 brethren turnout which is much appreciated. Congratulations to RWM Hutchins on a very well organised evening and to all of the brethren of 1444 for their excellent hospitality.

17th January: Instruction class, practice for upcoming MM degree at Lodge 28. Signs are hopeful but practice needed!!!

24th January: Tonights visitors are The Athole Lodge 384 who are headed by their RWM Bro Liam Anderson. The degree team deliver an excellent FC degree on tonights "willing" volunteer PM Bro Maxwell Fulton Gray who is ably conducted by his brother Colin Gray SD 384. Again, both lodges are well supported and it is an excellent evening in the company of good friends.

26th January: It's the installation of Provincial Office Bearers today at the Quarterly communication so it's off to Dumbarton on the bus from Kirkintilloch, after an enjoyable journey we witness an excellent ceremony carried out by Depute PGM Bro David S Irving during which PM Brian Marshall is installed as Provincial Grand Junior Deacon. After and excellent ceremony we sit down to an excellent meal although we have no luck in the raffle. Lodge 195 are well represented on the day with myself, WSW Maxwell F Gray PM, WJW Bro Clive Greig, Almoner PM Brian Marshall, Chaplain PM David K Anderson , Secretary PM Graeme Kerr, Junior Deacon PM Nigel Hutchins and PM John R McCormack all in attendance

28th January: Campsie on tour tonight when we visit our good friends at Lodge Bonhill and Alexandria St Andrews Royal Arch No 321 to confer the Fellow Craft degree on Bro Ivor Nicholas. We are welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro William McLaren and his brethren and having taken the chair we proceed to pass Bro Nicholas to the FC degree. I am delighted by the turnout of 195 brethren and brethren from other sister lodges and indeed by the quality of the ritual delivered by the brethren of 195. Once again my thanks to all concerned and the evening concludes with an excellent harmony in the company of the brethren of 321.

31st January: Something different tonight. Whilst the majority of the brethren are attending instruction class in anticipation of our visit to Lodge 28, myself, PM Hutchins and PM Marshall set off for deepest Ayrshire on a secret mission. The reason for our visit is to record what may be a unique event in that Lodge 195 currently provide 4 reigning masters in the same year. In the Province of East Dunbartonshire, Myself PM David Pendreigh currently Master of Lodge 195. PM Nigel Hutchins who is currently RWM of Lodge Barrhill 1444, PM Brian Marshall who is currently RWM of The Lodge Strathclyde No 1626 and in the Province of Ayrshire, Bro Kenneth Kidd who is currently RWM of Lodge Cumnock St Barnabas No 230, After a wee bit of difficulty in locating the lodge, due to the Provincial website having an old address, we are helped by a friendly local and trace the lodge to the town hall where we are warmly welcomed by RWM Kidd and the brethren of Lodge 230. Another Member of 195, Bro John Muir, WSW Lodge Burns Dundonald No is also in attendance to make the evening complete. We witness an excellent FC degree being worked by the brethren of 230 and enjoy some excellent hospitality thereafter. PM Hutchins takes some photographs of all the 195 brethren in attendance for posterity. It is fair to say that we will return to 230 in the future.

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February 2019

2nd February: Off on the short trip to Lodge 28 in Kirkintilloch tonight to confer the MM degree. We are warmly welcomed into a packed lodge room by RWM Bro Robert Henderson and his brethren and after taking the chair the degree team proceed to raise Bro Ronnie McKay to the high and sublime degree of a Master Mason in true Campsie fashion. It may not be orthodox but it is effective. Bro McKay is known socially to both myself and DM Stewart Fairbairn so it is a great honour and pleasure to be involved in his raising. Very favourable comments are received regarding the degree and my thanks go to everyone who took part not only in the degree but also those from our sister lodges who gave up their Saturday night to support 195. We thereafter enjoy an excellent harmony with RWM Henderson and his brethren.
6th February: Provincial duties tonight when accompanied by both wardens I form part of the annual visitation to Lodge Kilsyth St John No 39 headed by RW Depute Provincial Grand Master Bro David S Irving. Great turnout by the brethren and excellent harmony with the brethren of 39.

