DRAFT MINUTES OF THE 876th REGULAR MEETING OF THE HAVANT MASONIC LODGE No. 4689 CONVENED AND HELD AT THE MASONIC HALL, HAVANT ON WEDNESDAY 12th APRIL 2023.
PRESENT were the W.M., W. Bro. M. S. White, PPAGReg; S.W., W. Bro. V. Evershed, PPGStdB; J.W., Bro. B. G. Comley; Officers, Brethren and Visitors as shown in the Attendance Register.
OPENING : The Lodge was opened with solemn prayer at 6:07 p.m.
IN MEMORIUM : The W.M. announced the sad passing in March of R. W. Bro. Brian C. Bellinger, Past Provincial Grand Master. The Brethren observed a period of silent contemplation in memory of departed merit.
MINUTES : The Minutes of the previous Regular Meeting held on Wednesday 8th March 2023, having been previously circulated and no adverse comments or corrections being received, were confirmed and signed by the W.M.
MATTERS ARISING : Pursuant to Notice of Motion given at the previous Regular Meeting the Treasurer, W. Bro. J. A. Greenland, PPDGSuptWks, proposed that the Lodge donates from the Benevolent Fund the sum of £1,000 towards the 2027 Hampshire & Isle of Wight Festival for the Masonic Charitable Foundation This was Seconded by the Secretary, W. Bro. J. A. Finch, PPGReg, and Carried.
MATTERS ARISING : To Ballot for a Candidate for Initiation : The ballot for prospective Candidate Mr. Denholm Ian Frank was Cancelled.
VISITORS : There were no official guests.
The W. M. welcomed all the Visitors trusting they would have an interesting evening in the Temple and would afterwards join us at the Festive Board.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS : The W.M. gave instructions for evacuation in the event of a fire.
LECTURE : The Tyler, W. Bro. R. Stokes, PPGStdB, was invited into the Temple. The Secretary, W. Bro. J. A. Finch, , introduced the catechetical series of presentations by various members of the Lodge covering wearing of white gloves, the Masonic apron, officer’s collars, the Lodge carpet, the pentacle and the letter G, the phrase “so mote it be” and the symbolism of the trowel.
The Tyler thanked the W.M. and resumed his position.
ALMONER’S REPORT : The Almoner being absent, his report was presented by the Secretary. No new reports had been received of illness among Brethren or families. W. Bro. Harry had made numerous contacts. W. Bro. Tom Figgins, PPAGStdB, was still struggling with his mobility but was trying to get out for fresh air and exercise; his wife, Christine, has had one eye operation and is awaiting the second. Both were in good spirits. Bro. John Ablitt was having problems with an old leg injury; both he and Rosemary were cheerful. W. Bro. Tom Sawyers, PPSGW, was finding it very difficult to get about and his family had forbidden him from riding his motorcycle; W. Bro. Tom would soon be 99 and agreed that they may be right! Mrs. Cathy Salter was cheerful and positive and after being told two and half years ago that she had only six months to live was treating each day as a further blessing. Bro. Hakan Hastekin was still trying to sort things out but he was well and hoped to be back in the Lodge in the not too distant future. All of those contacted asked W. Bro. Harry to thank the Lodge for their concern and sent their best wishes.
CHARITY STEWARD’S REPORT : The Charity Steward, Bro. A. Brockman, reported that there had been no recent issues to report. He planned to update relevant content on the Lodge website soon.
The W.M. thanked the Almoner and Charity Stewards for their reports.
CORRESPONDENCE : Apologies for absence were received from the following Brethren –
- Bros. G. J. Deacon, PJGD, P. T. Fitzgerald, R. W. Plowman, PAGDC and H. J. Surrey, PPJGW.
A letter had been received from the Hayling Island Coastal Rowing Academy requesting funds; this would be discussed at the Lodge General Purposes Committee. An email had been received from the Provincial Grand Secretary advising that places were still available for the Coronation Gala on 6th May and also the Provincial AGM at Freemasons Hall, London on the 5th July.
COLLECTION : The collection raised £41.03 in support of the Almoner’s Fund.
PROPOSALS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS : The Secretary reported no further Lodge Business.
The Raffle held at the Festive Board after the Meeting raised £105 and the Samaritan Trowel £14.69, both is support of the Benevolent Fund.
RISINGS : The W.M. rose for the 1st time : The Secretary reported no Communications from Grand Lodge.
The W.M. rose for the 2nd time : Visiting Officer, W. Bro. H. Pollard, PPJGW, rose to inform the Lodge of several upcoming events, namely the Solent Lodge “Big Night Out” at Cosham on 17th April commencing at 6 p.m., the Coronation Gala Night on 6th May at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Grand Harbour Southampton from 6:30, the Summer Ball on 24th June at the Royal Maritime Club from 5:15, the Provincial AGM on 5th July from midday in the Grand Temple, London and the cheque presentation evening at 5 p.m. on 10th July at Cosham. He thanked the Lodge on behalf of the PGM for the Festival donation agreed earlier and invited Brethren to consider making their own personal donations if possible. Referring to the earlier talk regarding white gloves, W. Bro. Howard explained that in Arthurian Lodge is was once the practice to present a new Mason with two pairs, one for himself and the second for his partner. He added that, being identical, the gloves could disguise the wearer’s profession and thus ensure equality.
The W.M. rose for the 3rd time : He wished to thank W. Bro. Geoff Withers, SLGR, for acting as DC and W. Bro. Finch for organising the lecture.
Bro. D. G. C. Young rose to announce that his wedding will take place at midday on 8th July at St. Mary’s Church, Portchester and he invited Brethren to attend the service.
CLOSING : Nothing further being offered for the good of Freemasonry in general or this the Havant Lodge No. 4689 in particular, the Lodge was closed in peace and harmony at 6:57 p.m.