Webb Ellis Lodge No 9740 was honoured to initiate former England and Northampton Saints hero, Steve Thompson MBE on the 14 June. 104 masons attended the initiation at Sheaf Close Northampton.
At the festive board in response to the Masters Toast, the Worshipful Master, VW Bro Wayne Williams, Past Assistant Provinvcial Grand Master, had everybody in stitches when he recounted his pleasure in undertaking the initiation.
"As I sat there in my chair elevated by the pedestal, a mere lad from the Rhondda Valley, there standing before me appeared the man mountain, Stephen Thompson MBE, hooker for ten seasons for Northampton Saints, 73 caps for England – England's most capped hooker – British Lion and World Cup winner.
The temple hushed in expectation as I said, 'You will kneel on your left knee.' Something many a Welsh front row would have loved to have achieved - but regrettably, never did."
I should get a few beers on that story in Cardiff when attending Provincial Grand Chapter in South Wales!"