VMMA Official Visit to Koo-wee-rup Lodge No. 323
Thursday 24th June 2010
The VMMA was invited to make an official visit to Koo-wee-rup Lodge No. 323 on Thursday 24th June, Koo-wee-rup Lodge was one of the first lodges some 8 years ago to embrace the concept of the VMMA and from that time has assisted the VMMA by making their Masonic Centre available for numerous charitable events, providing morning teas, providing man power and donations.
The aim of this particular visit was to give an update in the south of our recent activities within the community along with a Awareness Presentation of Cystic Fibrosis which once again gave those present plenty to think about, this then led into a update of the "Breathless" 8 Day Ride for Cystic Fibrosis Victoria that the VMMA is undertaking which commences in late October 2010 to raise the Awareness of Cystic Fibrosis within the Victorian Community and much needed funds for this organisation.
Turn out was extraordinary at Koo-wee-rup Lodge No. 323 on a cold winter’s night.
The turn out of VMMA members on this cold and wintery evening was outstanding with Bob, Dean, Chris, Ian, Taxi, Dennis, Phil, The Duke, Brian, Red and Graham.
Prior to entering the lodge the brethren of Koo-wee-rup Lodge and other visiting brethren made us very welcome, we received a number of invitations to visit other lodges within the district.
Having a good laugh prior to entering the lodge.
After entering the lodge Graham Elso both a Koo-wee-rup Lodge and VMMA member had prearranged with the W.M. to address the brethren, Graham's health has prevented him from attending lodge in recent times. Graham thanked the lodge and other brethren who have given him and Marilyn support and he was extremely pleased to be able to attend lodge once again and in particular on this evening with his VMMA mates.
But this was not all Graham had to say, he invited Chris to stand and announced that he has sponsored Chris to loose 20 kgs in weight and that it can be done for he Graham had lost 20 kgs in 6 weeks (but not due to wanting to).
The work for the evening was the raising of Bro. Dean Syrett, this ceremony was very well presented to Bro. Syrett and he now has a good platform to continue his Masonic involvement at Koo-wee-rup Lodge.
In the south after the raising of Bro. Dean Syrett.
On retiring into the south the VMMA members dispersed themselves on a number of tables to enjoy the company of the brethren they came to visit.
As the evening progressed Chris was invited to the floor to give an update of recent VMMA activities within the general community along with a Cystic Fibrosis "Awareness" presentation that then led into the "Breathless" 8 Day Ride which is a major event between the VMMA Inc. and Cystic Fibrosis Victoria that will commence in late October 2010 with the aim of Raising the Awareness of Cystic Fibrosis within the community whilst raising much need funds for this organisation.
At the conclusion of this presentation by Chris the W.M. Bro. Laurie Clow asked Chris to accept a donation of $200 from the Koo-wee-rup Lodge and a $10 donation from an unnamed brother, Chris accepted the generous donations and acknowledged the continued support of Koo-wee-rup Lodge and its brethren to the community work that the VMMA undertakes and that this donation will assist us in our endeavors to raise and donate $60,000 after the "Breathless" 8 Day Ride to Cystic Fibrosis Victoria.
Bob rarely fails to turn up with the VMMA merchandise of which the proceeds go to the VMMA charity account.
Brian Sanders a member of both Koo-wee-rup Lodge and the VMMA giving the toast to the visitors. The Duke from Powlett Lodge No. 661 responded on behalf of the visitors in the south.
The evening was starting to get away at this point in time so the evening raffle quickly followed with Bob and Dave taking prizes home (did you see them girls?), toast to the visitors was given by W.Bro. Brian Sanders and the response to that toast was given by W.Bro. David Kent.
It was then time to get all the good gear on and mount our bikes for the cold and very windy ride back to our abodes.
Another great night with like minded people.
Reported by CW.
