VMMA Official Visit to Bendigo City Lodge No. 714
Friday 9th July 2010
The VMMA was again invited by the Master (and VMMA member) W. Bro. Ian (Isy) Ray to attend his July meeting.
Additionally, Isy specifically invited The Red Baron to attend and deliver the First Degree Tracing Board lecture. The Baron graciously accepted the invitation without hesitation.
The Baron rode down to my place late Friday afternoon and once again I chauffeured him to and from Lodge. Just as well as the weather was very cold and there was frost on the road. We both enjoyed a warm journey in Bron’s car.
Isy also invited us to arrive early so he could share pizza before the meeting.
On the right is W. Bro. Ian (Isy) Ray.
This was gratefully accepted and tasty. As the visitors and members arrived for the meeting it was very pleasing to see the arrival of two Entered Apprentices from Southern Cross Lodge No.24 (Maldon), one of whom subsequently joined the VMMA, as well as three Entered Apprentices from Bendigo City Lodge.
VMMA members in attendance included The Red Baron, Philip Baulch (who made a special effort to come over from Army duties in Puckapunyal), Ken Baker, Pedro, Mal Pethybridge (SW & Master Elect of Bendigo City), Richard Penna (DC Bendigo City), and of course WM Isy Ray.
The Baron can now smile after the First Degree Tracing Board Lecture
28 members and guests attended the meeting. Our entry was delayed slightly by some Lodge business which included a vote for candidates to be Initiated and election of the Master Elect.
Ken Baker led The Baron, I and other Past Masters in to Lodge. After being warmly welcomed by Isy we were seated and shortly after Isy gave The Baron the freedom of the Lodge to deliver his First Degree Tracing Board lecture.
For those who have not heard The Baron’s delivery of this lecture, you are missing a treat. The Baron ensured that he directed his lecture information to the five EA’s seated conveniently in the North.
Pedro has been checking his raffle tickets, no joy!!!!
The meeting finished reasonably early and thus allowed us to retire to the South and enjoy the hospitality of the Lodge members and other visitors.
The raffle circulated and the winners included Philip Baulch and Isy. The evening formally ended around 2230 but we stayed to chat and socialise.
Our drive home was slow and careful due to the frost and kangaroos on the road. Arriving home around 2330 Baron and I relaxed with a glass of port before heading off to bed.
Ciao for now, Pedro
