Attended Lodge Brotherhood of Maitland’s Reinstallation on Saturday 16th August. In the Diary it had 6pm Visitors, however, that was a typo, it should have been 5pm. Have never attended Maitland Lodge before and after a bit of navigation I stumbled upon it.

Gave greetings to all and sundry and met new Brethren. That is the great thing about Freemasonry, you can go to a new Lodge, introduce yourself and then talk with them as if you have known them for years.

Visitors were admitted and as I entered I must have had a brain snap or was in it bit of a daze. After I salutred the WM, I walked straight across the Lodge Room and took my seat. When I realised what I had done there was no turning back. I will never do that again.

On this occasion it was a Reinstallation and the Past Deputy Grand Master PDGM was representing The Grand Master.

The Lodge was opened in the Second Degree and the Grand Director of Ceremonies then entered and annouced the reception of the representative of the MW Grand Master. Greetings were conveyed and then the presentation of the WM Elect took place. Charges, Obligations and Regulations were conducted and then the Lodge was opened in the Third Degree.

Collars, Jewels and other insignia of Office was collected and handed to the GDC. It was at this point that all below the rank of installed Master retired and this was performed under the direction of the Grand Director of Ceremonies.

We went outside and ate, drank and was merry. The Lodge was resumed in the Third Degree and we were readmitted. I will find out one day what occurs. The announcement and proclamation in the East was conducted and then the presentation of the Third Degree Working Tools.

Lodge was opened in the Second Degree and all Fellowcarfts were admitted, which was followed by the announcement and Proclamation in the West and then the presentation of the Second Degree Working Tools.

Lodge was then opened in the First Degree and all Masons were admitted. Presentation of the Working Tools and the preentation of the Charter, Book of Constitutions and Bye-Laws. The Investiture of Officers then took place which was nice to observe, simply because our install is on Thursday.

Other greetings and responses were given by the WM and the WM Representative and Certificates were presented to a number of Brethren.

The Representative of The Grand master and Grand Lodge Officers retired and the newly installed WM thanked the visitors for attending and the JW invited all Brethren to the South.

Lodge was closed in Peace, Love and Harmony and we then drove to Bank Street, where the South was waiting.

I followed the wrong car and ended up lost and finally found my way and becasue I was slightly late, I was invited to sit with various Grand Lodge Officers and their Ladies…Oh My. Various Toasts and responses were given. The WM wife was extremely nervous about giving her sppech, however, she gave a great speech and it was warmly received. Had a lovely evening talking with the the Brethren and their Wives and I look forward to sitting in Lodge with them in due course. The Swindle was run and won and as it turned out Our Table scored well in the end.

The JW gave the final toast of the evening and we said our farewells.  I spoke with the SW and his briefly and I will see him at the next Regional practice.

Arrived home at about 2230hrs.