50 YEARS AGO

(Compiled from the December 1955 Journal)

“The Old Order Changeth”

Readers will have observed from a perusal of the official report of the proceedings of the September 1955 Grand Lodge meeting that this issue of the Journal will be the last of a series and that as from March 1956 we shall have at least a new look on our old and valued “Green Un”

*  *  *  *  *

Lodges Ashore and Afloat

Brethren who can recall the days when there were Lodges on the Barham and other ships of our Royal Navy will be interested in a letter we have just received from a brother of the Grand Australian Banner who is serving on H.M.A.S. Vengeance and who tell us there is a lodge that meets in that ship and which has recently been visiting the old country.

*  *  *  *  *

The following poem appeared in this issue

Ode to the Queen of the West

A couple of fellows in the year ‘54

Came here one morning right here on this floor,

They whispered and nodded, then called the Host,

‘Twas deep and profound, without trying to boast.

Week after week and day after day,

The project grew nearer I’m happy to say,

And permission was granted to tell all the dope,

At a meeting one Sunday with most of you blokes,

There was Harold and Reggie, Jack, Ted and Ben,

Who opened the meeting and gave you the Gen,

A new Lodge would open beginning in May,

“The Queen of the West” another bright ray,

The great day arrived and a marvellous night,

We were packed to the ceiling, a wonderful sight,

Provincial Grand Lodge were present, in regalia so fine,

Who did a grand job in double quick time.

Your Founders are proud of you, each one and all,

But remember! Discuss not lodge business below in the hall,

Hold that link firmly and remember your pledge,

Look after that Brother who’s too near the edge,

I drink to you brothers “The Queen of the West”,

I’m sure you’ll agree it’s one of the best.

*  *  *  *  *

Many Brethren throughout the country will be sorry to learn of the passing of Brother Wiliam Ryder, R.O.H. of the Dragon Lodge in the Harrogate and District Province on 27^th September at the early age of 52. For 17 years Bro. Billy devoted two evenings each week and every weekend to the service of brethren convalescing at Harrogate , he took them for walks showing them places of interest in Harrogate and accompanied them twice a week to a Lodge.

*  *  *  *  *

Bro. A. L. H. Walker enquired the reason why the printed committee reports had not been placed in the hands of the delegates before the meeting. The Grand Secretary explained that the normal difficulty occurring in the period following each convention had made it impossible for the printers to deliver the committee reports earlier than the morning of the meeting.

*  *  *  *  *

Finding themselves threatened with notice to quit their existing premises the Aero Malaya Lodge 7312 Singapore Province built up the resources of the Building Fund to £700 towards the estimated cost of £1000 for a new Lodge room. Grand Lodge recommended that a grant of £100 be made toward the project.

*  *  *  *  *

Mrs. D. D. Lewis was appointed to the position of Matron at Grove House, Harrogate to fill the vacancy created by the resignation at short notice of Mrs. Hart

*  *  *  *  *

Bro. C. D. Buckle was elected as Grand Lodge Auditor, this being the forty eighth consecutive year during which he will have audited the accounts of Grand Lodge.