Technical Lodge No 5666Technical NO 5666 Blog
By Anthony James - ProvGStdB.
From the moment the Lodge opened at 6:30pm, there was a feeling in the room that we were in for a memorable evening. The Officers were in fine form from the start, the responses were clear, and the work moved along with confidence and care. It was one of those nights when the Lodge seemed to settle beautifully, and everyone played their part.
The candidate for the evening was Brother John Hemingway, who was to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. John had obviously worked hard in preparation. He takes real pride in his ritual, and that came across in the way he answered the questions, with confidence, thought, and sincerity. He approached the ceremony in exactly the right spirit.
After the Lodge had been opened in due form, the Wardens and Deacons responded well, a portion of the Ancient Charges was read, and the minutes of the previous regular meeting were confirmed. Those below the rank of Fellow Craft were then asked to retire for a short while, before the Lodge was raised to the Second Degree.
Brother Hemingway was invited to express his wish to advance, which he did clearly and sincerely. His answers showed the effort he had put in and the respect he had for the step he was about to take. Following the next part of the ceremony, he retired while the Lodge was raised to the Third Degree.
Once properly prepared, Brother Hemingway was admitted back into the Lodge room in the traditional manner. From that point, Brother Ed Thompson, the Senior Warden, guided him around the Lodge with great dignity. It was calm, steady, and well handled throughout.
Worshipful Brother Paul Hillary then delivered the Retrospect with his usual authority and composure. He held the room beautifully and gave the piece the weight it deserves. The investiture by Brother Adam Tunnicliffe was carried out with care, while Worshipful Brother Mark Cusack delivered the Working Tools to the high standard we all know he is capable of.
The Ancient Charge was then given by the Chaplain, Brother Bill Turner-Bone, with warmth and reverence. Brother Hemingway was also introduced to the Royal Arch, with a clear explanation of its place within Freemasonry, followed by a well-delivered exchange between the Wardens.
After the Lodge was returned to the First Degree and everyone was re-admitted, the usual reports were received, along with kind greetings from our visitors.
The evening continued at the Festive Board, where there was good company, sincere toasts, warm conversation, and the traditional parting song. All in all, it was a lovely evening, full of meaning, pride, friendship, and brotherhood. It is one that Brother Hemingway, and all those present, will surely remember with great fondness.
2nd April 2026
On the evening of 2nd April 2026, a delegation from our Chapter visited Humber 57 Royal Arch Chapter with the objective of claiming the Travelling Sceptre. The party comprised Excellent Companions, Hiten Thacker (APGP), Anthony James, Ian Parkinson, Rob Atkinson, and James Steele, together with Companion Ed Thompson.
The Travelling Sceptre represents an important initiative within the province, fostering fraternal engagement and collaborative visiting between Chapters. this was the brainchild of Excellent Companion Richard Smedley. The process for claiming the Sceptre is governed by established protocols. Chapters must formally notify the holding Chapter of their intention to claim the Sceptre prior to visitation. A visiting Chapter must present a minimum of four Companions on the evening in question, with larger delegations generally strengthening their position for a successful claim. Should the visiting Companions' results prove tied, the Most Excellent Zerubbabel of the holding Chapter determines the outcome.
Our delegation of six arrived at the bar area to assess our prospects, whilst being warmly received by members of Humber 57 Chapter. The occasion held particular significance, as it constituted an Installation ceremony for the three Principals Elect: Excellent Companion R. Smedley (designate for the Chair of Zerubbabel), Excellent Companion A. Todd (designate for Haggai), and Excellent Companion M. Sharpless (designate for Joshua).
Following a private opening behind closed doors conducted by members of Humber 57, all visitors were then admitted into the Chapter. It was then formally opened in due form. The Representative of the 2nd Provincial Grand Principal Officer was Eddie Wildman PAGDC, who was admitted with respect and due recognition.
The ceremony proceeded according to traditional practice. The Most Excellent Zerubbabel requested those below the rank of the 3rd Principal to retire whilst the relevant ceremonial portion was delivered. This procedure was repeated for those below the rank of 2nd Principal and subsequently for all those below the rank of Most Excellent Zerubbabel, establishing a Conclave of 1st Principals only. The newly elected Most Excellent Zerubbabel was then installed, followed by the readmission and installation of the 2nd Principal and subsequently the 3rd Principal. All Companions were finally readmitted and informed of the installations before resuming their seats.
Following the completion of routine business, the Chapter was closed in due and ancient form. The delegation subsequently proceeded to the festive board, where we learned that Anchor Chapter No. 1337 had secured the Travelling Sceptre by a single member. We extend our genuine congratulations to Anchor Chapter on returning to Northallerton with the Travelling Sceptre.
The evening was characterised by genuine fellowship, camaraderie, and the bonds of fraternity that unite our Order. We look forward to future visits and the opportunity to claim the Travelling Sceptre at a forthcoming date.
