Sandhurst Lodge No. 194 – Scottish Night.
Thursday 22nd November 2007
The busy VMMA visit scheduled continued with two events on this night; the Scottish Night at my lodge in Bendigo, and an equally important night at Koo-wee-rup, with a First Degree Demonstration by the lodge, which included many VMMA members.
Phew, it’s all happening, and we aren’t even in the Christmas Party season just yet.
Having confirmed the travel and accommodation arrangements some days ago with the Baron, I was surprised to receive a call from him mid afternoon to say he was on his way back home to pick up his gear for he had run out of fuel, and would therefore go straight to the Lodge room.
How much was that officer?
On my arrival at Lodge he informed me that in his haste to arrive in Bendigo on time he was apprehended by a prowling Policeman near Axedale and ‘pinged’ for $215 and 3 demerit points; and that was after the kind copper marked him down! Baron, you naughty boy.
The following VMMA members were in attendance on the night: Chris and Sharyn Wells, Dean Lugton, Richard Penna, The Red Baron, Dean Jones (Master of Mt.Franklin - St. George Lodge in Daylesford), Graham (Wizza) Wybar, and Andrew George.
VMMA members arriving at Bendigo Masonic Centre to join with Sandhurst Lodge
Sandhurst tyled on time at 1930, and after the usual business it was time for me to rise and vouch (as proposer) for Bro. Travis Moore (Fellowcraft), who with his lovely wife Sherrelle and children, moved to Bendigo from Robinvale, earlier this year. The Master seconded the nomination for joining member and after a show of hands in the affirmative Travis entered, was duly welcomed to Sandhurst (the happy Lodge) and sat with me during the meeting.
The VMMA members entered after the Past Masters and were warmly welcomed by the Master. The final entry was by kilted brethren, who were escorted by a piper and flanked by flag bearers carrying the Scottish flag. Once the various tartans were presented, the Master closed the Lodge so we could adjourn to the supper room and join the ladies and guests.
We entered and were seated in the supper room by 2100. After the obligatory toasts, we were ready for the entrance of the Haggis and its subsequent address. The Haggis party comprised the Haggis bearer, the sword bearer, and flanked by Masonic pipers.
W. Bro. Jim Millar with that Haggis, we think its dead!!!!!
The address to the Haggis, in the Sandhurst Lodge is conducted by one of our own native Scots - Wor Bro Jim Millar. As is usual Jim did a wonderful job, although the vast majority of us didn’t understand 90% of what he was saying in Gaelic. Regardless, it was a stirring address delivered with passion and purpose.
During supper joyful entertainment was provided for our enjoyment, by the local Caledonian Choir. Ricardo tried (vainly) to assist the accompanying pianist by tapping his foot loudly in time with the music. Chris’ eyelids were fluttering wildly; not through the excitement of the singing and music, but rather from his apparent tiredness from long hours of work. As usual I was asked to run the raffle, and contrary to popular belief it is not the ‘Sandhurst Swindle’, as the distribution of the 18 prizes, as well as going to 3 VMMA members also went to ladies and visitors.
What do these 3 have in common, absolutely nothing!!! R to L: Sharyn, Sherrelle, Travis & Ricardo
Our final entertainment for the night was by 4 very skilled local pipers and a drummer. Unfortunately the pipers stood just 2 metres away from us and the decibel level was excessive. Although, The Red Baron was, for once in the night silent, as he was transfixed on the pipers and their medley of Scottish tunes. What a pity Neil Chisholm wasn’t able to attend to enjoy the pipes.
So, the night drew to a close around 2250, and the Melbourne crew decided to depart. Chris asked me whether it would rain on the way home - my casual reply in the negative, as we have had rain recently and certainly no local showers were forecast. Unfortunately, that weather prediction was wrong in the extreme, as it appears that further south the heavens literally opened on them and they got drenched. Sorry about that, but up this way any rain is useful rain!
Just a little wet is it Sharyn?
The Baron and I arranged to leave his bike at Ricardo’s house for the night, just 500 metres from the Lodge, and I would then drive us back to Sedgwick. This we did, and returned the Baron in the morning to retrieve his bike and head off home.
Stop Press: The Red Baron has just rung in mid morning Friday to say that on the way out of Bendigo his left hand mirror fell off, again. This was the same mirror that was damaged when Baron executed yet another of his now famous horizontal parking maneuvers in Bright some weeks ago. Clearly Baron, the super glue is not working, and it is now time to pay the money and take delivery of Brian Sanders BMW!
So, that’s all folks. A good night had by all.
Ciao Pedro
