VMMA Official Visit to Learmonth Lodge No.177
Saturday 7th August 2010
The VMMA has enjoyed the support of the Learmonth Lodge for over 3 years as they were very helpful in supporting us with our request for assistance with the Rifton Walker campaign back in 2007.
It was felt that a visit to the Lodge was well overdue and in the lead up to this years ‘Breathless’ Ride we thought a visit to them was appropriate given we will be conducting a trivia event in their general area during the ride.
Learmonth Masonic Centre is number 28 on the Learmonth & District Historical Society Register.
Unfortunately the number of VMMA visitors on this night was diminished due a clash of events so Chris, Old Nic, Pedro, and Colin Randall carried the VMMA flag.
Having been down to Calder Park for a Breathless Ride meeting in the morning I was rather disinclined to go back home then over to Learmonth. However, as the numbers were small I decided to make that extra effort. I was very pleased to do so as we had a very rewarding and fulfilling night with the Learmonth brethren.
Learmonth Masonic Centre Lodge Room is very well appointed.
Arriving home from Calder Park mid afternoon Bron suggested I take the car as it would be safer than the bike – how right she was as it was a very dark and frosty night. The creature comforts of the car were very welcoming.
After looking at the Vic Roads Country Directory and using the GPS I still managed to navigate my way across some dirt roads to Learmonth. I am not admitting that I had a momentary lapse in navigation because I did put my faith in the directory and the GPS.
Colin speaking to Mr. Brendon Power the proposed candidate for Initiation before the lodge was tyled L to R: Bob, Bro. Joshua Prato-Forte, Guiding Star Lodge No.922 and Pedro.
I arrived at Learmonth around 7:15PM and easily recognised the Masonic Centre because of its bright and welcoming outside light. Chris, Bob, and Colin arrived soon after. A good crowd of visitors started to arrive and we enjoyed catching up with old friends whom we had not seen for some years. It was particularly pleasing to talk to Ray Jessup of Gwenrose Farm, who has offered his accommodation on the farm to the VMMA at any time, at no cost.
Around 8PM we entered the lodge room. Shortly after, the Ceremony of Initiation commenced for Mr. Brendon Power. Later, in his response speech in the supper room Brendon mentioned that he had undergone an apprenticeship as a watchmaker and made the connection with his entry into Freemasonry as undertaking yet another apprenticeship which through training and education would enable him to once more become a Master in a different trade!
At the conclusion of the First Degree ceremony the lodge was closed and the family members of Rt.WBro. David Beard AM PSGW were invited to enter the lodge room.
Rt.WBro. David Beard AM PSGW responding to his 70th year jewel presentation in the lodge room.
What followed was the presentation ceremony of a 70 year service jewel. David’s long Masonic, Community, and military service was summarised by the presenter of the jewel, Learmonth Lodge Senior Warden and family friend WBro. Graham Findlay.
There were 50 people present who listened to events which David highlighted in his fascinating but extremely demanding life, some of which included stories from his internment as a prisoner of war in Changi Prison Camp and his time spent on the Thailand – Burma railway.
One of the highlights of David’s 70 years of Masonic service was his 43 years as Lodge Secretary from 1960 – 2003. In all that time David never missed a Lodge meeting, all the while balancing his family responsibilities and a very demanding appointment as Shire President.
At the conclusion of this engaging ceremony and interesting stories from David’s life we all adjourned to the supper room.
Bro. Brendon Power responding in the south to his toast as a newly initiated brother.
A visiting Master Mason from Canada responded to the visitors toast.
A delicious array of cakes, sandwiches and hot food awaited us, most of which was cooked and baked by the lodge brethren and ladies. This was all washed down with soft drink, tea, and coffee (Learmonth is a dry lodge; which made for a pleasant change).
After numerous toasts the raffle was drawn and won by Bob Nicholls, a couple of Learmonth members, and visitors including the newly initiated Learmonth Lodge candidate as well as one other visiting Entered Apprentice.
Chris commenced the VMMA presentation in the south and then invited Pedro to the floor to talk about the "Breathless" 8 Day Ride.
Chris was invited to the floor to commence the VMMA presentation which started with feedback on the Rifton Walker that Learmonth Lodge had contributed to some 3 years ago, Chris then progressed to give a Cystic Fibrosis Awareness presentation before inviting me to the floor to concluded the presentation with current information relating to the "Breathless" 8 Day Ride.
A visiting Master Mason from Canada responded to the visitors toast.
Our evening ended around 1145PM and I made my way home via the back roads to Clunes and then on more familiar roads to Newstead, Castlemaine, Harcourt and home to Sedgwick. Arriving home at 1:30 AM I was glad to have taken the car, but also glad to be able to finally drop into bed after a long and tiring day and night of riding and driving.
Ciao Pedro
