Trio travel from Devon to watch Tom take the Chair
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Tim Hobdey’s last visit to the Humber region was in 1974 when he was part of the crew of HMS Tiger, and had been entertained at Hull City’s ground – but he said a gap of more than 50 years before returning with two friends to see Tom Murray installed as Master of St Lawrence Lodge had been well worth the wait. “Tonight has topped that 1974 visit,” he said.
Tim’s a member of Plymouth-based Sir Walter Raleigh Lodge, where Tom’s visited for six of the last seven meetings, timing his work in the southwest to synchronise with meeting dates. The Devon brethren were happy to make the 700-mile round trip to see Tom installed in the Chair, and are already making plans to come back again to see him get out of it this time next year.
Tim said: “This installation was a credit to the Lodge. Ceremonies like this don’t just happen; lots of work goes in to make sure they do.” Referring to delivery of working tools by Rowan Hansard, Craig Rodley, and Raul Morelato, he added: “They should be very proud of the standard to which they delivered the work.”
He added: “Tom is a regular visitor to our Lodge, and he will always be welcome at our meetings.”
Installing Master Jim Bole, a Freemason since 1998, said has year as Master of St Lawrence had been one of the best of his Masonic career. He said: “I came to Scunthorpe six years ago for a few weeks to cover for a colleague who was ill; he never came back, and I’m still here. I know my ritual hasn’t necessarily been what the DC or even I expected, but I’m glad I joined St Lawrence Lodge.” Jim is keen to help support members with mental health issues, and would like to be a mental health ambassador.
He was presented with his Past Master’s jewel by Lodge DC Andy Pascoe. Jim will be its third wearer. The first was Allan Collins, who introduced Andy to Freemasonry 46 years ago, and the second was Norman Howes, who was Andy’s candidate.
Bryan Elms was another of the Devon brothers. He had been a member of Devon’s active team last year, and as such had attended almost every installation. He said the St Lawrence ceremony had been amongst the best he’d seen.
Tom Murray was the first candidate Dave Gibson brought into St Lawrence Lodge, since when Tom has undertaken every ladder job. The pair met when Tom took over a refinery job from Dave in 2016.
No fewer than five Grand Officers were at Tom’s installation. From left: Sean Devlin, DC for the PGM’s representative, Liaison Officer Paul Anyan, the PGM’s representative Mike Dennet, Provincial Chaplain Brian Roberts, Dave Metcalf, and Stuart Pearcey.
