VMMA Official Visit  to Mount Franklin – St. George Lodge No. 12

Daylesford

 Tuesday 26th May 2009

Reported by Pedro                                                    Return to Reports 2009 Index

 

A hearty and dedicated band of intrepid VMMA members visited Daylesford to enjoy what has, for the second time, been an excellent night.

 

In attendance were: Ricardo, Isy, Pedro, Captain Fluffy, Walhalla, and Taxi. There were a number of apologies; 3 of which were from Bendigo members who were on other Masonic duties.

 

 

Arriving at Mount Franklin – St. George Lodge No. 12 at Daylesford. L to R: Dean and Taxi (Scooter)

Dean concluded the VMMA presentation to a rousing applause.

 

I left from work around 1700 and tootled home to get my clobber then progressed rather quickly to Daylesford to meet the southern bunch for dinner at the local pub around 1815. We hunkered down to a huge beef burger, chips and greens. Although I can’t actually remember seeing Chris eat his greens! (Taxi didn’t eat: smart move actually as the supper later was plentiful and certainly filling. The pumpkin soup was wonderful!)

 

L to R: Taxi, Dean and Pedro at Daylesford Hotel for a counter meal prior to the lodge meeting.

 

Around 1900 we wandered over the road to the lodge and got changed. As usual we were met warmly by Dean Jones PM of the lodge (now ADC), and Chubb another brother and keen (Harley) biker who has a vice like hand shake that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger sit up and take notice.

 

Of course the hospitable welcome was also received from all other members of No.12 and other visitors. Around this time Ricardo and Isy arrived looking refreshed and quite warm having travelled over from Bendigo in the car.

 

The Masters intention per our invitation was to open and close the lodge then retire to the supper room for a VMMA talk. This was duly done and we gathered in the south to yet again enjoy the hospitality of the Daylesford and district brethren.

 

 

Pedro and Chris assisting with the VMMA presentation.

 

Walhalla (Dean) led off with an introduction, followed by Pedro, with Chris wrapping the whole thing up very well with an informative talk mainly focussing on Cystic Fibrosis.

 

Those gathered agreed that the VMMA concept of helping others is working well and they also agree that we are giving a fresh new face to the Craft.

 

It is always encouraging to hear brethren openly declaring their support for us.

 

 

Inside Daylesford Masonic Centre Lodge Room.                    L to R: Pedro, Taxi, Izy and Dean.

 

The raffle was duly circulated, drawn and won. The Master, W. Bro. Ted Goodwin announced the raffle outcome as $147, then promptly raised that to 150 and within a few minutes the Treasurer was directed to write a cheque for $200 to be donated to the VMMA Charitable Fund.

 

This was totally unexpected and of course we were extremely grateful for their generosity. Dean, being the cheeky ex - merchandising officer that he is couldn’t resist the opportunity to sell some VMMA items. Much to our surprise and with no prompting we sold a bit over $200 worth of stock. Bob and Jean will be happy no doubt as it will be less they have to count for the pre AGM stock take.

 

Pedro addressing those in the south.

 

The night having started on time finished around 2145 and we took the opportunity to kit up and make for home. Ricardo and Isy left before me but I soon caught them just out of town, driving quite sensibly and I dare say on the look out for ‘roos which fortunately I did not see.

 

As the night was not freezing as is normally the case around Daylesford, Castlemaine etc I rode on at a fairly quick pace, with the assistance of my driving lights. The trip home was uneventful and I only saw one fox and a rabbit.

 

The W.M. Bro. Ted Goodwin made a presentation to the VMMA President Dean for a amount of $200 that is directed to the VMMA Charity fund.

 

The recent rains must have generated some new growth in the paddocks, hence the lack of ‘roos on the road. 

 

In conclusion I can only reiterate that yet again we have had a fantastic night at Daylesford with a great band of brethren and motorcyclists.

 

Their hospitality is exceptional and like many other country lodges they really appreciate the grass roots work that we are doing.

 

Ciao Pedro