7th February: Enquiry committee tonight which goes well with unanimous approval of the applicant. Followed by a very productive management meeting.

11th February: Provincial duties again with a visit to Lodge Bonhill & Alexandria St Andrews Royal Arch No 321. Again, I was accompanied by both wardens in another excellent deputation of 34 brethren.

13th February: More provincial duties with a visit to Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 again accompanied by both wardens with Past Masters Marshall, Hutchins and McCormack also present in their Provincial capacities. Another very well attended visit with excellent harmony thereafter.

14th February: Our turn tonight when we are visited by Provincial Grand Lodge to review last year which was under the remit of IPM Bro Thomas Groom. It was great to see Bro Groom in the Lodge despite his ongoing health issues and even better to receive a very favourable minute from Grand Lodge. Again, an excellent turnout by PGL and a very enjoyable harmony thereafter.

19th February: Tonight, I visited The Lodge Strathclyde No 1626 in their new home at the premises of Lodge Clydebank No 1234. We are warmly welcomed by RWM Bro Brian Marshall and the brethren of 1626 and witness an excellent Entered Apprentice degree by RWM Bro Alan Dalzell and the brethren of 1234. On this occasion I am accompanied by WSW Bro Gray. Unfortunately, we cannot stay for harmony but thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

20th February: Provincial duties again tonight when I attend Lodge Ellangowan No 716 accompanied by both wardens. The PGL deputation is headed by the Provincial Grand Master Bro Jim Forrest and we are made most welcome by RWM Bro Angus Cameron who is presented with his Jubilee certificate by the PGM. Past Masters McCormack, Hutchins and Abouliel were also present on Provincial duties.

21st February: Just back from the annual pilgrimage with Provincial to Lodge St Modan No 1015 in Cove. It is a great wee lodge in a lovely setting, and it is great to see a healthy turnout by Provincial. Past Masters Hutchins, McCormack and Abouliel are also present in their Provincial roles.

22nd February: Off on my holidays for a couple of weeks so leaving the lodge in the very capable hands of the brethren.

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March 2019

13th March: Back from holidays and on my travels to Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 where I witness an excellent degree by the brethren of Lodge Springburn. I am warmly welcomed by IPM Bro Frank Gordon and the brethren but cannot stay for harmony as I am still catching up after my holidays.

15th March: Tonight, we welcomed IPM Bro Kenneth Pollock and the brethren of Lodge St John Dalmuir No 543 who carried out an excellent FC degree on Bro Gary Cairns in a most excellent manner. It was great to see the lodge so full and I would like to thank everyone who assisted on the evening.

16th March: Just received news that PM Feehan has had a wee mishap with a pavement and requires surgery on his hip. Some people will go to great lengths not to do the tools!!! Best wishes from all at 195 for a speedy recovery. The injury list is getting longer.

18th March: Provincial duties beckon with a wee trip to Lodge St Patrick Old Kilpatrick No 1309. Another excellent turnout by the brethren of the province and lodge 195 was well represented with myself and the WSW in attendance and Past Masters Marshall, McCormack and Hutchins in their provincial roles.

19th March: Tool a wee trip down to The Lodge Strathclyde No 1626 tonight accompanied by the WSW and Bro Colin Gray JD of The Athole Lodge 384. We were warmly welcomed by RWM Bro Brian Marshall and thereafter enjoyed an excellent FC degree conferred by the brethren of Lodge Bonhill & Alexandria SARA No 321 assisted by PM Bro Maxwell Fulton Gray SW. A great night in great company and thanks to Bro Colin Gray for the lift.

