No brethren, I am not about to launch into a joke pondering how many RW Brethren it takes to change a light bulb but rather to reflect on how four (yes, 4!) ProvGMs & PProvGMs made a recent meeting truly memorable.

The Ronald Albutt Lodge of MMM No 1818 is special – but then again, aren’t they all?  As the Warwickshire Mark Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge, it can boast quite an impressive membership.  The current Master is RW Bro Eric Rymer, the recently retired ProvGM for Worcestershire.  His SW is RW Bro Phil Wills, the immediate PProvGM for Warwickshire and his JW is RW Bro Andrew Armbrister, the current ProvGM for Warwickshire.  Now that’s impressive and, as one might expect with such apparent experience, the lodge is in very good hands.

The recent meeting was extra special.  The Master had invited his predecessor as ProvGM for Worcestershire, none other than RW Bro Frank Spencer, Deputy Grand Master.  However it was as the Deputy Grand Summus of the Scarlet Cord that he had come to entertain us.

Firstly, the Master being a stickler for protocol, he duly offered the DepGM the gavel and was perhaps a little surprised when it was accepted!  RW Bro Frank proceeded to open the lodge with great aplomb – well, what else would one expect?   We knew that we were in for a good evening when, having invited RW Bro Eric to resume his rightful place and as he returned to his own seat, the assembled throng heard the DepGM whisper “gotcha” to a beaming WM.

Having conducted the important business of the lodge, including the election of W Bro Nigel Clemson, PAsstProvGM, as Master Elect, the Master invited the DepGM to take to the floor.  He duly did and proceeded to enthrall the brethren with a presentation entitled ‘The Rebirth of a Masonic Order’, explaining how the Scarlet Cord was re-introduced in England and Wales.

What followed was a fascinating talk, detailing the Order’s origins, demise and then rebirth 15 years ago.  RW Bro Frank was at the very heart of it all as the first GDC having also prepared much of the ritual to be used.  Clearly passionate about the Scarlet Cord, he painted a delightful picture of an interesting and thought-provoking Order.   He answered a number of questions before being thanked by the Master for entertaining us so well.  Unsurprisingly, the brethren showed their appreciation with acclaim.

Not quite finished, RW Bro Frank was delighted to present yet another RW Brother – Roger Mac – with his Grand Patron Diamond Award collarette, thanking him for his continued support of the MBF.  The labour finally over, the WM closed the lodge himself (having mischievously suggested asking the DepGM to do the honours) and the brethren retired to enjoy an excellent Festive Board, complete with the requisite cornucopia wicker fruit baskets.

Simon Grove, May 2025