VALE OF CATMOS LODGE CELEBRATE THEIR 150th ANNIVERSARY

The Vale of Catmos Lodge No.1265, who usually meet at Oakham School, received special dispensation to hold their meeting at Freemasons' Hall, Leicester for a double celebration.  It was 150 years ago, on the 30th September 1869, that the Vale of Catmos Lodge was concentrated, which coincided with the amalgamation of the Leicestershire and Rutland Provinces.  To commemorate the occasion, the move to Leicester was granted, so that the Provincial Grand Master, together with his team of Provincial Officers could attend and pay tribute to the Lodge, and to the combined Province.

The Master of the Lodge, W.Bro. Paul Graveling welcomed and thanked R.W.Bro. David Hagger for attending with his team to witness the program of events, which began with an oration by R.W.Bro. Reverend Canon Michael Wilson, who detailed the last 150 years of the Lodge, it's history, and place within Freemasonry.

A further address was given by W.Bro. David Hughes, the Provincial Grand Orator, who gave an entertaining account of how the Provinces of Leicestershire and Rutland first came to join together.

To complete the business for the evening, the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. David Hagger took to the floor to give an address to the Lodge, highlighting his experience of visiting the Vale of Catmos Lodge, and also the work of the combined Provinces. Everyone in attendance was presented with a wonderfully detailed book, containing the history of the Lodge as compiled by W.Bro. Robert Lucas.

Later that evening, the Lodge was presented with the David Victor Hagger Loving Cup, a beautiful silver cup, to be passed from Lodge to Lodge as groups of Brethren visit other Lodges, to promote the camaraderie that is achieved through visiting.