Update from Lee Burnside Senior Warden ( W.M. elect 2019)
Brethren I would like to take the opportunity as the Lodge now goes into the summer recess to update you on progress on the plans for our big celebration event in 2019. We have had 5 formal meetings and several informal ones since November. Attendance at the meetings have been good and a lot of actions have been completed well in advance of the three main events to be held in 2019 (see below).
When you think back to 1869 and possibly a few years prior to that, the difficulties the Brethren had to overcome when setting up this great Lodge. No cars, poor public transport (our Lodge Historian, W.Bro. Joe Corr might be able to elaborate), E-Mails, Microsoft Word and Excel for minutes, Mobiles, Land-lines, how did they do it? the mind boggles.
I asked W.Bro. Alan Hunter in October to Project Manage the big 150- year celebration and also provide this update on progress to-date:
150 Year Jewel
Design has been agreed and order placed McNeilly Jewellers in Lombard Street Belfast.
Orders are now being taken at a cost of £15, W. Bro. Jim Porter will take orders from the Brethren who have yet to make a purchase.
150th Anniversary Celebration Event
Lodge Meeting
An emergency meeting will be held on the 14th September 2019. Invitations have been sent to both Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge. R.Wor. Bro. Rodney McCurley, A.G.M. from Grand Lodge has responded informally that he will attend and also
R.Wor. Bro. John Dickson, P.G.M. from Antrim will be present.
Festive Board
A meeting has been held with Trevor Cushley, the hall cater and an all-inclusive price has been agreed for the meal. This will include all room decorations and a sherry and port reception
Church Service
Venue
Joymount Presbyterian has been booked for the 29th September 2019. Carrick District Charity Committee have been advised and they will contact Provincial Grand Lodge.
Gala Evening
The Loughshore Hotel in Carrickfergus (formerly, The Fergus and the Quality Inn) has been booked for the 19th October for the formal event.
Finance Update
Brethren have been raising extra funds since 2012 and will continue to raise funds, up to May 2019, to fulfil completely our Lodge plans for an ambitious and very successful 150- year programme of celebrations.