Achieving a goal: Attending my first Masonic meeting since April

When I began the therapy that was designed to improve my mobility, I was advised to set myself achievable but challenging goals. Amongst these were learning to walk with a frame, then with crutches, then with walking sticks, and finally without any support. So far I have managed the first three and can stagger a few steps without support around the house ... as long as there is something to grab hold of if I begin to feel a bit wobbly!

One goal that I set myself was to try to get to a meeting of my Mother Lodge, the Grove Park Lodge No.2732. I was unable to get to the first meeting of the Masonic year in October and it looked as if I was likely to miss the December one. Getting there by public transport was going to be very difficult due to the very variable accessibility of some of the railway stations I would have to use, and the taxi fare was going to be between £50.00 and £75.00 each way. Luckily, my recent appointment with a neurologist meant that I was deemed fit to drive again, and after a few trips out at the wheel of my car I felt confident to be able to get myself to and from Cheshunt, which is where my Lodge meets.

The reason why I wanted to go to this specific meeting was to celebrate what is a unique occasion, the presentation of a sixty-year certificate to the oldest and longest-serving member of the Lodge. What makes this award so unique is the fact that he has never, ever missed a Lodge meeting during those sixty years, and this is something that I’ve never heard of anyone else ever achieving.

The meeting took place on Monday, and I managed to go to it … and I had a wonderful time! It was challenging getting there due to heavy traffic and roadworks on the M25, and it took me much longer than I would have normally taken … but it was worth it! I received a wonderful welcome from the Brethren and I was able to individually thank them for the support they have given Sue and I during my recent health problems.

The presentation to our oldest member was done by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, and he was accompanied by an official party that included the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, the Provincial Grand Sword Bearer, the Provincial Grand Standard Bearer, and numerous other senior Hertfordshire Freemasons. In fact, there were so many of them that they almost outnumbered the membership of the Lodge! This is a mark of the respect and high regard the Father of the Lodge is held in, and I understand that his achievement of sixty years without missing a meeting is a national record.