20th March: Provincial duties tonight when I visit Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 where our very own PM Nigel Hutchins is current RWM. I was accompanied by both wardens and it is yet another excellent turnout by the brethren of provincial. Very favourable comments are heard, and we enjoy an excellent harmony

21st March:Provincial duties tonight with a visit to the Kirkintilloch Lodge St John Kilwinning No 28 where I am again accompanied by both wardens with Past Masters Hutchins, McCormack and Marshall also in attendance. Immediately after, myself PM's Hutchins and Marshall head up to the hall where we have a short but informative instruction class ahead of our upcoming visits to Lodges 1341 and 166.

23rd March: Today, myself and Past Master Nigel Hutchins attended the annual installation at Lodge Buchanan Killearn No 1419 in Balfron, Stirlingshire, where our good friend Bro Robert Conner PM 716 is being installed into the chair of King Solomon. It is a fantastic ceremony which is very well attended with excellent representation from the Province of Dunbartonshire. Congratulations to RWM Conner with best wishes from all at 195. Time for a wee rest!!!

25th March: Tonight, accompanied by both wardens and the senior deacon I made the trip to Lodge Bonhill & Alexandria SARA No 321 where we witnessed an excellent Entered Apprentice degree by the brethren of Lodge Greenock St John No 175, it is the first time I have witnessed Lodge 175 carry out any degree work and it is very impressive. We are welcomed into a very busy lodge by RWM Bro William McLaren and his brethren and enjoy an excellent evening in great company.

29th March:Brethren, tonight we welcomed the brethren of the Kirkintilloch Lodge St John Kilwinning No 28 into the lodge to confer the Mark Master degree on Bro Greg Cairns. The deputation was headed by RWM Bro Robert Buchanan Henderson and the Mark Master was PM Bro David Henderson. It was an excellent degree and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. I would like to thank all of the visitors who came along to support both lodges with a special mention for RWM Eddie Finlay of Lodge St Barchan No 156 who commented on the degree. My thanks to all the brethren who helped to set up and clear the hall, contributed to the purvey and the raffle, organised the raffle and especially to PM Brian Marshall who acted as Tyler and head chef. Finally, congratulations to Bro Greg Cairns on being advanced to the ancient and honourable rank of Mark Master Mason.

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April 2019

1st April:Tonight, I had the pleasure of heading a large deputation of 195 brethren into Lodge Concord No 1341 in the Province of Glasgow. This was the first time we have visited 1341 as a Lodge and had the pleasure of exemplifying the Fellow Craft degree on Past Master Alan Stevenson. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro Ian Parker and his brethren and enjoyed excellent hospitality after the meeting. Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done and thanks to RWM Eric Glencross of Lodge Clyde No 408 for his very kind comments on the degree. Off to Airdrie St John No 166 on Wednesday for another FC degree so no time to relax. Thanks again brethren for all your hard work and to Bro Ian Rankin for coming out to support the degree team.

3rd April: Brethren, I have just returned from heading a deputation from Lodge 195 into Lodge Airdrie St John No 166 where we were warmly welcomed by RWM Bro Robert McCormick and the brethren of 166. We then exemplified the Fellow Craft degree on Bro Robert DeNiro Mair which was well received by the assembled brethren. Thanks to RWM Reg Sutherland of Lodge Griffin Gartcosh for his kind comments on the degree. I would like to thank the degree team for their excellent efforts on the night and also for turning out for the second time in three days. As well as the degree team, Bros Ian Rankin and Gary Cairns were in attendance and it was great to see Bro Cairns out and about as our newest FC. The deputation was also enhanced by representation from the following lodges, 147,199,384,551,771,1067 and 1584. I would like to thank each and everyone of those brethren for supporting us on the evening. An excellent harmony was then enjoyed sadly without success in the raffle. Thanks to Bro Clive Greig for driving this evening.

