A warm welcome in Thame—and two new roles for our members

Friday 16 October saw seven of us from Henley head to Thame Masonic Centre for the installation meeting of St Mary’s Mark Lodge No. 1242. With familiar faces, new responsibilities and the promise of a roast beef dinner, there was plenty to look forward to!

Two members of RTTV, who also belong to Thames Mark Lodge No. 1183 in Henley, became joining members of St Mary’s that evening. Bro Darren Morris-Spruce took up his first office in the lodge as Assistant Director of Ceremonies, while Bro David Spruce was appointed Junior Deacon. Five fellow members from Henley came along to support them and enjoy the occasion.

The meeting saw the new Worshipful Master installed for the coming year, followed by the appointment and investiture of the lodge’s officers. Our congratulations go to the new Master and his team, and we wish them a thoroughly enjoyable year ahead.

After the meeting, we gathered for a festive board of soup, roast beef and a traditional apple crumble. A reassuringly sound menu for an autumn evening—and a good reason to leave room after the main course!

The evening also raised a generous sum for charity, continuing the support that Freemasons across the different orders give according to their means.

Visiting is one of the great pleasures of Freemasonry. It offers a chance to meet new people, catch up with friends and discover the little differences in how other lodges work. Occasionally, it even provides a useful reminder of how something should be done—though naturally, we would never name names!

With plenty of laughter and conversation along the way, we headed home at around 9.30pm, grateful for the warm welcome and already looking forward to our next visit.