In quick succession from the Lodge obtaining the Gold Award for the 2026 Festival in March of this year, we were honoured and delighted that V. W. Bro. Ian Gallehawk, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, accompanied by the Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies and a number of Provincial Escorting Brethren attended our Lodge meeting on the 18th May.
V. W. Bro. Gallehawk was in attendance to present the Lodge with the Platinum Award which acknowledges donations of £1,200 per member. W. Bro Vladimir, our Charity Steward, accepted the award on behalf of the Lodge.
It was another great day for the Lodge as we welcomed Bro. Ashley into Freemasonry in general and the Petts Wood Lodge in particular. The sun shone, the Lodge room was a little warm both physically and from the camaraderie of the members and visitors. It was particularly good to see two recently Initiated Entered Apprentices at the meeting who were then able to perhaps understand some of their Initiation ceremony from just a few weeks back.
The meeting was a joyous and memorable occasion and we hope it will live long in the memory of Bro. Ashley and judging by the comments afterwards at the Festive Board, it was enjoyable for both visitors and members alike. Our visiting Officer, W. Bro. Harry further enhanced our meeting by presenting Bro. Kola with his Grand Lodge Certificate after being Raised at our last meeting.
We were urged to continue our charitable efforts and to not rest on our laurels. Given the generosity of everyone in the Alms collection and the raffle and auction later, we certainly hope that we can continue to donate towards the 2026 Festival for the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
Our grateful thanks to V. W. Bro. Ian Gallehawk, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, for arranging the photographs and for kind permission to reproduce them on our website.