12th April: Congratulations to RWM Bro Nigel Hutchins and the brethren of Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 on an excellent working of the Entered Apprentice degree in Lodge 195 tonight. It was great to see the hall so busy, not only with the very impressive deputation but also with the many visitors we welcomed tonight. The brethren of 1444 delivered an excellent degree on our volunteer PM Maxwell Fulton Gray. Special thanks to RWM Bro Michael McPake of Lodge St John Tulliallan No 598 for his very favourable comments on the degree.

13th April:Thanks to RWM Bro Liam Anderson and the brethren of The Athole Lodge No 384 for an excellent night at their Annual Ceilidh. Both Isabel and I had great night. Don't think I have danced so much in years, but the highlight must have been Nigel trying the "Strip the Willow", it was a sight to behold. Thanks to Maxi for doing the bar.

17th April: Brethren, tonight I had the pleasure of heading a very large deputation of 195 brethren into Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro Nigel Douglas Hutchins and his brethren and then conferred the Fellow Craft degree on Bro Robert Laing. Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done with special thanks to the brethren who stepped into roles at short notice. Thanks to RWM Eddie Finlay of Lodge St Barchan No 156 for his very kind comments on the degree. An excellent harmony followed but unfortunately no luck in the raffle. Thanks again brethren of the degree team for all your hard work and to all the brethren of 195 and sister lodges for coming out to support 195 tonight. It was very much appreciated.

25th April: Congratulations to RWM Bro George Antonio Kerr and the brethren of Lodge Bearsden No 1572 on an excellent working of the Fellow Craft degree in Lodge 195 tonight. As many of you will know, Lodge Bearsden deliver a somewhat unique take on the lecture in this degree and It was very much appreciated by all in attendance. It was great to see the hall so busy, not only with the very impressive deputation but also with a good turnout of 195 brethren and a very welcome number of visitors. The brethren of 1572 delivered an excellent degree on our volunteer Bro Ian Rankin. Many thanks to Bro Rankin for standing in tonight. Special thanks to IPM Bro Gavin Black Brown of Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 for his very eloquent comments on the degree. Thanks to IPM Bro Thomas Groom for standing in as Director of Ceremonies at very short notice.

28th April: Well today, in a one off never to be repeated exercise, PM's Nigel Hutchins, Maxwell Gray, DM Stewart Fairbairn and myself completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk in aid of a number of charities. I would like to congratulate the brethren on a fantastic effort especially as I kept telling Maxi " It's only a 23-mile walk". I do not mind telling you It was probably the hardest thing I have done in years. Thanks to everyone who offered their support and indeed sponsored us for the event. I am not sure at the moment how much we raised but we will let everyone know as soon as we can. Thanks to PM Martin Hood of Lodge 28 for the offer of a beer but the news that Maxi was ahead of us had Nigel breaking into a run. Lots of blisters and sore legs but with hindsight a great day, however I will not be repeating it soon.

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May 2019

10th May: Tonight, we welcomed RWM Bro Alan O'Donnell and the brethren of Lodge Strathendrick No 780 into Lodge 195 where they carried out an excellent working of the Master Mason degree. The ritual was carried out in very entertaining and informative way and I am sure it has left a lasting impression on our newest Master Mason Bro Gary Cairns. Once again it was great to see the hall so busy, not only with the very impressive deputation but also with a good turnout of 195 brethren and a very welcome number of visitors. My thanks once again to IPM Bro Gavin Black Brown of Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 for his very eloquent comments on the degree. It was also great to see Bro John Fraser, Inner Guard and Bro Keith Buist PM amongst us tonight with best wishes to Bro Fraser for a speedy recovery. Thanks to all the brethren who contributed to the food, PM Brian Marshall for acting as Tyler and Bro Alex Allan PM 1444, HM 195, for once again covering off Inner Guard.

13th May: Tonight, I had the pleasure of heading a deputation of 195 brethren into Lodge Bearsden No 1572. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro George Antonio Kerr and his brethren and then conferred the Master Mason degree on PM Bro Derek Malaney who's offer to act as candidate was very much appreciated. Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done. Thanks to PM Ian Lister of Lodge Bearsden for his very kind comments on the degree. An excellent harmony followed with a couple of wins for the Campsie Raiders. Thanks again brethren of the degree team for all your hard work and to all the brethren of 195 and sister lodges for coming out to support us tonight. It was great to see 195's newest Master Mason Bro Gary Cairns out supporting the lodge.

