Technical Lodge No 5666Lodge News
What an honour and a privilege it was to initiate my very good friend, Martin D. Smith, into our lodge this evening.
At precisely 6:30pm, Technical Lodge No. 5666 opened in due and ancient form. From the moment the gavel sounded, it was clear we were about to experience one of those truly memorable nights that remind us why Freemasonry endures... not just as a tradition, but as a lifelong bond of brotherhood and friendship.
Rising to the Occasion
As is often the case in a busy and vibrant lodge, several officers kindly stepped into principal positions on the night. I want to express my sincere thanks to each of them for their commitment, professionalism, and Masonic spirit.
- W. Bro. Dave Green took the role of Director of Ceremonies, stepping in for W. Bro. Rob Atkinson.
- W. Bro. Keith Challis fulfilled the duties of Junior Warden with quiet assurance.
- W. Bro. Philip Daniels served as Tyler with his normal characteristic and grace.
- W. Bro. Al McKay stepped in temporarily as Senior Deacon, as Bro. Nanda Kumar was delayed en route.
The Initiation of Bro. Martin D. Smith
Outside the door of the lodge, our candidate… my close friend Martin D Smith… waited with a mix of nerves and curiosity. As many of us know, initiation is a profound experience, and it’s not uncommon for candidates to feel the weight of the unknown. Yet from the very beginning, it was clear that Bro. Martin approached the moment with open-mindedness, humility, and the quiet strength that makes for a fine Mason.
Bro. Ed Thompson, Junior Deacon, guided Martin through the ceremony with calm and confident assurance. His delivery set the tone for the evening, offering both structure and warmth.
A Ceremony to Remember
As the ritual unfolded, every officer rose to the occasion. Each word, movement was delivered with reverence and clarity, creating an experience that Bro. Martin will surely carry with him for many years.
Particular commendation goes to:
- Brother Gambles, who delivered the North-East Corner with eloquence and ritual precision.
- W. Bro. Eddie Wildman, who presented Brother Ken Wright with his Grand Lodge Certificate.
- Entered Apprentice Paul Draper brilliantly delivered the Warrant.
- Bro Ken Wright gave a thoughtful explanation of the Working Tools.
- Wbro. Al McKay Presented Bro. Nanda Kumar with his Solomon Diploma.
Supporting Charity and the Future of Our Lodge
During the meeting, I was pleased to propose that the lodge donate £250 to The Butterflies Memory Support Group, a local charity supporting individuals and families affected by memory loss and Alzheimer’s. The motion was seconded by W. Bro. Mark Cusack, our Secretary. As this is a registered local charity, we hope it will also qualify for ‘Match Funding’ from Province, helping us extend our impact even further.
A notice of a motion was given by our Secretary to raise the annual lodge subscriptions to. This increase will help ensure we can continue to cover our running costs and maintain the high standards we’ve come to expect at Technical Lodge. He also mentioned that at a future meeting we will be discussing the possibilities of reducing the annual number of meetings from 12 to 10, as this will also help keep our costs down.
The Cornerstone Circle
Bro. Nigel Lemmy gave a brief but insightful explanation of the Cornerstone Circle, a regional initiative designed to support newer Freemasons. He highlighted its role in encouraging open discussion, learning, and friendship among members, particularly those below Provincial rank. The Circle offers a space for questions, shared knowledge, and informal mentoring, making it ideal for new brethren finding their way in the Craft.
Bro. Lemmy invited any member of Technical Lodge who may be interested to step forward as a lodge representative, helping to promote the Circle’s values and ensure we play an active role in supporting the next generation of Freemasons.
Welcome, Brother
Following the completion of the ceremony, Bro. Martin re-entered the lodge… no longer a candidate, but a fully initiated Brother. He took his place amongst us, supported by the shared experience that now binds him to each member present. The lodge was then closed in due form.
The Festive Board: Fellowship at its Finest
As ever, the evening continued in true Masonic tradition with a lively and well-attended Festive Board. The dining room was filled with laughter, conversation, and heartfelt toasts, to the King, to the Grand Master, and most especially to our newly initiated Brother.
Jonathan Sykes took the helm for the Initiates’ Circle, delivering it with the enthusiasm, care, and precision we’ve all come to admire. As glasses were raised and voices lifted, Bro. Martin was welcomed not just with ritual, but with genuine warmth, the kind of fellowship that defines our Craft.
The night closed with the traditional parting song, Happy to Meet Again, echoing through the hall with joy, unity, and a promise of many good evenings to come.
