ALL HAIL HEALESVILLE
Wednesday 9th September 2009
Reported by David Hall
When a VMMA member decides to join the Craft it is traditional for his Masonic Motorcycle mates to support him on his fist part of his fraternal journey. Mr. Royce Jensen took his first steps in the Craft on the 9th September 2009 into the Healesville Lodge at Lilydale, and as usual a collection of VMMA brethren were there to support him and share in his experience of the First degree.
Some of the VMMA members who attended Healesville Lodge to join with Mr. Royce Jensen (VMMA member) on his initiation into the craft.
Healesville already has a proud tradition of having amongst its brethren the largest number of VMMA members. Adding Bro. Royce to that number will make it almost impossible for any other Lodge to challenge the record.
As is usual for the author the day started bright and early with the loading of the trusty but rusty Suzuki with enough clothes for a day at work in Rosebud, a swim at the Dandenong pool, (guess who forgot his togs so couldn't go swimming after all) Lodge that night and a visit to his sister the following day.
Centre table are Royce's invited guest to the south.
The Weather Bureau forecast a little rain in the afternoon therefore it poured down at about 9.30 am, just as I came up behind a fleet of trucks throwing up all sorts of muck off the road from the eternal Bass Highway earthworks, now normally I wouldn't mind but I had just spent the previous weekend polishing off all the rust. Suzuki Australia assures me it is quite normal for their motorcycles to rust after eighteen months of ownership from new. Apparently they only cover rust under warranty if you confine the use of your motorcycle to the inside of your garage or lounge room, but that's another story.
W.Bro. David Wells, WM of Healesville Lodge introducing Royce in the south.
Would you trust these three with you money!!!!
Immediate Past VMMA President Chrissy Wells and his wife Sharyn (The ironing Lady) were kind enough to offer me their spare bedroom for the night, so an expensive & lonely night at a local motel was avoided. Thank you folks, I must say it was quite a thrill sleeping in the same bed as "The Baron" has on occasions!!!
As usual the ceremony performed by the team at Healesville was a privilege to witness. No less than three VMMA members took part and seven entered apprentices & fellowcrafts from surrounding Lodges were also in attendance, two of whom showed a great deal of interest in our association, one a very keen motorcyclist. Watching the Wells brothers in Masonic action together, David as Master & Chris as IPM was a great experience as both complimented each other very well. The Lodge ceremonial team was well disciplined and all the Past Masters taking part knew their work from back to front.
Absolutely a great night for freemasonry in general and for Royce on his initiation into the craft.
A lovely supper was provided and plenty of good hearted banter took place. In the blink of an eyelid it was time for the Tyler's Toast and it was time to head to the home of the Wells family for a good nights sleep and an early start in the morning to visit my sister at Warburton, and then home to the Island.
I am sure all VMMA brethren join me in welcoming Royce among our fraternal ranks and trust he has many happy years in the Healesville Lodge .