Blog by WBro Anthony James ProvGSdB
Earlier this afternoon, while out walking my dog in the park, I noticed the clear signs of the changing season. Snowdrops and daffodils were in bloom, the sun was shining, and the temperature had become noticeably warmer, an unmistakable indication that spring had arrived. This time of year also coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which falls in March and is precisely aligned with the vernal equinox. This astronomical event marks the exact beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when day and night are of equal length. Based on the Solar Hijri calendar and careful astronomical observation, Nowruz celebrates renewal, balance, and the reawakening of nature.
The Lodge was opened in the usual manner, and the standard business of the meeting was conducted efficiently. The Worshipful Master, Arash Vesali, then shared the sad news that one of our senior brethren, WBro Colin Pegg, had passed to the Grand Lodge Above. As many of the brethren present had not known WBro Pegg personally, Bro David Turner delivered a thoughtful eulogy in his memory. This was followed by a minute’s silence, observed with due respect and reflection.
Proceedings were then concluded in good order, as attention turned to the main event of the evening, the festive board. As this was a “White Table” occasion, the ladies had gathered separately and waited patiently for the Lodge to close.
Arash, together with his wife Susan, had clearly made considerable effort to prepare a memorable evening. The dining area was beautifully arranged with a Persian theme, the centrepiece of which was the traditional Haft-Seen table (Sofreh Haft-Seen), set out with great care and attention to detail. This symbolic display represents key elements of life, renewal, and prosperity, and provided an elegant and meaningful focal point for the evening.
The meal itself was a delightful introduction to Persian cuisine. We began with aubergine served in a richly spiced tomato sauce, followed by a main course of beef stew accompanied with rice. Dessert was a traditional Persian saffron rice pudding, served cold, which made for a refreshing and enjoyable conclusion to the meal.
Following dinner, we were treated to a musical interlude. Arash had invited a Persian musician, Pedraum Agahi, who performed on a traditional instrument known as the Santoor. The music was both soothing and captivating, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere. The instrument itself has a long and distinguished history, with origins dating back over 2,500 years, and has appeared in early cultural records, including ancient Assyrian reliefs.
Arash then delivered an informative and engaging talk on Nowruz, explaining its connection to the vernal equinox and its wider cultural significance. He also described the meaning behind the Haft-Seen table. The term “Haft-Seen” translates to “seven S’s,” referring to the seven symbolic items placed on the table, each beginning with the Persian letter “S”:
- Sabzeh (sprouted greens) – representing rebirth and growth
- Seeb (apple) – representing beauty and health
- Seer (garlic) – representing protection and medicine
- Samanu (sweet pudding) – representing strength and resilience
- Senjed (dried fruit) – representing love and affection
- Somaq (sumac spice) – representing the colour of sunrise and patience
- Serkeh (vinegar) – representing age, wisdom, and acceptance
In addition to these, the table is often adorned with a mirror, candles, goldfish, hyacinth flowers, painted eggs, coins, a book of poetry, and a selection of traditional pastries, each contributing further symbolic meaning.
The celebration of Nowruz traditionally continues for thirteen days, during which families and friends visit one another, strengthening relationships and marking the new year with hospitality and goodwill.
The evening was a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching cultural experience. My sincere thanks go to Arash and Susan for their effort, hospitality, and for sharing both the traditions and the deeper meaning behind this important celebration.
Nowruz Mobarak.
Blog by W.Bro Anthony James, ProvGStdB
The Lodge was a hive of activity as final preparations were made for the evening’s ceremony. At the Technical Lodge, it is customary for every ceremony to be delivered to the highest standard, with great pride taken to ensure that each part is polished, meaningful, and conveyed with genuine sincerity.
The Worshipful Master, W.Bro Ash Vesali, opened the Lodge in due form. The Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro Rob Atkinson, offered salutations to our two Grand Officers, to which W.Bro Hiten Thacker responded on their behalf. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, followed by a portion of the Ancient Charges.
The Secretary, W.Bro Steve Berry, who was standing in on this occasion, retired from the Lodge to confirm the candidate’s attendance and ensure that all necessary fees and paperwork had been completed. Upon his return, he confirmed that everything was in order.
The candidate, Jordan Prichard, was then properly prepared and admitted into the Lodge in due and ancient form. The Junior Warden, Bro Malcolm Hussain-Gambles, conducted him around the Lodge with confidence and clarity. Bro Goldthorpe, with his customary flair, delivered his portion of the ritual in a style that has become entirely his own, distinctive, engaging, and always memorable.
At the North East Corner, Bro David Turner gave an exemplary delivery of the ritual, setting a very high standard. The Inner Guard, Bro Paul Draper, confidently delivered the Warrant before presenting the candidate with the Book of Constitutions and the Lodge By-Laws. Bro Ed Thompson then expertly presented the Working Tools, clearly explaining both their practical use and their moral significance within Freemasonry.
