Lodge of Instruction

The Lodge of Instruction has been going for many years, beneficial to Brethren progressing "up the ladder". Every year We held the annual Lodge of Instruction Supper, when the Past Masters act as Stewards. The Offices are taken by those who are likely to be regular officers for the coming year. At the Festive Board before dining, The incoming Worshipful Master was presented with a chain of office to hold for one year. The chain of office has a resemblance to that seen in very small rooms, to which was added in W. Bro. Ken Axford's year, a small compass, because at the regular Lodge meeting as S.W. he said, "as the sun sets in the East to close the day etc.". A menu I found interesting was at a Lodge of Instruction Dinner on the 2nd December 1954, a five course meal was served at 8pm, after which pianoforte recitals were given by W. Bro. Rev. Walter Prest, and entertainment by other well known artistes.

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During the second world war and subsequent food rationjing, the Lodge Suppers depended heavily on the generosity of the Brethrenin the Trade. In the 1950's onward, it was the duty of the Senior Stewards to help supply the food at a cost price and on the Lodge afternoon, vegetables had to be prepared ready for the Festive Board. Gran Bate was the cook and she would tell the stewards  off in no uncertain terms if they were a bit "over the top" for providing more food than was needed. It was said Gran Bate knew the Ceremonies better than the members themselves.