12th May: Today I attended the Provincial Divine Service at St Marys church in Kirkintilloch. I was accompanied by both Wardens and PM's Hutchins, Marshall and McCormack were also in attendance in their Provincial capacities.

15th May: Off to Lodge Ellangowan No716 tonight where I witness an excellent Master Mason degree being conferred on Bro Ian Black who was raised to the High and Sublime degree by a very experienced team of Past Masters of the lodge. RWM Bro Angus Cameron and his brethren gave all the visitors a very warm welcome and then proceeded to deliver the degree in a very dignified, informative and respectful manner. The proceedings were very much enhanced by the playing of the pipes by Bro Donald MacKenzie of Lodge 117. Congratulations to Bro Black on the way he conducted himself with best wishes from all at Lodge 195 for his Masonic future.

23rd May: Well tonight we had a first with a visit by RWM Bro Ian Parker and the brethren of Lodge Concord No 1341 who worked an excellent Fellow Craft degree in Lodge 195 tonight. The ritual was carried out in very entertaining and informative way and I am sure it was very much enjoyed by our volunteer candidate Bro Clive Greig WJW. As I say, this was the first time that Lodge 1341 have officially visited Lodge 195 it was great to see the hall so busy, not only with the very impressive deputation but also with a good turnout of 195 brethren and a very welcome number of visitors. I hope this will be just one of many visits between our two lodges. It was good to see RWM Bro Liam Anderson of the Athole Lodge No 384 and RWM Bro David Brown of Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No 76 in the lodge and their support was very much appreciated. I would also like to thank Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro James Forrest and Depute Provincial Grand Master Bro David S Irving for coming along tonight and to the former for commenting on the degree. As we are now officially in recess, I would like to wish all the brethren an enjoyable break and I will see you all in September.

24th May: Well brethren where to start! Last night was Lodge 195's annual dinner dance and we decided to change the format a wee bit and what a great night it was. Firstly, a huge thank you to PM Bro Abouliel or Nadi to his pals for an excellent buffet which was hugely appreciated by all. Secondly to Stevie who sang his heart out for the whole evening and had everyone dancing throughout the night. A huge thank you to PM Maxwell Gray for tending to the master's Bar and his other support on the night. To everyone who came along to support 195 on the night a huge thank you and I hope you enjoyed your evening. I would also like to thank PM Nigel Hutchins and my good lady Isabel for helping me set up the hall. Bro's Andy Nicol, Clive Greig, John McCormack and Gavin Brown for running the raffle and the bar staff from The Athole Lodge 384 for keeping everyone refreshed. Finally, a huge thank you to Robbie Hutchins for the lift home.

30th May: Off to the The Athole Lodge No 384 tonight where I witnessed an excellent Fellow Craft degree being conferred by the brethren of Lodge Stirling Royal Arch No 76 led by their RWM Bro David Brown a Past Master of 384. I was delighted to see no less than seven 195 brethren in attendance tonight being myself, PM's Smart, Abouliel, Marshall, McCormack, Anderson and WJW Bro Clive Greig. Congratulations to all of the brethren of Lodge 76 on an excellent degree and thanks to RWM Bro Liam Anderson and the brethren of Lodge 384 for a very warm welcome into the lodge.

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June 2019

1st June: Today, accompanied by Bro's Ian Rankin, Stewart Fairbairn and Andrew Thomson, I participated in the annual Brock Bowling competition at The Rock Bowling club in Dumbarton. It was a great day in great company, and we managed a very narrow victory against a well experienced team from Lodge 321.

