Hit for six!  We have now completed the first half of the year, and have been very fortunate in being able to initiate a new candidate at every one of our meetings.

Another candidate from our website, this one approaching us having had a conversation with a family member who is a Freemason down in Brighton.  Suffice it to say, he came well recommended when due enquiries were made, and we were most pleased to welcome him to the Craft.   

Almost a full complement of officers, albeit with out regular 'stand-in' Junior Deacon, and another great First Degree ceremony was performed.  Special mention should be made to the aforementioned family member from Brighton, who travelled up to witness the candidate join, and was delighted to deliver the Address in the North East Corner.  We are sure we have initiated, yet another, fine member to the Craft, and we look forwarding to seeing him continue his journey.

Our official fraternal visitors were Peace & Unity Lodge No. 6312, who were represented by their secretary, and Ernest Dixon Lodge No. 7856, represented by their Worshipful Master and a good number of Officers and Brethren. As ever, we were thankful to have our regular visitors with us, too.

The Festive Board was somewhat different.  As is now tradition for us at our June meeting, we retired to the local curry house, for a relaxed and very enjoyable conclusion to what has been a very busy 6 months.

So, what next?  Another initiation, that's what!  Our September candidate, who has been waiting in the wings for a little while now, joined us for the curry, and is very much looking forward to joining us officially.

Whilst the lodge may not be meeting again until September, the curry nights will continue. Fourth Tuesday of the month, for anyone that is interested. We'll be pleased to welcome along friends, old and new. Just drop us a message.

I would also like to add my personal thanks to the members of Palatine Lodge and our visitors, not forgetting our hosts, Yuvraaj restaurant, for contributing a magnificent £265 towards my Great North Run sponsorship in aid of the Durham 2021 Festival.  As they say up north 'shy bairns get nowt' so if anyone else would like to sponsor me, it would be very gratefully received!

Until the next time.

RWR