L to R: Simon Drake, Martin Marfe, Robbie Dobbie, Dan Williamson, Nick Burger, Andy Penfold, Brian Penfold, Steve Jarvis, Sean Bradman, Tony Parkes

Installation meetings are always a significant event in any Lodge’s life and Saturday May 11th 2024 was no exception.

Firstly, Provincial Senior Grand Warden and Past Master of Priory Gate Lodge W. Bro. Brian Penfold was to install his son Andy into the Chair of King Solomon.

In addition, the Lodge welcomed the Provincial Grand Master, RW.Bro. Nick Burger and Assistant Provincial Grand Masters; Robbie Dobbie, Mike Robinson and Dan Williamson, Past Assistant Grand Master and Honorary member; Steve Jarvis.

The Provincial Escorting Team was led Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies; Lenny Loughman and Provincial Grand Stewards; Tony Parkes, Sean Bradman, Martin Marfe and Simon Drake. For Lenny it was a night, mixed with sadness and pride, as it was to be his last official escort as ‘Dep1’ after 10 years as an Escorting Officer.

To a packed Temple, W.Bro Brian regularly installed his son Andy with his typically faultless ritual. It was clearly a very emotional ceremony for them both. The evening finished with a hugely enjoyable Festive Board in the generous company of the Brethren and many distinguished guests.

A wonderful evening is here perfectly described by Bro Ranjit Sekhon in a poem:

In the heart of Priory Gate, where brothers gather true,
Stands a lodge of Masons, bonded through and through.
8202, a place of fellowship so grand,
Where handshakes speak volumes and secrets understand.

With Brian at the helm, wise and proud,
He passed the torch to Andy, his son, unbowed.
A father’s gift, a legacy divine,
In the craft’s gentle teachings, they intertwine.

As Andy steps forward, new master in his stead,
With his father’s wisdom, no task too hard to tread.
“For where brethren meet, there’s unity,” they say,
In the lodge’s sacred hall, where light leads the way.

So here’s to Priory Gate, where bonds are ever strong,
With Brian and Andy, their Masonic journey long.
May their compass guide them, through life’s winding road,
In brotherhood eternal, their spirits forever stowed.