By Ed Thompson, Senior Deacon, Principal Sojourner   12th May 2026

Tuesday 12th May was the Humber Lodge No.57 Founders Night and the latest of Technical Lodge No.5666's excursions.

When I picked up W Bro Ian Parkinson, it occured to me that I had a Masonic founder sat next to me as we drove towards a blustery Hull Marina. 'Parki' was a founding member of Phoenix Lodge No.9963 in 2018 and served as Worshipful Master from 2020-2022. Phoenix Lodge has had its struggles but - symbolically rising like its namesake - it is now thriving and under the astute Mastership of Technical Lodge's very own W Bro Paul Hillary. Humber Lodge is much older than Phoenix Lodge. Although it was officially designated No.57 in 1863, Humber can trace its original warrant back to May 19th 1756, making the Lodge effectively 270 years old. 

Technical Lodge were busy visiting again and we managed to bring along decent numbers. W Bro Parkinson and I were warmly received at the Masonic Hall at Dagger Lane - as is the gentle, warm culture of Humber Lodge.

Soon enough, shrieking groans of pain could be heard as 'Parki' made his way through the Brethren already stationed in the bar area. His signature 'crusher' handshake has largely been contained to the South of the Province. But, as 'Parki' will be soon invested as a Provincial Chapter Steward in August, his brawn will no doubt be spread to the Cental and Northern regions of Province. They have not been warned.

At the bar, we rendezoused with more Technical brethren namely W Bro Anthony James, Bro John Hemingway - recently made a Master Mason - and our very own Worshipful Master W Bro Arash 'Ash' Vesali - it was his birthday! 

With five members, we looked in good stead to complete a difficult Provincial-wide challenge - claiming the Travelling Gavel. This is wonderful incentive, created by Humber Lodge, to encourage visiting around the Province of Yorkshire North & East Ridings. Given the considerable geographical acreage of YNER, from Hull and Howden to Middlesbrough and Redcar, the Gavel cannot be easily hunted and successfully obtained. The Gavel had only returned home at Humber Lodge for six days. They had wrestled it from Kingston Lodge, outnumbering visiting rivals from Holderness Lodge on 6th May. The last time Technical Lodge claimed the gavel was December 2021.

The Royal Arch Chapter has it's own visiting incentive in our Province - The Travelling Sceptres. There are three; Northern, Central and Southern. Watch this space.

Founders Night celebrations were incoming but first Humber Lodge had important labour - a Ceremony of Passing Bro Julian Edge to the Degree of a Fellow Craft. Humber Lodge has very impressive ritualists and overall the ceremony was very heartfelt and wholesome. Technical Master W Bro Vesali gave greetings on behalf of Technical before demanding submission of the Gavel. We then headed downstairs from labour to refreshment.

L to R: Bro John Hemingway, W Bro Anthony James, WM W Bro Arash Vesali, W Bro Ian Parkinson, Bro Ed Thompson

At the Senior Warden's end of the festive board, we were joined by many others vistors. Most interesting amongst them were brethren from Pelham Pillar Lodge from Lincolnshire, who trace their history directly from Humber Lodge. We enjoyed great company.

After some great food and conversation, W Bro Eddie Wildman delivered a fascinating Founders Night presentation to the Brethren - this was highly illuminating and enjoyable.

'Ash' - the birthday boy - was left smiling after he won some wine in the raffle. He was even more so taken aback when it was announced by WM Malcom Forbes that we would all serenade his special day, assisted by the brilliant musical accompaniment of W Bro Eddie. 'Happy Birthday' thundered. There was also a formal presentation of The Travelling Gavel to W Bro Vesali and all visiting Technical brethren.

Technical WM Arash Vesali receiving the Travelling Gavel from Humber WM W Bro Malcom Forbes

The 'Visitor's Song' was powerfully sang - led by W Bro Richard Smedley - whilst all Humber Brethren shook hands with us. I've visited Humber Lodge & Chapter a few times now, yet the level of Brotherly Love you experience as a visitor never fades away.

L to R: Bro John Hemingway, W Bro Eddie Wildman, W Bro Anthony James, W Bro Malcolm Forbes, W Bro Arash Vesali, Bro Ed Thompson, W Bro Ian Parkinson

When festivities concluded, we said our heartfelt goodbyes and made our way out before 10 o' clock. Myself and Ash stepped out onto the beautiful aesthetic of Prince Street. The torturous earlier wind had settled and a sense of calm was in the air...

Suddenly and sharply, calmness evaporated into shock and despair.

Parki, whilst bullishly leaving the building directly after us, yanked the door back too hard and a concerning 'CRACK!!!' emanated and echoed all around us.

Had Parki destroyed the Dagger Lane door... on Founders Night?

I immediately stepped back in and we observed the aftermath. The overhead door closing mechanism did not look good. We fiddled with it. We reconnected a part that fell off. Eventually, the three of us were fairly confident that it was mended.

Whilst the door was visibly repaired, the state of the Metacarpal bones in the hands of the Humber Brethren is unknown. Thankfully, the Travelling Gavel went home with Ash - all in one piece...