Visitation to 305 on 8 January 2004

A deputation of 22 brethren, headed by RWM Bro Alan Thompson, attended the first visitation in 2004 at Lodge Woodhall St Johns No 305. Apart from the size of the deputation it was encouraging to see that all of the Office bearers down to DOC were present. The degree was not the best that we have produced over the years which was probably due to it being a Mock Second with Bro Alan Magrane acting as candidate. At the end of the meeting Bro Alan Thompson received his first honorary membership. After the meeting a pleasant couple of hours was spent in the company of our friends from 305.

Visitation to 427 on 14 January 2004

A deputation of 25 brethren, headed by RWM Bro Alan Thompson, attended the second visitation in 2004 at Lodge St Clair No 427 Cambusnethan. Once again a fantastic turnout on a very inclement night. The degree was an enormous improvement on that conferred at Bellshill the previous Thursday with every participant doing well despite the candidate being poorly prepared and wearing shoes which were far too big causing him to shuffle his way through the degree. Bro Alan Thompson received honorary membership of 427 from their RWM Bro Sam Haycock who was serving his third consecutive year as Master. After the meeting a pleasant couple of hours was spent in the company of our friends from 427.

Visitation to 187 on 4 March 2004 

We had an excellent deputation of twenty one, which included the RWM of 1461, on this visit to Lodge St John No 187 where we conferred the Master Mason Degree. The degree itself was excellent with every Brother who took part performing really well and an excellent candidate. The brethren of 187 showed their appreciation with loud applause and we all retired and enjoyed some harmony which unusually these days included an MC, singers and joke tellers as well as the usual pie and beans. A most enjoyable evening.

Visitation to The Operative Lodge of Airdrie 203 on 14 April 2004 

As at all visitations this year, this was another excellent turnout of around twenty for this visitation to Airdrie. The degree was a third which was enjoyed by every brother present and to a very high standard. The PM ,who was called upon to comment on the degree mentioned ,in particular, that during the degree, there was complete silence in the lodge room. He was also delighted to hear the song at the graveside so beautifully delivered by PM Bro Jim Cowan.  After the meeting we enjoyed a corned beef salad and a few drinks before making our way home after another most enjoyable evening.

Visitation to 1228 on 20 September 2004 

13 weather beaten Brethren including the R W M, four P Ms, six office bearers and two brethren made the short trip to Motherwell in high winds and heavy rain for our visitation to Lodge Motherwell Caledonian 1228 on Monday 20 September. We conferred an excellent  third degree on one of their candidates for which the degree team were greeted by loud applause and the R W M received Honorary membership. A short harmony then followed before we made our back home into the storm.

Visitation to 1096 on 12 October 2004 

A deputation of twenty six brethren including the reigning Masters of 590,1186 and 1228 made the short trip to Cleland to visit Lodge Murdostoun Castle 1096 and confer the third degree on one of their candidates. Once again the degree work was excellent, as was the candidate and was well received by the Brethren from 1096. The RWM received honorary membership for which he thanked 1096 and the brethren in the deputation. We then went to harmony where we had two courses - excellent soup followed by the customary pie and peas washed down with our favourite tipple - not tea. 

Visitation to 573 on 28 October 2004 

22 Brethren including the RWM of 1461 made up the deputation to Lodge Livingstone St Andrew No 573 - another very large deputation. The RWM had returned from his holiday so the degree team was at full strength and conferred an excellent third degree on one of 573's candidates who proved very interested and attentive, despite suffering from broken ribs sustained before the meeting. It was therefore a more gentle degree than usual. The RWM received honorary membership for his efforts for which he thanked 573. We then went to refreshment where buttered rolls on square sausage were provided. 

Visitation to 1461 on 8 November 2004 

17 Brethren made the short trip to Bargeddie to visit Lodge Heatheryknowe No 1461 and confer the first degree on the last visitation of the RWM's year. Unfortunately, the candidate did not turn up so a mock degree was conferred on our own EA. In conferring the full degree the RWM became the first 919 member to confer a full degree for a few years ( probably in this millennium !!!). It was an excellent degree well appreciated by the brethren of 1461. As 1461 meet in a Community Centre the Lodge Harmony ended promptly at 10:30 and the brethren returned home early and happy.