The evening of the 14th of October started out similar to many Buckinghamshire autumnal meetings. The Brethren came to Marlow to join in Bourne End 7943's annual installation meeting, and the brethren arrived, and arrived, and kept on arriving!
Some noticed, when placing their raffle prizes, that the Festive Board setup looked larger than normal, whilst others didn't (more on that later).
Some brethren noticed an unusually high number of visitors however a certain RW Raymond Reed (Past DepPresBGP, Past ProvGM, GSN – Royal Arch) did not notice that there were a lot of extra chairs for the Festive Board.
Bourne End Lodge was assembled and called on in due form, the brethren seated, and the visitors eagerly anticipated observing a fine ceremony for the installation of W. Bro Jim Hunt back into the Chair of King Solomon. More than 20 visiting officers from other Provinces were also seated as the Lodge was called to order.
A knock came on the door and the Buckinghamshire RW ProvGM Gordon Robertson, followed by 22 Provincial Officers arrived to join the assembled brethren. At this point a few eyebrows were raised, but only a very few knew what was about to happen. Shortly thereafter anotherknock, this time the ProvGDC Gary Brodie announced a very special guest, the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes.
The best part, it is certain many in the Lodge (including a certain Right Worshipful Brother) were still none the wiser of what was to come.
The IPM installed the new Worshipful Master, who then installed his officers for the ensuing year. With the Installation completed, the Lodge moved onto other business.
Now all were quite curious of what was still in the offing. W. Bro Jim Hunt sent for a 50th Certificate of Service to Freemasonry for Ray Reed. The Certificate was witnessed by Bourne End's Wardens and Master and recorded by the Secretary. The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes then took to the floor and gave a 10-minute rousing and humorous personal testimonial to Ray Reed and presented him with his 50th Certificate as well as thanking him for his amazing service to Freemasonry.
As Bourne End Lodge adjourned, ProGM Peter Lowndes was seen chatting with the Brethren of the Lodge, and their visitors. Some excellent pictures were taken as mementoes of the evening for Ray.
The festive board, with 82 dining, was louder than usual and the raffle lively.
W. Bro Jim Webster led a highly amusing "This is your Masonic Life, Ray Reed" near the end of the evening, reminding all of Ray's 50 years of achievements and contributions to Freemasonry with some humorous quotes about him.
A bouquet of flowers and a 50th cake were then presented to Ray & his wife, Doreen, by Chef Eddie Irwin bringing the festive board to an end.
The evening concluded later in the bar with a few more parting drinks.
During the evening, Bourne End Lodge raised almost £1,000 with alms and a well-stocked raffle.
Picture 1: Ray & Doreen Reed, Eddie Irwin Marlow Centre Chef
Picture 2: Buckinghamshire ProvGM-Elect W. Bro John Clark, the Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes, W. Bro Jim Hunt Bourne End Lodge WM, RW. Bro Ray Reed, W. Bro Stephen Knapp Buckinghamshire Provincial Grand Treasurer, Buckinghamshire PGM RW. Bro Gordon Robertson and W. Bro Graham Dearing Buckinghamshire AsstProvGM