A Century of Brotherhood

Just after Christmas, whilst enjoying some peace and quiet after the excesses of the Festive period, I was scrolling through the TV channels and nearly fell off my chair.  I’d come across a film entitled ‘The Ghost of Greville Lodge’ and my thoughts naturally turned to a much-anticipated evening in the Warwickshire calendar.

It was only a matter of around three weeks later when a multitude of brethren headed to Alderson House.  Thankfully, the newly retired Peter Round had dusted off his fluorescent jacket off and helped squeeze a quart into the pint pot that is the car park.  In addition to the many Greville brethren and a plethora of visitors, the Provincial team was out in force with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, three Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, both Wardens and no fewer than 22 other acting officers there to support both the Provincial Grand Master (PGM) and the lodge – before you ask; no, there wasn’t a partridge in a pear tree!

The Master, David Butcher, opened the lodge and dealt with some important business including ballots for two candidates for initiation and also for two joining members – a fantastic indication of the vibrancy of Greville – before receiving Philip Hall, the PGM and his retinue.  The PGM assumed the chair and, in case anyone had forgotten, explained why we were all there.  Philip Hall, clearly no stranger to the ceremonial process of a centenary, proceeded to conduct the main business of the evening with great aplomb, all under the superb direction of Will Farrell, the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies.  Tim Boyns, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, delivered another of his wonderful orations before Philip Hall was pleased to present rather a lot of centenary jewels – the most distributed at the 18 centenaries over which he has presided!

The final part of any centenary celebrations is to hear a little more about the lodge.  Frank Collier had produced an outstanding history of Greville and, as such, it was down to him to present a ‘brief’ resumé.  Rather than simply repeating details that the brethren would hopefully thereafter read for themselves, he gave a potted history of each of the Founders.  The important Provincial duties done, the PGM invited the Worshipful Master to resume his rightful place.  David thanked the PGM for the delightful manner in which he conducted the business before the lodge and was pleased to advise him that he’d been elected an honorary member of the lodge.  David then proceeded to complete the labour with the quiet efficiency expected of a brother of such impeccable quality.

The lodge closed and the ubiquitous photos taken, the assembled throng descended to the wonderful dining room at Alderson House, set out beautifully by the hard-working Greville team.  As well as said history, each diner received gifts of commemorative pens and coasters to add to their memories of a wonderful meeting.  The usual wine takings and toasts followed accompanied throughout by much chatter and laughter.

It had truly been a special evening and, whilst thoughts naturally included remembering all the brethren of Greville from across the years, there were no ‘ghosts’ in this Greville Lodge – they were sensibly left to the TV!