Brethren, the 2nd of November 2022 saw a new Worshipful Master in the shape (person) of WBro Richard Barter who was installed by his predecessor, WBro John McDowell in a most exemplary manner which WBro Peter Keaty, APGM, complimented him on and referred to several times.
In 2022, as an experiment, the venue for both the Meeting and the Festive Board was held at the Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton. There may have been others involved, but I’m aware that our Secretary, WBro Adrian Hammett, DC, WBro Charlie Peace and Assist DC, WBro Brian Cocker worked particularly hard to ensure these facilities would be suitable and organized for us to walk in to when we all arrived. The only ‘hitch’ in not having an organ or organist was resolved when a guest from Taunton kindly agreed to put his reputation on the line in playing an electric organ which WBro Charlie found in his roof space!
Wm Richard included among his guests his father-in-law, Bro Heath Dadd, now a magnificient 97 years old and Heath’s other son-in-law, WBro Robert Hendy. Our Wm’s son, Bro James was IG while his nephew Bro Chris Skelton will be JD but he was absent unfortunately.
As the Festive Board was to be held in the same room, it was necessary to empty it quickly, handing it back to the staff who were well organized and began serving an excellent meal a little over an hour later.
My personal opinion – the hotel excelled with their efficiency and courtesy. The size of portions were generous and the food was served hot. A very happy atmosphere prevailed all evening. The Hotel proved to be an eminently suitable substitute for our previous venue in Bovey Tracey – the one drawback being that Bovey locals have a very long walk home!
Our huge thanks must go to the small group of brethren who worked their ‘socks off’ to make this happen, including the installing Master, John! RB 4.11.2022