Senior Citizens' Treat on Saturday 11 December 2004 

The Senior Citizens' treat was attended by about 80 of our retired Brethren, their wives and widows of Lodge Brethren. As is customary, the Lodge provided transport for those who requested it and everyone sat down at 7:00 to a fine meal. After the meal certificates were presented to four Brethren Tom Condie, Tom Allardice, Alan Freeman and John Muircroft who had given the Lodge 50 years' or more service. 

There then followed dancing to the regular band who have been playing at the senior citizens' for years and know what they like to hear. One of the Brethren danced so much that the soles came of his shoes. However it transpired, on further investigation, that they had been off his shoes when he arrived and had been held on by elastic bands. His wife said he had better shoes at home but refused to wear them. Before you get too sympathetic, it should be mentioned that he is one of the more well-heeled Brethren.

While the band had a rest, Bro Tom Brown (78) introduced the beautiful singing of Bro Jim Cowan (70), the not so beautiful singing of our longest serving Past Master Andy Simpson (91) who reached the chair in 1945, and the blueish comedy of Bro Tom Condie (80). All were well received by those present.

At this stage, a rather puny but well-cushioned Santa Claus arrived to the singing of Jingle Bells with a money gift for each couple or individual, chocolates for the ladies and a cigar for the Brethren. After further dancing the evening ended with a vote of thanks to the Lodge, Auld Lang Syne and the Queen and everyone made their way home having enjoyed an excellent evening.

Christmas Dance on 17 December 2004 

Our intrepid reporter purchased his ticket and, escorted by his charming wife, made his way to the Christmas Dance to send the web site this comprehensive report of the festivities.

A wonderful time was had by all. The hall was at capacity and the dance floor was continually congested as people danced to the sound of Prestige. The band played through the Era’s and did the usual fantastic Xmas numbers.

 The traditional feast of roasted pie was had and one poor soul had to sneak out for a kebab as he thought it was a 3 course on offer and had no dinner earlier. Wish we could all get a 3 courser, band etc for £6 a couple.

 A RWM of 1228, nameless, dance so frenziedly that the sole come of his shoe. The situation was resolved by the IPM offering a shoe, an old shoe of his mother lodge! Although once the condition of the socks was witnessed, the offer of the shoe was speedily withdrawn.

 The bar staff also did a wonderful job and no queues or delays were experienced.

 The raffle raised a fantastic sum of money with approximately 25 prizes on offer. It is normal at all dances that the Kyle Family win the majority of the raffles and on this occasion had brought an estate car to convey their prizes home.

 However it was the IPM’s table, 9 persons, who won most of the prizes. It was accused that the IPM had swapped his tickets with the Kyles, this was withdrawn when Mrs Kyle realised she was outnumbered and due to the IPM’s delicate position and swellings he could not have waddled over unnoticed. 

A great time was had by all young, old & new and was another testament to the pleasurable evenings made possible at 919 by the commitment and efforts of all the brethren.  

Burns Supper on 11 January 2005 

The Top Table click here for photo

The Masonic Hall was packed as over 130 enthusiasts celebrated the Life and Works of Scotland's National Bard Robert Burns. The RWM welcomed the large turnout and hoped they had an enjoyable evening.

The piping in of the haggis and the subsequent toast  as well as the Selkirk Grace were performed expertly. The meal was first class with tasty hearty soup, excellent haggis neaps and tatties, a smallish helping of steak pie and finished off with oatcakes and cheese. The service was very efficient considering how full the hall was.

After the loyal toast and "Rantin' Rovin' Robin" the Immortal Memory was given followed by the lament. The immortal memory contained many facts about Burn's life and lots of quotations from his works but seemed to lack a coherent theme and failed to inspire. After another Burns song the company were entertained by an excellent rendition of Holy Willie's Prayer which is one of Burn's most humorous works. We were then treated to the toast tae the lassies and a reply which were both heavily joke laden and enjoyed by the audience.

The toast to the Lodge, followed by a reply and a toast to the artists and reply interspersed with more Burns songs and a lively and energetic Tam o' Shanter brought the Supper to the final songs  - The Star o' Rabbie Burns and Auld Lang Syne. The RWM made his closing remarks and the brethren and their visitors slowly made their way home well-toasted after consuming much strong drink and looking forward to next year's supper.  

IPM Presentation Dance on 22 April 2005 

The IPM Presentation Dance, which was a sell-out, was a tremendous night out and Scandal were fantastic. Those who had not previously experienced the professionalism of Scandal were treated to the very best. Quite a few members, including our newest and youngest were astounded that being a mason meant such quality entertainment at a ludicrously low price.

The RWM & his wife Elaine presented the IPM's wife Eileen with her gift and thanked the IPM for all his hard work during his year on the chair. The IPM replied with a well prepared and dignified speech and thanked all the Brethren, office bearers, visitors and guests alike. However, he was stopped from telling any jokes by Bro. Graham Blades as they had failed the censorship test. They were genuine copies from the recent visitation to Carluke.

Last but not least the IPM thanked the committee and social convener for arranging such an excellent night and the music and dancing continued till the wee small hours of 12.40am.

Please contact Bro Nicoll Ross P.M. by email with your comments on this web site or for further information about Lodge Robert King Stewart No 919.