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Land of Cakes R.A.C. No.15

Burns Supper

The Land of Cakes Royal Arch Chapter No. 15 held its annual Burns Supper on Saturday, 28th January. Bro. Robert Burns was Exalted to the Royal Arch Degree within the Masonic Temple of Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70 at a general encampment held that day, 19th May, 1787. 

 This year is the 225th Anniversary of the Chapter and once again there was a full house for the Burns Supper. Under the Chairmanship of Most Excellent Companion Robin Maunder the companions dined on Kail, The Haggis Mashed Tatties and Neeps, Cheese board and biscuits and Barley Bree and Sic Like to Order.The Haggis was piped in by young Michael Wilson Esq. of Eyemouth Pipe Band and musical entertainment was supplied by Mr Bruce Thomson Esq. a young 81 and a half year old. The Toast Master was Most Excellent Companion Duncan N. Donaldson. After the Loyal Toast and toasts to The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter and Border R.A. Province and to The Grand Lodge of Scotland and The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian and Berwickshire the main toast of the evening, The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, was delivered by Bro. George R. J. Donnelly P.M. 70 and Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master of East Lothian and Berwickshire. The Toast to The Lassies was then delivered by Bro. Harry Wright R.W.M. St. John 104, Jedburgh. 

The evening then continued with song, recitation and not a little mirth until The Tylers Toast and Auld Lang Syne rounded off a wonderful evening.

Our grateful thanks go to all the entertainers who kept us well versed and well sung. In no particular order they were Duncan Donaldson, Alistair Lindsay, John Purvis, James tarvit, Ian Weir, Sandy Watson, Rob Cockburn, Harry Wright, Ewan Frater, Michael Wilson, Murray Henderson and Bruce Thomson on the accordion.

The Top Table Guests.

From Left to right:

M.E.C. Duncan N. Donaldson, Master of Ceremonies

M.E.C. William Chippendale, I.P. Grand Superintendent Border R.A. Province.

Bro. George R.J. Donnelly, PM St. Ebbe No. 70, IPPGM EL & B

M.E.C. Robin C. Maunder MEZ Land of Cakes RAC No.15, Chairman

Bro. Colin J. Higgins, RWM St. Ebbe No. 70.

Bro. Harry Wright, RWM St. John No. 104.

Bro. John F. Lamb RWPGM, Roxburgh, Peebles & Selkirk Shires.

Bro. Peter Craig, P.M.

As many of you will know, Bro. Peter Craig P.M. (AKA Peter the Piper), has been in hospital since September after having a bowel operation. For 3 months Peter was not particularly well, but has been rallying since the beginning of December. So much so that he was transferred from the Borders General Hospital in Melrose to the Knoll Hospital at Duns, much closer to home. He is now starting to get around with the aid of a zimmer or wheelchair and getting stronger every day. Such is the depth of feeling for Peter from the people of Eyemouth, a number of local organizations clubbed together and bought him a set of Electronic pipes. He can now sit and play this chanter like instrument without having to blow. At a special presentation held within the dining room of the Knoll Hospital on Sunday 15th January, representatives of the organizations concerned presented Peter with his new 'pipes' and within a few minutes he had everyone tapping their feet.

The organizations concerned were Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70, Land o' Cakes Royal Arch Chapter No. 15, Royal British Legion Scotland, Eyemouth Branch, Royal British Legion Pipe Band, The Clachan (Burns Club), Eyemouth Parish Church and The Hospital Comforts Association.

Our grateful thanks go to all for this magnificent gesture.

Below are a selection of photographs from the presentation.

RWM Bro. Colin Higgins making the presentation and then Peter trying them

Representatives of the various organizations.

 INSTALLATION

Wednesday 28th December @ 6.00pm

The Installation of the new Right Worshipful Master

L - R  Bro. James S. Walshe RWPGM, Bro. William T. Gray IPM

Bro. Colin J. Higgins R.W.M.

Installing Masters Bro. Duncan N. Donaldson PM & Bro. Sandy Watson PM

On Wednesday 28th December 2011, Bro. Colin James Higgins was Installed as the new Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70.

