The Provincial Lodge of Installed Masters never fails to educate and entertain. It’s recent meeting, held on Wednesday 3rd June at Peterborough Masonic Centre certainly lived up to this reputation. The Worshipful Master, VW.Bro Charles Bennett, welcomed members, visitors and distinguished Brethren alike. The distinguished Brethren were represented in the form of one visitor, W.Bro. K.A. (Danny) Ellis, PAGDC of Cambridgeshire - Worshipful Master of their Provincial Lodge of Installed Masters, and VW.Bro Bennett welcomed him warmly, apologising that he had been unable to attend the reciprocal visit earlier in the season. Included in the 80 plus Brethren were the PGM, RW.Bro Mark Constant, the DPGM, VW.Bro Tim Almond, the Past APGM, W.Bro Francis Margot, plus joining members and proposed members alike. On the night, the Lodge successfully balloted for 10 joining members and proposed a further 13.
The assembled Brethren were treated to not one, but two informative presentations. Firstly, the winner of the Richard Sandbach annual lecture competition, W.Bro Dr Albin Wallace, presented an abridged version of his lecture entitled “Mediaeval Mystery Plays, Ritual and Archetypes”. The level of content, research, and delivery kept the Brethren so enthralled that many in the bar later on commented how they wished it had gone on longer. However, time was needed for a second presentation, from Zoe Dean and Hannah Mumford, Senior Relationship Fundraising Officers for Alzheimer’s research UK.
Alzheimer’s research UK fund research into all forms of dementia and are working on new ways to treat, diagnose and treat this awful disease. Dementia is the leading cause of death in UK, and studies show that 50% of us all will see our lives devastated by it during our lifetime – if not ourselves, but someone close to us. Part of the presentation included a heart felt story from W.Bro Alex Thurlow, as many know, son of the late W.Bro Richard Thurlow – a much respected Brother who was lost to Alzheimer’s.
There was also information on the different forms of Dementia, how we can help protect our brain health through simple life choices, plus developments in the research and treatments available, and how Brethren can take part in research studies. After the talk, a pledge of £500 from the Lodge was match-funded and then increased by The Province, to turn into a £5,000 donation for the Charity.
After the meeting, both Zoe and Hannah joined the Brethren for a convivial Festive Board.
For a copy of W.Bro Albin Wallace’s Lecture, please email him at
For more information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, please visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org