VMMA official visit to Zetland Lodge No. 25
Wednesday 25 June 2008
Reported by Pedro Return to Reports 2008 Index
Zetland Lodge Worshipful Master Rob Hamilton issued a warm invitation to the VMMA to visit on this night to partake in a special treat; whisky tasting and a two courses meal including haggis. Unfortunately due to storm warnings and work commitments in Melbourne Chris and Dean couldn’t make it.
Those of you who enjoy whisky, haggis, Bagpipe music, and many other things Scottish certainly missed out on a great night.
Some days ago I rang the Red Baron to see whether he would be interested in attending; you can imagine what the response was! So we agreed that he would ride down to my place in Sedgwick, and then we would drive down in the car. This worked well as due to my current medication I am not able to consume alcohol. I also rang Richard Penna and he confirmed his attendance.
The Baron and I arrived in cold Kyneton somewhat early and snacked on less than healthy stuff at the local Fish & Chip shop. Upon entering the Lodge anti room I was greeted by a number of familiar faces from my Lodge (Sandhurst) and other Bendigo based brethren, who very sensibly were huddled around the warm open fire.
The Baron was similarly greeted by brethren he knew from many different Lodges/Orders around central and northern Victoria; such is the popularity and reputation of our Red Baron.
The 20 visiting brethren finally entered the cosy temple at 2010 and were warmly greeted by the Master. After a brief time the lodge was closed and we retired to the supper room to join the ladies and other non Masonic guests. I counted 50 people in the supper room – a goodly number for a cold night.
Once everyone was seated it was time to pipe in the haggis. This was conducted by 2 very experienced Masonic pipers from Bendigo Lodges, and the guard from Zetland. The traditional Scottish welcome and address to the haggis was presented in Gaelic by Wor Bro James Millar of Sandhurst Lodge.
The whisky tasting commenced immediately thereafter with a very enlightening talk from a young man who represents the whisky industry and conducts information and promotional talks on the industries products. He spoke about, and the attendees tasted 2 Irish whiskies, 2 Scotch whiskies, and 2 American bourbon whiskies; single malts and blended varieties.
Ricardo and The Red Baron had the hard job of tasty mine and other non drinkers’ samples. I could tell from the Baron’s comments about each sample how much he was enjoying himself. I did however derive some pleasure from smelling the various samples, which confirmed my like for American bourbon.
Having nibbled on chips and peanuts during the tasting we were somewhat surprised when a full hot meal of beautifully tender chicken, veggies, and haggis was served to us. This was then followed by a dessert of fruit type cake and cream. Yum, yum all round. And all this for just $5. The Master then announced the raffle. As usual we bought up big, as I had my eye on the 8 boxes of fresh veggies and other tasty biscuit assortments. Alas we won nothing on the night, but the Master did inform us all that a substantial amount was raised and that it would be directed to an appropriate charity. After dinner musical entertainment was provided by 2 very experienced Masonic pipers from Bendigo Lodges.
And so as the night went on we finally arose for the Tyler’s toast. Those of us that attended had a fantastic time, and at nights end Zetland Master Rob informed me that this was just one example of the many special theme type nights they have throughout the year.
Our farewells took some time and we departed around midnight, with safe arrival back in Sedgwick around 0100, thankfully with no scary sightings or contact with kangaroos etc.
A very pleasant, enjoyable, and friendly night at Zetland. Considering the relative proximity to my home I am very keen to visit them again. If you have a chance to visit them in the future I am sure that you will be warmly welcomed.
Ciao for now, Pedro.