7th June: Just back from The Athole Lodge No 384 where I had the privilege of participating in a Reigning Masters degree. I would like to thank RWM Bro Liam Anderson for the invitation to take part in the degree and to the brethren of 384 for their warm and cordial welcome into the lodge. Congratulations to all of the Reigning Masters who took part for the excellent way in which the degree was delivered. I would like to thank the 195 brethren who turned out to support the degree team being IPM Bro Thomas Groom, PM Maxwell Gray WSW who also stood in as candidate, Bro Clive Greig WJW and Bro Andrew Thomson, Tyler. Not forgetting PM Bro Nigel Hutchins RWM Lodge 1444 and PM Bro Brian Marshall RWM Lodge 1626 who also participated on the night.

8th June: It's that time of year again and I am just back from the Annual gathering of the Caledonian Lodges of Scotland in Edinburgh and what a great day it was. I would like to thank the RWM and brethren of The Caledonian Lodge No 392 for their fantastic welcome and hospitality during the day. I would also like to congratulate all of the Reigning masters who took part in a fantastic degree and thanks to Bro David Tully for acting as candidate on the day. Once again had the privilege of representing 195 at the annual Caledonian gathering. Thanks to PM's Hutchins, Kerr, and Gray and WJW Clive Greig and Bro Andy Thomson, Tyler, for coming along and representing Lodge 195 on the day. It was great to meet up with old friends and here's to Dundee next year on the 10th October.

14th June: Brethren, last night I had the privilege of representing the Lodge at a Reigning Masters degree at Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 where we exemplified the Entered Apprentice degree on Bro Jordan Currie IPM of Lodge 1602. I would like to thank the brethren of 199 for the invitation to take part in the degree and for their warm and cordial welcome into the lodge. Congratulations to all of the Reigning Masters who took part for the excellent way in which the degree was delivered. I would like to thank the 195 brethren who turned out to support the degree team being IPM Bro Thomas Groom, PM Bro David King Anderson and Bro Clive Greig WJW. Not forgetting PM Bro Nigel Hutchins RWM Lodge 1444 and PM Bro Brian Marshall RWM Lodge 1626 who also participated on the night. Unfortunately, I could not stay for harmony due to a prior commitment.

21st June: Brethren, tonight I attended a special meeting at Lodge St John Dalmuir No 543 which was held to mark their departure from their current hall having taken the difficult decision to move on. It was an extremely well attended meeting with visitors from far and wide. On behalf of all at 195 I would like to wish the brethren of 543 every success in their move and look forward to visiting after the recess. I would also like to thank the 195 brethren who turned out tonight being IPM Bro Tommy Groom, WSW Bro Maxwell Gray PM, WJW Bro Clive Greig, Bro Ian Rankin, Bro John Muir and PM's Marshall, Hutchins and McCormack who were also in attendance in their Provincial and Reigning Master capacities.

22nd June: Well the first half of the session closes with the 3rd Annual 195 Golf Outing which this year is in beautiful Kinross. We enjoy two days of exceptional weather on two challenging courses. The overall winner is golf, but the very small trophy goes to PM's Smart and Newall for a very consistent display. A great weekend which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Here's to next year.

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September 2019

13th September: Congratulations to PM Bro David Logan and the brethren of Lodge Clydesdale No 551 on an excellent working of the Master Mason degree in Lodge 195 tonight. The ritual was carried out in very entertaining and informative way that was greatly enjoyed by all but probably more especially by our volunteer candidate PM Bro Eddie Rennie of Lodge Kyle Kildrum No 1602 On our first meeting after recess it was great to see the hall so busy, not only with the very impressive deputation but also with a good turnout of 195 brethren and a very welcome number of visitors. My thanks once again to IPM Bro Gavin Black Brown of Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 for his very eloquent comments on the degree. Thanks to PM Rennie for standing in as candidate, PM Colin Loudon of 1602 for standing in as Tyler and PM Brian Marshall for acting as Inner Guard and Bible Bearer! As always, thanks to the brethren who helped set up and clear the hall and in serving the food and organising the raffle.