In accordance with our ancient customs, the Lodge was opened at 6.00 pm and thereafter adjourned at 6.30 pm when the Brethren assembled behind members of the Eyemouth Pipe Band and marched in procession to Bro. Higgins father's house where Bro. Higgins greeted all present and welcomed them in to partake of a nice dram. This was really appreciated due to the cool, very windy conditions. Led by the Pipe Band, the procession then escorted Bro. Higgins back to the Lodge where he was Installed into Office in an excellent ceremony conducted by Bro. Duncan N. Donaldson PM and Bro. Sandy Watson PM. The Lodge Office Bearers were also Installed. The Brethren then retired to the Harmony room for an excellent meal and equally excellent brief, but meaningful toasts.

Our congratulations go to Bro. Higgins with our good wishes for a successful year and our thanks and congratulations go to the I.P.M. Bro. William T. Gray for all the hard work he has put in during the past year.

The 'Hymooth Hikers'

On 16th October 2011, Colin, Alex and Sandy walked the 11 miles from Lodge St. David 393, Berwick-upon-Tweed to Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70 to raise funds for this years Provincial Charity drive. They were supported by four ladies from the 'Hymooth Hikers' and 'Mungo'.

The sum of

£377.00

was raised.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored the walkers.

The intrepid walkers on their return to Eyemouth.                      

Distinguished Service Membership

At the Regular Meeting on Thursday 6th October, which was also the Provincial Visitation, Bro. George R. J. Donnelly, Past Master and Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian and Berwickshire was made a Distinguished Service Member of the Lodge. After Greetings from the Lodge Bro. George was Obligated and presented with his Diploma to which he made a suitable reply.

NEW CARPETS LAID.

A new chequered carpet and surrounding carpet has been laid in the Lodge.

The R.W.M. Bro. William Gray, Bro. Peter Craig PM and Bro. Allan Craig PM attended the Provincial Grand Lodge of Lanarkshire Upper Ward Church Service at Carnwath on Sunday 4th September 2011.

(Photograph courtesy of Bro. David Bennet PM No. 1234)

New work in the Lodge.

For the safety of Brethren, work has been carried out in the East to extend the standing area and to put barriers in place to prevent those less able nowadays from slipping off the steps. The work is moving along well and will be completed before the new carpets are to be laid.

Installation of Master

Monday 27th December 2010

Bro. William T. Gray, R.W.M.

The Installing Team

Bro. John Purves P.M., Bro. George Donnelly P.M.,

Bro. William T. Gray R.W.M., Bro. Peter Craig P.M. 

Three St. Ebbe members, one from Dunse 23 and two friends completed a 12 mile coastal walk on Sunday 26th September to raise funds for this years Provincial Charity Appeal. 

 Well done lads! The sum of £414 was raised and has been sent to Provincial Grand Lodge to be added to the final total.

The cheques, sums to be announced on the night, will be presented at the Charity Dance in Lodge Nisbet No. 1112 at 7.00 pm on Saturday 13th November. £5 entry

They don't make them like that anymore.

Well, would you rather live in the city?

Provincial News 

On Friday 9th July 2010, Mrs Charles Wolridge Gordon, wife of The Grand Master Mason, opened the new conservatory extension to Sir James Mackay House, the Scottish Masonic Home at Ravelston Dykes, Edinburgh.

The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian and Berwickshire is one of five Provincial Grand Lodges who undertook to fund and build, in conjunction with Grand Lodge, this much needed extension to the home. The Provincial Grand Lodges concerned are East Lothian and Berwickshire, Edinburgh, Fife and Kinross, Linlithgowshire and Midlothian. Midlothian also built a sensory garden for the residents to enjoy.

On the same day, the Provincial Grand Master Bro. George Donnelly, presented The Grand Master Mason with a cheque for £5,000 which was this Provinces contribution to the fund.

Two views of the Conservatory

Mrs Charles Wolridge Gordon performing the opening ceremony

The Provincial Grand Master Bro. George Donnelly presents The Grand Master Mason Bro. Charles Iain Wolridge Gordon with this Provinces donation.

