The recent meeting of the Lodge of Installed Masters proved to be a memorable evening filled with fellowship, gratitude, and generosity. The meeting saw WBro Roger Wood install VWBro Charles Bennett into the Chair of the Lodge. Before performing the ceremony, WBro Roger took a moment to thank his officers for their loyal support throughout his year in office.
In particular, he paid tribute to WBro Alex Thurlow for his tireless dedication as Lodge Secretary, recalling a light-hearted story about an old beer mat featuring a “bemedalled general” and the phrase “Behind every great man, there is a bottle of Worthington Green Shield.”
Drawing the comparison with Alex’s steadfast support, Roger affectionately referred to him as his own “bottle of Worthington Green Shield.”
In a fitting gesture, WBro Jason Brice sourced original Worthington Green Shield beer mats, had them mounted, and presented them to Alex as a token of appreciation — a moment that drew warm applause from all present.
Following this, VWBro Charles Bennett conducted the installation ceremony with his usual sincerity and skill, before the Lodge was closed to welcome two guest speakers from the local Maggie’s Centre — Liz Summers and Jodie Murch.
Liz, a long-serving cancer nurse who had been involved with the Maggie’s project for over fourteen years, spoke movingly about the invaluable support, reassurance, and guidance the centres provide to those affected by cancer. Jodie, responsible for fundraising, highlighted the financial challenges of running the centre, which relies heavily on volunteers but still requires more than £70,000 annually to maintain its services.
In recognition of their work, VWBro Charles was delighted to present Liz and Jodie with a cheque for £3,000, made possible through the generosity of the Lodge of Installed Masters and with support from the Provincial Grand Charity. The heartfelt talk and presentation received a standing ovation from the members present.
This donation follows the Province’s wider fundraising effort, which has already raised £167,000 towards the construction of a new Maggie’s Centre at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Together with neighbouring Provinces and additional support from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, it is expected that almost £2 million will be contributed towards this much-needed facility.
For more information about Maggie’s Centres and the work they do, visit Maggies
