Solent and Beyond

As an update... we now have both a full compliment of 9 crew and a Middlesex Provincial flag which we will proudly fly from the boat.           Video for iPhone/iPad via YouTube Sailing the Solent 2012

 
We have only 3 weeks to go to the North Harrow Sailing Week-End and we're all set for a great time with a bit o' good old masonic bonding thrown in for good measure, well on a 47' yacht there's not a lot of space for 8 burly ship-mates to do anything less. However, we do have one spare berth, so if anyone would like to grasp the nettle and join us for the four days, from Thursday evening 11th - Monday afternoon the 15th July, you would be more than welcome and be part of our motley crew, no previous experience need as we have an experienced skipper , who as it happens is also our Master Elect, to look after your safety and comfort and maybe bring you a cup a tea in bed. (well if you believe that you'll believe anything) All you've got to do is stump up the £260 for the four days slip on a pair of shorts and slap on a bit of sun cream and you're set ...
 Just contact me on the link if you are interested....
Also, we are looking to borrow or buy a Middlesex Provincial Flag to hang from the mast.
If anyone knows where I may find one please contact me
p.s. Middlesex Provincial Office doesn't have one.

In the absence of our own !! We will fly other Province's Flags for a £20 donation which we will give to charity and take photographs as proof!!

We continue to Spread the Word

For the second time in a year we have been fortunate to have a piece published in FreemasonryToday, the official magazine of the United Grand Lodge of England. This time it was an update on our successful membership drive, which I hope other Lodges who are experiencing a membership problem, like we were, to take inspiration.

The online version of the magazine is available by clicking on the link above and our letter has been published on Page 76

Since submitting the letter, we have continued to move forward with our membership and have a further 5 candidates waiting to be initiated in 2014.

It shows that there are potential candidates out there...... You just need to find them..... 

D-Day at East India Club

Here we go again !! Lunch at the East India Club.... Its a hard life, but someone's got to step up to the mark....
What a great sunny day it was, not like the same day in 1944 (so I was told) the day started by my usual trip on the Met Line from Pinner, where I sat near this Guide dog that was enjoying a day out with his master, oblivious to the sounds and people crowding the carriage who merely stepped over him.

The Menu

Gradation Lodge Members

Then after a quick change onto the jubilee line, I got off at Green Park , where it was a short walk to the club which is situated in the corner of  St. James' Square.
 June 6th 1944 was D-Day and for many years Ted Bentley has commemorated the day by attending a Luncheon at the Club. Ted was only 21 years of age at the time and was operating one of the Landing craft that was to carry troops onto Juno beach and his memories of the day are fixed in his mind and it was fascinating to hear him recount what went on, he had also obtained a copy of the Official Orders for the attack and was able to read them out after the meal.

W.Bro Ted (right)

Ted celebrated his 90th Birthday a couple of weeks ago and was expecting 4 friends to join him again this year for the lunch. However, he didn't expect 8  from his own Lodge and  4 members of North Harrow Lodge to be there.Thank you Ted for allowing us to be part of your special day.

The Canadian Room

Another great afternoon was had by all

Pinner Fair 700 years on

Personally , I'm not a great lover of fairs, however, I do like tradition.

The first Wednesday after the May bank holiday heralds an amazing spectacle and just for one day and for 24 hours, the Fun Fair rolls into the quiet leafy village of Pinner where the massive lorries and rides maneuver themselves to within feet of the shops on both sides of the streets.The street fair dates back to the 14th century when it was given a Royal Charter to enable it to be held at the same time in Pinner each year in perpetuity. If they fail to arrive, the charter fails and they would not be able to come ever again. Somehow, I believe Harrow Council wishes that would happen. Over the last few years, health and safety and security has been high on the agenda and this year was no exception as I noticed cctv overlooking most of the streets and although it rained on the day it didn't stop thousands of people enjoying themselves.Then at 10.30pm and in a blink of an eye, they had gone, well , for another year. Tradition lives on !!!