Thornbury Lodge’s Master, Mike Perry provided his farm as the venue, and Gloucestershire Lodge of Agriculture’s Master, Martin Fryer organised the good weather, for a summer hog roast which both lodges supported. Mike is coming to the end of his term in the chair; the past year he has conducted three ceremonies, including his own proposed candidate. In September, he hands over the gavel to Dick Austin, who will be Thornbury Lodge’s first initiate to take the chair.
Martin Tucker, who is also Thornbury’s Director of Ceremonies said, “Mike has supported his lodge in so many ways and his annual BBQ is always a highlight. Great thanks must go to Mike’s wife, Erica, who we all know does all the work and allows Mike to take the credit. It was very pleasing to see our newer brethren attend, including Zach, our latest initiate, together with his wife and child. Equally so was the presence of Kurt, our prospective October initiate, who was there with his wife and 5-month old child. His wife let slip that Kurt can sing . . . so we look forward to taking advantage of that!
“With Project 21 having reached its target, the £1100 raised on the day will be donated to local charities,” continued Martin, who is also the Provincial Grand Mentor. “Brethren will be asked for local worthy causes and we look forward to helping as many as possible.”
The day presented an ideal opportunity for Martin Fryer, together with JW-in waiting, Tom Whittaker, to gift a cut crystal bowl to Mel Rymer, the wife of Agg’s IPM Paul. It is a custom for the Glos Lodge of Agriculture to present a bowl to all IPMs’ wives.
Also, a cheque for £250 was presented to Bill Shrewsbury’s partner [and definitely his better half] for her ‘Race for Life’ charity run.
Our thanks to Dick Smith for this article.