The Chaplain, Bro Bill Turner-Bone, delivered the Ancient Charge with exceptional confidence and measured pace, demonstrating both authority and understanding in what is a substantial and important piece of ritual.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional questions and answers which the candidate must make himself acquainted with before he can take a higher degree. The Worshipful Master asked the questions and they were answered by the Wardens. Bro Jordan Prichard then retired briefly to resume his usual attire, before re-entering the Lodge to take his place among us as a Brother Mason.
The remaining business of the evening was conducted, after which the Lodge was closed. Members then retired to the festive board, where the usual toasts were given by the Worshipful Master.
W.Bro Ian Parkinson proposed the principal toast to our newly initiated Brother, Jordan Prichard, who responded with heartfelt pride and dignity.
Saturday 28th February 2026 – Wbro Anthony James
This was my first visit to Invictus Lodge No. 9960 in York, and like many first visits, it started with a small adventure. I managed to miss the entrance on my first attempt and had to take a steady drive around the block before finding it on the second pass. In hindsight, it felt like a fitting introduction, as the evening itself proved to be both unique and memorable.
On arrival, I was greeted warmly by Tony Randle, whose welcome immediately set the tone for the evening. I was introduced to several members of the lodge, and it quickly became evident that this was no ordinary lodge. Being a military lodge, there was a distinct atmosphere from the outset, with a level of camaraderie and inter-forces banter that was both good-humoured and constant throughout the evening. It gave the lodge a lively and relaxed character, while still maintaining the dignity of the occasion.
The Worshipful Master opened the lodge precisely at 16:30, and proceedings began with a sense of discipline that one might expect from a lodge with such strong military ties. One moment that stood out early on was when the Inner Guard sought permission from the Worshipful Master to “Stand the lodge to.” Permission was granted, and the Invictus badge was displayed. This was a distinctive and symbolic touch that set the lodge apart from others I have visited.
Greetings were then given from both Grand Lodge Officers and Provincial Officers, before the Worshipful Master requested that all Entered Apprentices retire from the lodge, allowing it to be opened in the Second Degree.
The work of the evening soon followed, with three Fellowcrafts having their proficiencies tested. Having successfully completed this, they retired to prepare themselves for the ceremony that lay ahead.
The lodge was then opened in the Third Degree, but in a manner I had not witnessed before. The knocks were given almost as a whisper, ensuring that those Fellowcrafts waiting outside would not be exposed to knowledge they were not yet entitled to receive. This level of care and attention to detail was impressive and demonstrated a deep respect for the integrity of the ritual.
What followed was a triple Third Degree ceremony, and it was clear that this lodge, with its military background, was well accustomed to adapting to circumstances and managing multiple candidates efficiently.
As the three Fellowcrafts re-entered the lodge, the ceremony began in earnest. Each candidate was guided carefully, shown how to approach the pedestal with the proper steps. A particularly thoughtful aspect was the use of guides. Each Fellowcraft had a guide standing behind him, gently tapping his shoulder when it was his turn to respond or take part in the obligation. This ensured the ceremony flowed smoothly, while also supporting the candidates throughout.
During the retrospect, only one of the Fellowcrafts stood to receive the full explanation, while the other two remained as witnesses, standing over the representation of Hiram Abif at this stage of the ceremony. This approach allowed all three to experience the ceremony together, while also maintaining efficiency and avoiding unnecessary repetition. It was a practical solution that worked well without diminishing the significance of the moment.
Another element that stood out to me came at the close of the Third Degree. The degree was closed by the two Wardens enacting the substituted secrets, referencing the loss of the genuine secrets through the untimely death of Hiram Abif. This was something I had never seen performed in this way before, and I found it both informative and thought-provoking.
Following this, the Senior Warden explained these substituted secrets to the Worshipful Master, after which the lodge was lowered to the Second Degree. There were no Fellowcrafts to be readmitted, and the lodge was then further lowered in full before being opened in the First Degree. Again, there were no Entered Apprentices to return, allowing the lodge to continue its work uninterrupted.
This meeting also marked the Worshipful Master’s final time in the chair. He took a moment to thank his Officers and Brethren for their support throughout his year, acknowledging the effort and commitment that had gone into making it a success. It was a sincere and fitting conclusion to his tenure.
The Inner Guard sought permission from the Worshipful Master to “Stand the lodge down.” Permission was granted, and the Invictus badge was respectfully withdrawn. The lodge was then closed in due form, and we retired to the festive board.
As is often the case, the formalities of the National Anthem and toasts were observed first, but what followed was a noticeably relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The earlier military banter returned, conversations flowed easily, and the evening concluded on a warm and convivial note.
If anyone is considering visiting a lodge outside of their usual circle, I would certainly recommend adding Invictus Lodge to the list. It offers something a little different, combining strong ritual, thoughtful practices, and a unique character shaped by its military background. For me, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile visit.