Report of V.M.M.A. Inc.

Visit To Healesville Lodge No. 247

Wednesday 8th June 2005

Return to Reports 2005

Reported by Pedro

The occasion for this visit was to support Brother Warren Combes at the ceremony of him being ‘Passed’ to the second degree in Freemasonry.

V.M.M.A Members L to R: Chris, Cameron, Garry, Drew, Matt, Warren, Eric, Larry, George, Robert & Guy.

A good crowd of V.M.M.A. members were in attendance to support Worshipful Brother Chris Wells (the Master of the Healesville Lodge), and Brother Warren. Those attending included Drew Webber - Mornington, Pedro Eberbach - Bendigo, Guy Richards - Newry, Eric Palant – Doncaster, Larry King and George Allen – Mooroolbark, Garry Porter – Northcote, Rob O’Meara – KooWeeRup, Cameron MacMahon - Bayswater, Matt Turner – Box Hill, Dennis Turner (Matt’s dad) – Port Macquarie.

By the time I arrived from a pleasant blast down from Bendigo, at 7:25pm, Chris was nearly ready to start the meeting. On arrival I met the other V.M.M.A. members at the back door and it was interesting to see Chris reaction when I arrived as he was not expecting me. A highlight of the night was seeing and meeting Matt’s dad Dennis, (who was visiting from Port Maquarie), and decided to join his son at Lodge. I’m told this has not been a frequent occurrence: so well done to both of them for getting it together.

Around 7:45pm, after Guy was admitted as a new joining member of Healesville Lodge, the remainder of us were duly admitted and enjoyed the ceremony of ‘Passing’. It was particularly pleasing to see two visiting V.M.M.A. members assisting the Healesville Lodge team in the evenings work. George Allen gave the final address, and Rob O’Meara presented the very lengthy (to learn, remember and recite) 2nd degree Tracing Board lecture – well done guys, excellent effort.

Bro. David Wells presenting a cheque to W.Bro. George Allen V.M.M.A. Treasure for $231.60. 

At the second rising S.W. Bro. David Wells, yes another "Wells" announced that the National Bank had agreed to a Casual Dress Day in the Cards Department for the purpose raising money to be donated to the V.M.M.A. to assist with providing the CanTeen Annual Motorcycle Ride Day in February 2006 with a "ZERO BUDGET".

The Casual Dress Day in the Cards Department took place on Tuesday 31st May, 2005 and raised a total amount of $231.60, David mentioned that this amount was the largest amount raised by a casual dress day to date and that the cause gained much attention, thank you David for putting forward the proposal to the National Bank to consider the V.M.M.A. and CanTeen a worthy cause to support.

Looks like Pedro is booking someone!!!! 

At the conclusion of the meeting we retired to the supper room for refreshments, and gee that hot food went down a treat. No Lodge meeting could be complete without a raffle (affectionately known by most as the ‘swindle’) and this evenings was highlighted by one particular raffle prize comprising a set of ear protection muffs, and a face mask. After a quick consultation with the other V.M.M.A. members it was decided that we would win this prize and present it back to Chris Wells (see photo) to help him with his new hobby as a house renovator.

Chris being presented with more renovator tools by the V.M.M.A., think he really wants brick & mortor!!!! 

The evening rolled on and was brought to a close at about 11pm. I got away 15 minutes later and was joined by George on his Harley who accompanied me for 5 km’s before he turned off to Mooroolbark. The remainder of my trip was quiet, and it was very pleasing to feel the light rain at Woodend, which gradually increased in velocity and remained all the way to Bendigo. Entering the back door at 1:30am after a 2.5 hour ride on the mighty Triumph (sorry, free plug there for the best bike) I had little difficulty drifting off to sleep, feeling comfortable that I had enjoyed another great night in Freemasonry and more particularly with a fantastic group of V.M.M.A. members who share my love and passion for motorcycling.

Ciao for now. Pedro.