Saturday 3 November 2018 was the date of the regular meeting of the Lodge of Uniformed Services. The meeting was to be held at the Masonic Hall, Gordon Street, Cockermouth. As we do like to dine well, we had arranged to hold the festive board at the Hunday Manor Hotel at Winscales. A dedicated few arrived at Hunday Manor on the afternoon of Friday 2 November and they dined together there and enjoyed each others’ company during the evening.
On Saturday, The brethren and ladies, increased in numbers and spent the morning relaxing in the lounge of the hotel. Then some of the brethren made their way to the Masonic Hall the lodge room was set up and at 1600hrs prompt, the Worshipful Master, Bro. Bob Reeves, opened the Lodge in due form. In attendance was Right Worshipful Brother Norman Thompson, PProvGM. Also with us was Brother Arthur Lester, an Entered Apprentice of John Dalton Lodge. Arthur served in the Royal Air Force and having heard of us, he attended in order to find out a little more. It is possible that we may see more of Brother Arthur.
The timing of the lodge meeting was dictated by the fact that the car park payment machine would not accept enough money for the length of parking time. So the D.C., W. Bro. Dave Holland PAGDC kept us well on our toes and we conducted our lodge business and got back to the car just in time to avoid embarrassment. On our return to the hotel, we prepared for dinner. The preparation consisted mainly of partaking of liquid refreshment. Dinner was well attended and we all had a happy time.
After dinner, we were introduced to two special guests. Mr Billy McLeod, the Founder and Chief Operations Officer of the charity, Veterans in Action. He was accompanied by W. Bro. Scott Carr MB, a trustee of the Charity, a past master of the Royal Engineers Lodge, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight. They addressed the brethren and ladies present on the subject of the Charity’s activities in providing assistance to service veterans who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their presentation was enlightening and thought provoking. It was well received by everyone. After the presentation, we held our customary raffle which raised the sum of £155.00. That amount was donated to the VIA charity and was gratefully received.
All good things come to an end as they must. After a good night’s sleep, those who stayed for the weekend paid their bills, said their goodbyes and made their way home.
The next meeting of the lodge will be held at Workington Masonic Hall on Saturday 9 March 2019. The speaker is one who will no doubt be of particular interest to the ladies, she will be the First Lady Master Mariner. A presentation to which we all look forward.
If you work or have worked in uniform in the service of the country, you are welcome to visit us or even to apply for membership. The secretary will be pleased 
to hear from you and he can be contacted on pbt2351@gmail.com.
