Friday 20th January 2023 saw Burns Night finally return to Cramlington Masonic Hall at John Page Lodge No.3619.
It had been a long-standing tradition for their January meeting which sadly stopped due to COVID. The Lodge, on this occasion, had also opened up the Festive Board to prospective candidates. Not only was this a night to celebrate the return of this tradition, it was also a chance to celebrate a candidate completing his 2nd degree.
The ceremony was completed in the usual John Page style, conducted by the current Master W.Bro Derek Thompson, who is a Past Master of not only John Page Lodge but also Dudley Lodge No.5425. In addition the Candidate, Bro. Dylan Chamberlain, was led through the ceremony by experienced Past Masters and brethren. Dylan is a Pathways Candidate and had undergone his Initiation ceremony in the October of 2022.
The Festive Board commenced with a performance from the brilliant Morpeth Pipe Band Highland Dancers. The dancers regularly attend the Burns Night and it was great to see them back and in fine form as always. The Haggis was then piped in by Stuart Todd, of the Morpeth Pipe Band, accompanied by brethren in their Scottish attire. W.Bro Bob Long completed the Selkirk Grace followed by W.Bro Alan Robinson who completed the address to the haggis with his usual excellence.
As the Festive Board was an open one, it allowed the Lodge guests to experience an element of Freemasonry. The guests were welcomed and made to feel at home by the brethren present enabling them to enjoy the entertainment and food.
Congratulations to Dylan on taking his next step in Freemasonry and we wish you well for your third Degree ceremony, and congratulations to John Page Lodge on what looks to have been a very enjoyable evening for all concerned.
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