On 9 December, I had the pleasure of visiting Fallowfield Lodge No 3693 in the South Eastern Group. When I attend a lodge, I am never quite sure what I might expect, and at Fallowfield Lodge, I found a vibrant and expanding lodge. I met two Fellow Crafts and two Entered Apprentices, and learnt that the lodge is expecting to take in more candidates. The members of the Lodge have made a determined effort to move forward and they are to be congratulated.

 

It was appropriate, when I was responding to the toast to my health, that I took the opportunity of referring to Urmston Masonic Hall, which is ready to proceed with an exciting development of its premises, subject to finalising its planning application. A happy, successful and well managed Hall is a key element of a successful Lodge, and it is so important that this development goes ahead. I again urged those Lodges holding the sale proceeds of the disposal of the South Manchester Freemasons' Hall to look upon their windfall as representing funds belonging to Freemasonry, and to ensure that Urmston Masonic Hall is properly supported financially to complete the new development.