Reflection
To preside over this evening was, for me, a profound honour. To welcome a close friend into the Craft… to watch him take those first, meaningful steps surrounded by Brothers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to make the experience unforgettable, reminds me why we do what we do.
Technical Lodge No. 5666 continues to stand as a place of tradition, support, and brotherly love. It was a night that we will remember not only for the ceremony itself, but for the spirit in which it was delivered.
Welcome, Brother Martin. Your journey has just begun… and what a journey it will be.
What a superb evening it was at Technical Chapter No. 5666 as we gathered for the Exaltation of Bro. Ken Wright into the mysteries and privileges of the Holy Royal Arch.
The meeting was well attended, with a strong turnout reflecting the clear sense of commitment and dedication held by the Companions of Technical Chapter, and our visiting Companions. There was a genuine atmosphere of welcome and anticipation as the evening unfolded, marking another significant milestone in the life of our Chapter.
The ceremony itself was conducted with dignity and precision Bro. Ken Wright engaged in the ceremony with true sincerity and a steady confidence, he was clearly moved by the depth of the ritual and the warm support of the Companions around him. The captivating narrative of the Sojourners and their remarkable discovery was brought to life by Companions David Green, Adam Tunnicliffe, and Ed Thompson, whose enactments carried conviction and clarity.
The scenes were once again expertly narrated by Scribe E, E. Comp. Steve Berry, who ensured that each stage of the ceremony was seamlessly connected and deeply meaningful.
Particular praise must go to Excellent Companions Jonathon Sykes and Malcolm Brocklesby for their accomplished rendition of the Working Tools. Both stepped in at the eleventh hour to cover for Companion Bill Turner-Bone, who, due to illness, was unable to attend. Their readiness to support the Chapter at short notice exemplifies the true spirit of our fraternity.
The Mystical Lecture was delivered in three parts. I was honoured to deliver the first section, followed by Companion Ed Thompson, and concluding with Companion Adam Tunnicliffe. Each part was delivered with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that Bro. Wright received the full depth of meaning contained within these ancient teachings.
Excellent Companion Keith Challis then delivered a beautifully recited Charge, his words resonating powerfully within the Chapter room and providing a fitting conclusion to the ceremony.
The evening was further marked by two notable presentations. Excellent Companion Eddie Wildman presented Companion Malcolm Gambles with his Chapter certificate, welcoming him fully into the companionship of Royal Arch Masons. Most Excellent Zerubbabel, E. Comp. Ian Parkinson, then had the pleasure of presenting Companion David Turner with his 50-year Chapter lapel badge, recognising an outstanding half-century of dedication to the Holy Royal Arch, as well as the Craft.
It was a night of excellence in ritual, of warm fraternal friendship, and of celebration of both new beginnings and lifelong commitments. As always, Technical Chapter No. 5666 continues to uphold the finest traditions of the Order, and it was a privilege to witness Bro. Ken Wright exalted as our newest Companion.
The meeting was closed in accordance with tradition, and we then retired to enjoy the benefits of the festive board. As Companion Ken Wright remarked in his speech, this was a night he would remember for a long time to come.
- Anthony James (WM)
Tonight, Ed Thompson and I travelled to Ridings Tablers Lodge in Beverley. The Lodge was opened in due form, and once the necessary Masonic business had been concluded, we were treated to an excellent talk by Worshipful Brother Barry Longstaff, assisted by three members of the Ridings Tablers Lodge.
The presentation focused on the cyphers and symbols of the Third Degree Tracing Board, often known as the Harris Board. Every element of this beautiful board was interpreted in turn, revealing meanings and lessons that many of us overlook in regular when looking at this tracing board.
One thing that stood out for me and I found particularly interesting were the three small masonic characters. At first glance, they look like the letter ‘L’ facing backwards, but they are, in fact, the cypher of the letter ‘C’. In our Masonic symbolism, these represent chalk, clay, and charcoal.
But what do they truly mean to us as Freemasons?
- Chalk reminds us to keep our words clear and our intentions pure, just as chalk marks are easily read yet easily wiped away. It teaches humility in our speech, knowing that words should leave no stain upon others.
- Clay represents our mortal frame, soft enough to be moulded but strong enough to build with. It reminds us that we are always being shaped by our experiences, and we too have the power to shape and support those around us.
- Charcoal may seem dark, but it burns with inner fire. It symbolises the hidden strengths within us, glowing steadily beneath the surface, ready to bring warmth and light when needed.
