Bovey Tracey Installation
While many across the country were gathering to watch fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night, the members of Bovey Tracey Lodge No 8698 were gathering at the Dartmoor Lodge Motel in Ashburton. This important meeting was the annual installation meeting, where the elected Master is installed to lead the lodge for the year.
A team of lodge members transformed the function room at the Dartmoor Lodge Motel into a fully functional Meeting Room ready for this meeting.
This year’s ceremony held a special significance as the Master Elect was Neil Chapple, who was initiated into Bovey Tracey Lodge an impressive 41 years ago. Journeys from Initiation to Master can often take a number of years. Neil’s time in Freemasonry meant that this installation marked a special and proud moment for all those who have supported him over the decades.
The meeting was honoured by the presence of Timothy Golder, Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire, who was the presiding officer for the meeting. He was accompanied by Keith Ward, Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, as well as the Provincial Senior Grand Warden, Timothy Coleridge. They were in turn accompanied by a number of Provincial Officers and other dignitaries who were given a warm welcome to the meeting by the Lodge.
Music is such a valued part of our meetings, and becoming a more rare sight recently, so the Lodge were pleased that Steve Cox kindly packed up his own electric organ to accompany the proceedings and enrich the ceremony of the evening.
The outgoing Master, Martyn Brooks, has enjoyed a successful year leading the Lodge. Among the highlights include a well-supported Ladies Night, which raised £2,500 for Pete’s Dragons which provide support for families and individuals impacted by suicide. Such events continue to exemplify the charitable work and community support Freemasons are committed to.
Following the formal meeting, the function room was transformed into the formal dining space, and the brethren enjoyed a traditional meal together. The cheerful and relaxed atmosphere strengthened friendships and helped to celebrate the start of Neil’s year. The evening even managed to raised more than £300 for the Lodge’s charitable fund.
We wish Neil all the best for his year and for achieving this milestone in his Masonic journey after more than 4 decades of Masonic membership.
