The summons for the Howe and Charnwood Lodge, No.1007, on 25th February had an unusual item on the agenda, ‘To Return a lost item to the Lodge’.
The lost item was the Past Master’s jewel, which had been presented to the then Past Master of the Lodge Ted E. Briers in November 1969, who went on to be Director of Ceremonies between 1980-1985. He unfortunately died soon after in May 1988.
The jewel was found on eBay by a member of the Howe & Charnwood Lodge, Ian Hammond, and purchased by fellow member David Sharpe after he had approached the Treasurer, Bryan Freestone, and the current Master Norman King for approval.
Presenting the jewel to the Master, David explained that it had been found in Wisbech, but there was no apparent reason for it having been there. He asked that the Lodge requests that all Brethren of the lodge leave a card with their regalia containing details of what should happen to it on their death.
Norman King received the jewel with grateful thanks for all involved in its return and proposed it should become the jewel that is given to the Immediate Past Master of the Lodge at each Installation meeting in the future.