Together, these simple elements teach a profound lesson. As Masons, we are called to mark our words with care, shape our deeds with integrity, and let our inner light burn brightly for the good of others.
Worshipful Brother Barry Longstaff’s talk was a welcome reminder that even the smallest symbols carry meaning if we take the time to look a little deeper.
- Anthony James (WM)
Saturday evening at Technical Lodge No. 5666 was nothing short of extraordinary, as we gathered to honour WBro Keith Challis and celebrate an incredible 50 years of dedicated service to Freemasonry. It was a night full of warmth, reflection, and deep appreciation for a man whose Masonic journey has inspired so many.
The evening began promptly at 6:30pm with the lodge being opened in due and ancient form. WBro Paul Hillary read a portion of the ancient charges, then the minutes of our last meeting were confirmed. Brethren handled the initial reports swiftly and efficiently, allowing the lodge to be ‘called off’, an aspect of ritual not often witnessed, but one that added an extra level of significance to the evening.
With the room now prepared for non-masons to enter, we welcomed Keith’s family and invited guests into the lodge. Keith sat on my right as our honoured brother, and his wife Jenny was escorted onto the dais and seated next to him. Pride lit up his face having the rest of his family beside him, a very proud husband and father indeed. Their presence brought a unique energy to the proceedings and clearly reflected the deep respect Keith holds both within and beyond the Craft.
What followed was a moment I’ll never forget, and one I believe everyone present will remember fondly. WBro Eddie Wildman conducted a heartfelt and humorous interview with Keith, delivered with all the finesse of a seasoned professional. It was more than just a conversation; it was a rich tapestry of memories, achievements, and personal reflections that charted Keith’s journey through life and Masonry. WBro Wildman then presented Keith with his well-earned 50-year certificate, marking the moment with dignity and genuine warmth.
Keith responded graciously, offering thanks to all who had come to share in the evening. And to all those who worked hard in making it happen. His words were simple but sincere, perfectly capturing the humble nature of a man who has given so much without ever seeking recognition.
After the presentation, Keith’s guests and relatives were asked to retire while we concluded the remaining business of the evening. The lodge was then ‘called on’, and once business was concluded, the lodge was closed in due form.
The celebrations continued at the festive board, where our Director of Ceremonies led me in as Worshipful Master, accompanied by Keith, the man of the hour. Once again, Luke and his team excelled, it had already been a very busy day for Luke, serving 82 diners before our meeting. Ours added another 62. Well done, Luke, a busy day indeed.
WBro Mike Cheeseman then delivered a wonderful slideshow presentation that highlighted key moments from Keith’s life and Masonic journey. It was both informative and uplifting, giving everyone present further insight into the man behind the apron. Keith, ever the gentleman, responded with gratitude and humour, once again thanking everyone for making the evening so special.
I shared a welcome message, followed by a personal poem I had written and read aloud, penned especially for Keith and later presented as a framed keepsake. It added another layer of emotion to an already heartfelt occasion.
Given the presence of non-Masonic guests, we kept the toasts brief, just two, to the King and to the Grand Master, ensuring the evening remained inclusive and welcoming to all.
In every sense, it was a fitting tribute to a well-respected Brother. WBro Keith Challis’s 50 years in Freemasonry have left a lasting legacy, and Saturday evening was a powerful reminder of the values, friendship, and sense of community that lie at the heart of our Craft.
- Anthony James (WM)
The roadworks around Hull, particularly in the west of the city, led to unusually heavy traffic, causing a staggered arrival of Companions at Beverley Road. As a result, the start of the meeting was delayed by fifteen minutes to allow everyone time to arrive. What began as a disrupted and uncertain start soon transformed into an excellent evening.
Despite this slightly later start, the meeting was marked by a clear sense of commitment from the members of Technical Chapter. The quality of the ritual reaffirmed the Technical Chapter’s dedication to ritual as can be also seen in the Craft Lodge Ritual.
This evening’s ceremony was to exalt Dr Nanderkumar into the Technical Chapter. I have known Nanda for over 25 years, and I am sure Nanda will be an excellent Companion and a credit to the Chapter. The enactment of the Sojourners’ journey back from captivity and their eventual discovery was excellently performed. The story was narrated by E. Comp. Steve Berry in his role as Scribe E, providing clarity and context throughout. His narration guided us through the unfolding events and seamlessly connected the narrative to the ritual being performed.
All participants gave an exemplary performance which I am sure Companion Nanda will remember for some time to come.