Report of Installation at Healesville Lodge No. 247
Saturday 5th April 2008
Report by Pedro Return to Reports 2008 Index
Here I am again sitting if front of the computer reflecting on the great weekend I have just enjoyed with my many friends in the VMMA. This weekend was another highlight in the event calendar as we had the honour to re-install Wor. Bro David Wells into the Chair of King Solomon, for his second year.
And so to the report.
I took the opportunity to travel down to Chris & Sharyn's house on Friday night, so we could attend to some extra VMMA work related to the preparation for the Cystic Fibrosis ride later in the year.
Saturday morning saw The Red Baron arrive at Chris & Sharyn's and then we went in to Lilydale for the rehearsal.
Pedro assisting Innis at rehearsal.
Our team straggled in at midday for the rehearsal and after a nice lunch we hit the square to do our stuff. Some of us were a bit rusty, having not had an installation for 6 months and had relaxed over Christmas/New Year.
Sharyn, Viv, Terri and Jean had made arrangements to go out for a dinner whilst we were carrying out the Installation, for this installation was not a combined one of brethren and visitors.
of Arriving back at Lodge around 6pm we did the usual head check as it was getting closer to tyling time, only to find that Ricardo was absent. Much to our relief he zoomed in on his trusty Yamaha 650 Turbo with ample time to spare.
VMMA members get already to enter the Lodge Room.
With the less than perfect rehearsal still in some team members minds we were admitted and in true professional style the VMMA Installation Team performed very well and didn’t disappoint those who attended the ceremony.
Once again we were led by our Patron M.W. Bro. John Wilson PGM, who took the lead and eased us into the start of the ceremony with some light-hearted introductions.
This then set the scene for a cheerful and very enjoyable ceremony. The Red Baron took the floor and supported and guided the floor team members to complete their work well.
L to R: Ricardo, John and Dennis L to R: Uncle, Rob, Baron, John and Dave.
It was very pleasing to see that eight Healesville brethren, also VMMA members, being invested as officers in the Lodge team for the next 12 months.
The supper was again a light hearted affair, and we enjoyed a number of toasts. No doubt there will be some good photos on the website later. VMMA members were again generous in supporting the raffle and took home some of the spoils.
VMMA Installation team and members at Healesville Lodge No. 247
Installed W.M. Bro. David Wells presented the evenings proceeds of $262 to VMMA President Chris along with a personal donation to be utilised by the VMMA in our charitable activities, Chris thanked David and Healesville Lodge brethren for the donation and announced that the donation will be included in the "Dragons Abreast" fundraiser that concludes at Maryborough Lodge nest Saturday 12th April.
Pedro can vouch for food!!!! MWBro. John Wilson PGM presenting jewel to IPM WBro. Ian Goddard
The weather was kind to most of us over the weekend, i.e. riding down and back to Lilydale Masonic Centre, but I was told that some Gippsland members did get a bit wet; I guess that is to be expected at this time of year.
The attendance list was quite impressive re numbers and included: John Wilson, The Red Baron, Big Red, Casper, Don Lowe, Rob Fisk, John Jarvis, Thumper, Uncle, Dave Cash, Cameron MacMahon, Grumpy (Hocking), Graham Elso, Ricardo, Wazza, Phil Tinker, Grumpy (Wells), Bob Nicholls, Glen Faulkner, Dean Lugton, Ian Goddard, Captain Fluffy, Innis Cull, and me – Pedro.
W.M. Bro. David Wells presenting a donation of the evenings proceeds to VMMA President.
As usual I am going to say that it was a great night of fun, fellowship, and friendship – which most certainly it was, and to which all VMMA attendees would also attest.
So, it’s bye from me and hope to see you all soon. Pedro
