How many PGM`s does it take…?

No brethren, I am not about to launch into a joke pondering how many Right Worshipful brethren it takes to change a light bulb but rather to reflect on how three (yes, 3!) ProvGMs made a recent installation truly memorable.

Meridian’s meeting was always going to be special – they always are.  The Master Elect, W Bro Matt Perkins, is an Assistant Provincial Grand Master of Buckinghamshire and, unsurprisingly, a goodly number of Bucks Freemasons made the journey up the M40 to support him.  Amongst them was the Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro Tim Anders, and his Deputy, VW Bro Neil Robertson. This happy band was joined by RW Bro Anthony Howlett-Bolton OBE, PGM for Berkshire – Bro Matt was born in Reading, hence the Berkshire connection. Now Warwickshire could clearly not be left behind and our very own RW Bro Phil Hall was the Presiding Officer.  So far so good – we’ve our three PGMs.

The lodge is currently going through a very sad time with one brother recently called to the Grand Lodge Above and both the Master and Treasurer gravely ill.  With the Master absent, another brother needed to be called upon to conduct the important business of the lodge. In such unusual circumstances, it was a delight to see that the RW PGM would be acting as the Installing Master.  He entered the wonderful temple at Guy’s Cliffe in typical Warwickshire pomp and opened the lodge, assisted by the Provincial Grand Wardens, Mark Philips and Mike Smith.

Having completed the usual necessary business, he was pleased to announce a ballot for, as a joining member, WBro Perkins Snr.  Unfortunately Matt’s father was away on a long-planned holiday in Spain and, as you will come to realise, it was most certainly his loss as he missed a treat!  Once WBro Dad’s ballot proved in his favour, the meeting moved to deal with WBro Lad and John Durling, a Founder and Past Master of Meridian, presented WBro Perkins Jnr to the PGM for the benefit on installation into the Chair of King Solomon.

All present were then treated to a master class in ritual and ceremony as Philip Hall proceeded to induct Matt in a delightful and sincere way.  A member of several different lodges and a Past Master of many of them, it was clear that Matt felt very comfortable in that ‘big chair’. He set the tone very quickly – that his year is going to be fun! Clearly another gifted ritualist, he appointed and invested his officers in quite superb manner, making each one feel special, with few (if any) moments of “Perkins Workings”.

It was at this point when the three Right Worshipful Brethren took the opportunity to take the metaphorical dial to 11; RW Bro Phil delivering the address to the Master, RW Bro Tim delivered that to the Wardens and yes, you’ve guessed it, RW Bro Anthony delivered that to the Brethren, all done with the confidence and gravitas that comes with such high office.

The new Master concluded the business of the lodge in equally self-assured manner before the assembled throng and the evening moved to the festive board and more surprises. The dining room was full to bursting and the atmosphere buzzing. The meal was delicious and the usual toasts fulsome and sincere, most notably that to the PGM delivered by David Richards.  Matt had arranged for a magician to move around the room entertaining the diners but the biggest surprise came following a splendid toast to the new Master from John Powell. We were treated to a most unusual rendition of the Master’s song from one of the Bucks contingent in the guise of Elvis complete with snazzy jumpsuit and sunglasses!

The alms and raffle, both in aid of Fisher House, amounted to almost £900, indicating the high regard in which Province is held by the lodge. The future of Meridian is in the safe, if not somewhat zany, hands of Matt. He was pleased to announce that, at their forthcoming meeting in June, he will be conducting a third degree followed by a Hawaiian-themed festive board. So if you would like to see a superb ceremony and the Master in a hula skirt, get in touch with the secretary, Dave Leask – I suspect that you will not be disappointed!