Back to the Hanging Chapel

On a night back in 2005 the Hanging Chapel Lodge was honoured with the presence of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master for Somerset in the name of Ray Guthrie and Tony Hooper was installed as the Master of Portcullis Mark lodge.  18 years have passed since that evening and this time around the lodges was again honoured by another Guthrie. 

This time it was Tony’s turn the current Deputy Provincial Grand Master to install Tony Hooper in the chair for the second time. Last time Tony was in the Chair of the Mark he visited as many Mark Lodge in the province as he could.  He has told me that he will try and complete the set this time.   A goodly number of visitors were in attendance including a number of Grand Officers one of whom Steve Defries, a guest of the new Master was put to work with the address to the Overseers a piece he had never done before, he of course did a splendid job. 

Steve also gave the response to the Toast to the visitors. Dave Rocky also explained the Collaret in tremendous fashion and Steve McNaughton the Provincial Director of Ceremonies gave the address to the Wardens with Tony presenting the address to the Master.  The Installing Master Dave Hutchins did a first class job too.  Two candidates were proposed on the night so it looks like the Lodge is going to have a fantastic year.  The festive board was a lively affair with £145 raised in the raffle which will be going towards the Festival.

Article by Mike Norton

Left to right –Neil Tinkley, Tony Guthrie, John Vowles, Tony Hooper, David Hutchins, George Small, Steve McNaughton, Dave Rocky

The IPM giving some sound advice or a racing tip