17th September: Brethren, tonight I had the pleasure of heading a deputation of Lodge 195 brethren into The Lodge Strathclyde No 1626. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro Brian Marshall and his brethren and then conferred the Entered Apprentice degree on Bro Alex Eadie who's offer to act as candidate was very much appreciated. Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done. Thanks to PM Stewart Munn of Lodge St John Dalmuir No 543 for his very kind comments on the degree. An excellent harmony followed with a couple of wins for the Campsie Raiders. Thanks again brethren of the degree team for all your hard work and to all the brethren of 195 and sister lodges for coming out to support us tonight. Special thanks to IPM Bro Gavin Black Brown of Lodge Barrhill Twechar for stepping in and doing the receiving.

18th September: Brethren, tonight I visited Lodge Barrhill Twechar No 1444 where I witnessed an excellent Mark Master Mason ceremonial being conferred on Bro Robert Laing by the brethren of Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 led by their RWM Bro Frank Gordon with PM John McGregor carrying out the duties of Mark Master in fine style. I was accompanied this evening by WJW Clive Greig and PM Bro Stephen Coyle. Congratulations to all of the brethren of Lodge 199 on an excellent degree and thanks to RWM Bro Nigel Hutchins and the brethren of Lodge 1444 for a very warm welcome into the lodge.

20th September: Brethren, tonight I had the pleasure of heading a deputation of Lodge 195 brethren into Lodge Kyle Kildrum No 1602. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro Graeme Currie and his brethren and then exemplified the Fellow Craft degree on a willing volunteer. Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done and indeed thanks to everyone who turned out to support both lodges on the evening. Thanks to IPM Bro Frank Gordon of Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 for his very kind comments on the degree. An excellent harmony followed, unfortunately no personal luck in the raffle but a couple of Campsie Raiders were successful. This was our second outing of the week and I would like to thank the brethren for their excellent ongoing support. The deputation was enhanced by a number of brethren from Lodge 199 and I would thank them for their support on what was a busy evening masonically within the province. .

26th September: Brethren, tonight I had the pleasure of heading a deputation of Lodge 195 brethren into Lodge Kyle Kildrum No 1602. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro Graeme Currie and his brethren and then exemplified the Fellow Craft degree on a willing volunteer. Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done and indeed thanks to everyone who turned out to support both lodges on the evening. Thanks to IPM Bro Frank Gordon of Lodge Cumbernauld St Andrews No 199 for his very kind comments on the degree. An excellent harmony followed, unfortunately no personal luck in the raffle but a couple of Campsie Raiders were successful. This was our second outing of the week and I would like to thank the brethren for their excellent ongoing support. The deputation was enhanced by a number of brethren from Lodge 199 and I would thank them for their support on what was a busy evening masonically within the province.

27th September: Well the Lodge are out tonight at Lodge Leven St John No 170 conferring the Entered Apprentice degree. It's the first time Lodge 195 have carried out a degree at 170 and I am missing it as Mrs P has booked a wee weekend away in Kinross. Thought about driving through but rapidly rethought it when I received a very frosty reception when I mentioned it. By all accounts the night went well though, so I guess I know my place. Well done brethren.

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October 2019

1st October: Brethren, tonight I had the pleasure of heading a deputation of Lodge 195 brethren into Lodge Clydesdale No 551. We were warmly welcomed into the lodge by RWM Bro Colin Crookston and his brethren and then exemplified the Fellow Craft degree on Bro Luke Ramsay Congratulations to all of the degree team on a job well done and indeed thanks to everyone who turned out to support both lodges on the evening. Thanks to RWM Crookston for his very kind comments on the degree. An excellent harmony followed, unfortunately no personal luck in the raffle but again a couple of Campsie Raiders were successful. Great to see Bro John Muir at the meeting and special thanks for stepping in as Junior Deacon. It was very much appreciated.

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