Brethren from Guernsey and Alderney Province, accompanied by many other brethren from across the UK, made the journey to London on the 2nd of September to attend the meeting of the London Rugby Lodge at Freemasons’ Hall.
To kick things off 12 Brethren began their journey to United Grand Lodge of England to attend a meeting held by Barbican Lodge No 8494 where they undertook both an Entered Apprentice ceremony and a Fellowcraft Ceremony in Room 13.
The Brethren then spent a wonderful afternoon with Barbican Lodge No 8494 catching up and exchanging stories. Next stop was to a little Greek restaurant to catch up with members of Sarnia Riduna Lodge No 5840.
For those unaware of Sarnia Riduna Lodge No 5840 they were Consecrated in 1941 in London from Islanders of the Channel Islands and if ever Brethren find themselves unwell from our Provinces they will try and visit and help where possible.
During the meal a 14th Brother joined the Masonic trip and on the Saturday a further 3 including our Provincial Grand Master.
The Brethren made two trips to Grand lodge. First thing on the list was to do some much needed retail therapy! Second, some sight seeing as mason visitors to the Grand Lodge. They enjoyed the stunning architecture and prepared themselves for main event! The Grand Temple to see Dick Best join London Rugby Lodge No 857 with 700 other Brethren from all corners of the country.
All the Brethren were taken aback by the stunning decoration of the Grand Temple and the incredible ceremony that took place in front of so many including the Pro Grand Master Jonathan Spence.
Bro Dick Best Best was Director of Rugby at London Irish and is currently a journalist. He coached the England national team. England won 13 and lost two of the 17 games played when Best was their coach and he was a coach on the 1993 British Lions tour to New Zealand.
The Festive Board was held at the Connaught Rooms next to Grand Lodge where there were many Rugby Lodges in attendance with some rugby rules to follow and a huge amount of funds raised for charity.
We thank all brethren who that made our lads feel so welcome and we hope to see you here soon in the Channel Islands where the kindness and hospitality will be returned!
