Report of V.M.M.A. Inc. Visit
Doncaster Lodge No. 662
Friday 11th February 2005
This particular visit started off plainly as a telephone call to the Secretary of the Doncaster Lodge by V.M.M.A. member Master Elect of Healesville Lodge seeking a minute in the South to enlighten the brethren of dispensation being granted for a changed of Installation Date to accommodate the V.M.M.A. Installation Team to install Master Elect.
The immediate response from W.Bro. McAllister was, would you like to include a talk of the V.M.M.A. activities including the Open Night to be held at the Ferntree Gully Masonic Centre on Tuesday 22nd February 2005.
This was agreed upon, a quick telephone call to V.M.M.A. President Matt Turner to inform him of the request, found Matt not watching the Discovery Channel, but traveling down Maroondah Highway to Ringwood Masonic Centre to join with Chris and conjointly talk about some of the V.M.M.A. activities.
Bro. Ian of Doncaster Lodge checking out Matt's Triumph, Ian did check for leaks first!!! Photo Courtesy: CW
Both Matt and Chris were made extremely welcome, a large number of brethren spoke to us about various topics along with enlightening us of some avenues we may wish to explore that would hence our activities.
The work for the evening was the personal experience reflections of Bro. Doug McFarland as a young lad living at the Old Lodge at Government House during the depression days.
Doug's presentation was one that all took note of, it was a subject that many brethren directly related to for they also had lived through this difficult period of time, for us others it clearly demonstrated how lucky we are, even though we at times we think we are doing it hard.
Ringwood Masonic Centre Lodge Room. Photo Courtesy: CW
In the South both Matt & Chris were introduced and proceeded to discuss the V.M.M.A. in general and extended into the community work that we undertake along with various Masonic Activities including the invitation from G.L. for the V.M.M.A. to participate in Lodge Open Night presentations, of which there is one on Tuesday 22nd February 2005 at the Ferntree Gully Masonic Centre.
Matt invited the brethren of Doncaster Lodge to seriously consider asking a family member or friend to join with them in this particular Open Night.
Thought Matt was giving a V.M.M.A. presentation not showing his legs off!!! Photo Courtesy: CW
Doncaster Lodge has a tradition in the South to invite a number of visiting brethren to talk about their themselves which included when and how joined freemasonry, hobbies etc, yes the V.M.M.A. got a guernsey with Chris be invited to do the honours.
Once again a very friendly evening with good company.
Reported by CW.