Provincial Grand Master honoured by Lodge

It's not often the Provincial Grand Master For Wiltshire, Francis Wakem, is asked to leave a Lodge, and yet that is exactly what happened when he attended a meeting of the Royal Sussex Lodge of Emulation No 355. 

However it should be explained that he was asked very politely and for a very good reason.  

The members of the Royal Sussex Lodge of Emulation No 355 were balloting for him to be an Honorary Member, which vote proved  unanimous in his favour. On his return to the Lodge the Provincial Grand Master was greeted by the Worshipful Master John Wain who gave him the good news. On behalf of the Lodge, John Wain presented Francis with a memento of the evening, a handsomely framed copy of an ancient document dating from 1818 for which Lew Halsall gave an excellent explanation. The Provincial Grand Master was also presented with a centenary jewel restored by Stanley Iles. 

In a most sincere and heartfelt response the Provincial Grand Master thanked the brethren for their kindness in making him an Honorary Member and for the truly wonderful gifts which he described as 'simply superb'  The brethren responded by applauding most generously.  

At the same meeting, Lee Flanagan was initiated into Freemasonry making this a very unique occasion having made the most senior and junior mason a member of this most ancient Lodge. We were honoured by the presence of DPGM Peter Winton and PPGM Byron Carron, plus guests from Lodges in Germany and Canada, a truly international occasion.

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