Report on meeting held on 14th May 2011

Report for website on OWL meeting at College 14th May 2011

High-summer puts family demands on younger brethren which can limit their attendance. The OW Lodge is blessed with many younger members and several are waiting in the wings for admission. Accordingly every alternate year brethren are joined by the wives, partners and friends to enjoy ‘white-table’ masonry at College. This was not one of those years – but 2012 will be.

Twenty four brethren attended to meet in the Driver rooms. W. Bro Chris Collins acted as Junior Warden; W. Bro John Ross Barnard as Chaplain; Bro. Alex Stuart-Bamford as Junior Deacon; W. Bro. Nigel Birch as Inner Guard and W. Bro Hew Dunn as Tyler. The special dispensations to allow the meeting to be held at College were read.

The Almoner, W. Bro Jeremy Moreton-Moss presented a eulogy for W. Bro. Bill Green who had passed to the ‘Grand Lodge Above’ on 8th March. W. Bro. Bill had served as a visiting music teacher at College for many years matched by his faithful years in masonry. His pupils spoke highly of his abilities and some had turned his wise tutorage into becoming professional musicians. In addition to his teaching Bro. Bill could be heard regularly in London’s West End theatre pit orchestras, thus sadly rarely seen. It was said that he knew the scores of every one of the biggest shows by heart. He was a true professional. The brethren stood in silent tribute to him.

The Lodge saluted W. Bro. James Morgan, Grand Steward, in recognition of his new appointment.

The WM requested that W. Bro Rory Shackleton assist him by taking over the Chair of King Solomon for the duration of the Ceremony of double Initiation firstly for Mr Neil Chadda, aged 24, (Murray 99 – 04) a Client Development Manager then Mr Guy Lynch, aged 25 (Hill 99 – 02) an Asset Management Valuer both candidates proposed by W. Bro. James Milne, seconded by W. Bro. Tom Hawley. The ceremony was conducted with military precision reflecting the training the officiating brethren had received at Sandhurst and their other military disciplines.

A fine festive board followed by courtesy of College caterers.

Report on meeting held on November 9th, 2010

The Lodge met at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London.  As some members had been unable to attend for reasons such as the arrival of a new baby, a number of the offices of the Lodge were filled by experienced Past Masters of the Lodge.  With two candidates for initiation, two ceremonies of initiation were performed, which is always such a memorable occasion.

This meeting marked a very important landmark, as the father of the lodge, W. Bro. Graham Cadie (A 35 – 40) celebrated his 60th year in Freemasonry.  W.Bro. Cadie was presented with a special 60th year commemorative certificate from Grand Lodge and a gift of engraved tumblers from the Lodge.  The words spoken by W.Bro. Cadie gave insight into the history of the lodge and how the health of membership has ebbed and flowed over the years.  It was particularly poignant to hear, on this meeting close to Armistice Day, how many of W.Bro. Cadie’s contemporaries at College has perished in the  Second World War.

Afterwards the members and guest dined at the Grand Connaught Rooms.

Report on meeting held on October 14th, 2010

In the annual calendar of a Lodge, the Installation meeting is a notable highlight.  As the Lodge begins it’s journey towards it’s bicentenary, the office of Worshipful Master was taken by Bro. John Edwards.  This is a special occasion for both the Lodge and newly installed Master alike.  For the Lodge, this annual event marks the continual link of membership since it’s foundation.  For the newly installed Master it is a proud and memorable occasion in their masonic career, though some may say a little daunting!

As is customary after an Installation meeting, the Lodge dined especially well at the East India Club.

Centenary celebration meeting held at College on May 8th, 2010

This meeting of the Old Wellingtonian Lodge celebrated the Centenary of the Lodge.  For 100 years the Lodge has been an important and interwoven part of College life.  Over these past 100 years, members have been and continue to be old boys, governors and masters of College.

On a glorious May day, 24 members and 32 guests attended this historic meeting, which was held in the impressive surroundings of Old Hall.  During the meeting, the Metropolitan Grand Master, the RW Bro. Russell J. Race formally presented the Lodge with a Centenary Warrant. W. Bro. James Milne LGR, W. Bro. Tom Hawley LGR and W.Bro Stephen Dudley gave a presentation on the history of the Lodge.  For many attending, one of the highlights of the meeting was the splendid and thought provoking oration delivered by W.Bro. Stephen Dudley.

After the meeting, 99 people including the partners and non-masonic guests of many members, dined extremely well in the Old Gymnasium.  During the dinner three cheques totally in excess of £10,000 were presented by W.Bro. Henry Hopking, the Master of the Lodge. Amongst these was a cheque for £5,000 to the OW Society Charitable Trust.

The lodge was very grateful to receive a donation from it's mother lodge, the Household Brigade Lodge, as a gift to mark our Centenary.

In summary this was a wonderful celebration of the Centenary  of the Old Wellingtonian Lodge.  It is especially pleasing to be able to report that 100 years after the founding of the Lodge, the size of membership is growing at a healthy pace.

Report on meeting held on February 11th, 2010

On a typically wet and  blustery day for this time of year 18 brethren met at Freemasons’ Hall in London.  The majority of the meeting focused on the final planning for our Centenary celebrations at College in May. It was also especially pleasing to hear that so many potential initiates had recently expressed an interest in becoming a member of the Lodge and joining the fraternity (Old Boys, Governors and Masters are very welcome – contact the Secretary for more information) After the meeting the members and guests enjoyed a hearty meal at the New Connaught Rooms on Great Queen Street.

Honorary Worshipful Master

Report on meeting held on November 26th, 2009

A total of 43 brethren met at Freemasons’ Hall in London.  This included five visiting from other Public Schools’ Lodges Council member Lodges and nine other visiting guests.  This historic occasion marked the exact date Centenary of the consecration of the Old Wellingtonian Lodge, having been consecrated on 26th November 1909.

Exemplifying the health of the Lodge membership in recent years, a ceremony of Initiation was performed.  W.Bro. Henry Hopking was the ruling Master for the ceremony, ably assisted by W.Bro. Tom Hawley.

The meeting recorded another historic moment, as HRH the Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC, MW Grand Master and President of Wellington College was elected Permanent Worshipful Master of the Old Wellingtonian Lodge. As Grand Lodge required him to be physically installed he was proclaimed as Honorary Worshipful Master in the meantime.

After the meeting, the members and visitors dined very well at Bucks Club.

Honorary membership – History has been repeated …..

Carmen Heroidum

Here you can listen to the College Song, “Carmen Heroidum”.  This choral version was professionally recorded in January 2005 and is placed on the website by courtesy of the Director of Music.

“Carmen Heroidum” (Choral version)
(requires Quicktime player)