Installation of W.Bro. David Wells – Healesville Lodge No.247
Saturday 4th April 2009
Report by Pedro Return to Reports 2009 Index
The VMMA Installation Team had the pleasure of re-installing David for the second time at Healesville, this is David’s third year in a row as Master. A pretty substantial challenge, and certainly shows David’s commitment to the Lodge.
As is usually the case I met up with the Red Baron; this time in Kilmore at 1100. We relaxed and had a bite to eat and a drink and took the opportunity to drool over a magnificently restored VW Combi van.
VMMA Installation Team members at Lilydale Masonic Centre lining up for their rehearsal.
Having soaked up sufficient food, liquid and VW we ventured off to Whittlesea then Kinglake. I have worked in bushfires areas before but I must admit that I was shocked at what we saw as we rode through that fire ravaged area.
The devastation is awful and I will remember it for a long time. We rode on somewhat sedately and later turned onto the Melba Highway at the Kinglake/ Toolangi intersection. We enjoyed a fast clear run down the hill to Dixons Creek, then slowed up for ‘tin tops’ and horse floats.
Our arrival at Lilydale Masonic Centre was a little later than we expected but David had plenty of hot food for us prior to the posted team rehearsal time of 1300. I was very interested to see a brand new burgundy coloured Kawasaki GTR 1400 in the car park, and later found out that it belonged to Noel Harris. Good choice Noel and I love the colour.
Lilydale Masonic Centre lodge room. VMMA Installation Team members at Lilydale Masonic Centre lining up for their rehearsal.
So back to the business at hand, and in to the Lodge Room to rehearse. Someone keeps saying that a bad rehearsal makes for a good installation. I don’t get that because in this instances the rehearsal was a light hearted and jovial time and the installation later also went very well.
For the Red Baron and me the post rehearsal hours were spent at Chris and Sharyn’s, as they were kind enough to accommodate us yet again. The 6 o’clock bell sounded and having showered etc we piled into Chris car and headed to the Lilydale Masonic Centre.
VMMA members in attendance for the installation were: George Allen, Mal Pitcher, David Cash, Robert van Lunenburg (the Red Baron), Rob Fisk, Dennis Setterfield (Casper), Robert O’Meara (Big Red), Phil Tinker, Warren Combes, Noel Harris, David Kent, Ian (Izzy) Ray, Richard (Ricardo) Penna, Ron Alderding, Dean Lugton, Bob Nicholls, Graham Hocking, Graham Elso, Cameron McMahon, Pedro Eberbach and of course the man of the night David Wells.
WM Bro. David Wells with the Installing Master Ricardo on the left and David’s son Ross (Lewis) on his right.
We were admitted around 1900. The ceremony was conducted by Ricardo - Installing Master, the Red Baron - in his usual position of Proclaiming Officer, and well supported by our Deacons/Presenting Officers Red O’Meara and Casper Setterfield.
All the other team members did their usual magnificent job and again, as usual, the ceremony had its lighter moments with laughter. A most enjoyable ceremony. Having finished and closed the lodge at 2115, WM David invited the VMMA members and his new lodge team to stay for photos.
Members of both the Healesville Lodge and the VMMA after the installation.
We then adjourned to the supper room. Sadly this evening we did not enjoy the company of the ladies, therefore the numbers were down somewhat to 40. Once again the Yarra Glen Lodge provided the stewarding for the banquet as is their annual custom. The roast dinner meal was served and washed down with a rather nice Penfolds Rawson red wine.
The Master presented the Secretary and Treasurer with badges in appreciation of their ongoing and dedicated service to the lodge, and then invited them to join with him in cutting the installation cake with a sword.
VMMA Installation Team Deacons Dennis and Red with swords that have been donated to the VMMA.
The Red Baron gained the attention of the diners a number of times by blowing the (now famous) VMMA horn. Ricardo presented the toast to the Master and we gave him our traditional VMMA ‘fire’ – this consists of stamping on the floor with the right foot 3 times as if trying to start an old Vincent motorcycle, then celebrating its starting by raising the right arm high in the air and yelling very loudly ‘hoorah’.
After this commotion subsided the raffle was circulated. I had a good feeling about this and thought that I would be lucky enough to win a prize to take home. But alas it was not to be. However other VMMA members we fortunate to win – Bob Nicholls, George Allen, Dean Lugton, Noel Harris and Graham Elso. The raffle raised $221 – not a bad effort considering there were only 40 present.
Finally the mission is complete !!!! Ricardo toasts the WM Bro. David Wells.
The Master then spoke about his preferred charity for the ensuing year. He then went on to make a personal donation of $100 to the VMMA. Having been suitably fed and watered we arose to sing the last few tunes before the diner official finished at 2300.
The Baron invited Cameron who in fact inspired the VMMA Installation team fire to newly installed master to join with him to lead the demonstration and explanation prior to everyone being asked to rise and give the WM a healthy VMMA fire.
And so ended yet another special night for the VMMA. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!
Ciao Pedro