Special Meeting 

On Saturday 20th March, 2010, a deputation of 56 Brethren from Lodge St. Bryde No. 579 (Uddingston) in the Province of Lanarkshire Middle Ward, accompanied by their Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. Jim Jack (PM 579),Bro. William Perry SPGM and 5 Brethren from St. Peters Lodge, Birmingham visited the Lodge.  The R.W.M. Bro. Alasdair Dunlop and the Brethren of Lodge St. Bryde No. 579 demonstrated an exemplification of a Second Degree. Completely different to that worked at St. Ebbe. Lodge St. Bryde presented St. Ebbe with an engraved set of Square and Compasses and Bro. Jim Jack, Provincial Grand Master of Lanarkshire Middle Ward presented the Lodge with their Provincial Plaque. The Immediate Past Master Bro. Jack Willox presented Lodge St. Bryde with a signed copy of the Lodge History, of which he is the author.There followed an excellent harmony well catered for by Helen Tarvit with a little help (or was it hindrence) from Jim. All 56 were booked into local hotels and stayed the night.

Our thanks go to all at Lodge St. Bryde No.579 for a marvellous evening.

Bro. Alasdair M. Dunlop RWM 579     Bro. I. Stuart Warner RWM 70    Bro. George Donnelly RWPGM EL & B

Bro. James L. Jack RWPGM Lanarkshire Middle Ward

In the South along with Bro. William Perry Substitute PGM Lanarkshire Middle Ward

RW Provincial Grand Master George Donnelly with W. Bro. Martin Parrack W. Master St. Peters Lodge, Birmingham and four of his Brethren

Burns Supper.

  On Saturday 23rd January 2010, Land O' Cakes Royal Arch Chapter No. 15, along with Lodge St. Ebbe No. 70, held their Annual Burns Supper within the Lodge premises.

All present sat down to the usual meal of Kail, The Haggis, Mashed Tatties and Neeps, Cheese Board and Biscuits and Barley Bree and Sic Like to Order.

The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns was very well presented by E. Comp. Rev. Daniel G. Lindsay, PM 70 and The Toast to the Lassies was presented by Mr Eddie Kellie Esq.

The evening was Chaired by ME Comp. I. Stuart Warner MEZ No. 15.            Also present were ME Comp. William E. Chipendale, Grand Superintendent, Border Royal Arch Province and Bro. George R. J. Donnelly, R.W. Provincial Grand Master, Province of East Lothian and Berwickshire.

All present were well entertained by ME Comps. Sandy Watson, Peter Craig, Duncan Donaldson, Rob Cockburn, Ian Weir and Mr Alistair Lindsay, and as usual, their entertainment was of the highest order. A grateful vote of thanks also go to Mr. Bruce Thomson who accompanied the singers and kept us all entertained with his accordian.

World Premier

During the evening a poem, written in the Burns style by Miss Katy Millar aged 11, from Galashiels was read and well received by all present. Well done Katy.

Once again all present considered themselves honoured by having a man of such shining abilities as Robert Burns as one of their Companions.

Installation.

On Saturday 26th December 2009, Bro. Ian Stuart Warner PM was Installed as Right Worshipful Master By Bro. George R. J. Donnelly PM, Bro. Peter Craig PM and Bro. William T. Gray PM. Although numbers were down due to the inclement weather and the fact it was Boxing Day, all the Brethren present enjoyed the ceremony and a lovely meal was held afterwards with plenty for everyone. Bro. Warner has held the Chair of The Lodge of Aytoun Castle No. 1423 on two previous occasions and we look forward to his stewardship over the coming year.

November 2009

Freemasons present cheque

The Provincial Grand Lodge of East Lothian and Berwickshire Freemasons held a social dance and cheque presentation to their nominated charities at the Tranent Masonic Club on Saturday 7th November.

Cheques for £3,000 each were presented to Gill Morrison of Muirfield Riding for the Disabled and Senior Superintendent George Shaw of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, Eyemouth, during the evening, the money coming from donations from brethren and friends of the 11 Lodges in the Province.

There were sponsored walks, a 'sleep out' in decidedly chilly weather, a garden party and numerous coffee mornings.

An enjoyable evening was had by all to kick start next years charity drive.

Details of photo.

George Shaw, (R.N.M.D.S.F) and Gill Morrison, (Muirfield R.D.A) accept their cheques from The Provincial Grand Master of East Lothian and Berwickshire Bro. George Donnelly who is accompanied by his wife Maureen.