Echoes through the generations;
Vigilantes Lodge celebrates 70 years with the founding Worshipful Master’s Grandson in attendance

On 28th March 2023, the brethren and their ladies of Vigilantes Lodge marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the lodge.

In the temple, members received a fascinating explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board from W Bro Z Zamo, as he walked Vigilantes’ newest EA around the Lodge. Those attendance commented on the masterful performance, and how much they had enjoyed their daily advancement with a piece of ritual that isn’t often seen.

Downstairs at the Festive Board, the ladies were gathered ready to join in the festivities. As said by WBro Aitkin in his toast “it’s always a celebration when our Ladies are present!”. The Vigilantes were honoured to welcome 15 visitors, as well as the Ladies, meaning the dining room at Cleethorpes Masonic Hall was full of atmosphere, laughter and merriment.

Spread across the dining tables were replicas of the original consecration programmes, that members and visitors alike enjoyed reading and reminiscing over familiar names, shared histories, and sharing those stories with younger brethren.

One particular name stood out the most; WBro E Rudkin, the first Worshipful Master of the new Vigilantes Lodge, as the Vigilantes were honoured to have WBro M Rudkin in attendance for the 70th Anniversary - the Grandson of our founding Master!

WBro M Rudkin has been a good friend of the Vigilantes for a long time, regularly visiting and even stepping in to perform ritual too. This time, he entertained everyone with a rousing toast to the founders, telling tales of his Grandfather, and other prominent Masons who helped to shape the towns of Grimsby & Cleethorpes, and pulled together to form the Vigilantes. WBro M Rudkin asked those gathered to imagine those founders were sat with us that evening, and to think on what questions, thoughts and fellowship could be shared. I’m sure they’d be proud to see the newly refurbished Temple, and to see the Vigilantes Lodge which they worked so hard to create still going strong after 70 years.

The Vigilantes enjoyed a wonderful 4-course Festive Board, which had been carefully put together to be a modern interpretation of the original 1953 menu, followed by a celebration cake and a cupcake for each of the Ladies to take home.

The evening drew to an official close with the drawing of a well-stocked raffle, with bottles and easter eggs going to the lucky winners, and over £200 raised. The traditional Copper Collection, even raised a spookily specific sum of £19.53!

Unofficially, the celebrations and fellowship continued in the bar until the early hours.

Overall a fantastic evening was had all around, with new and old friends, and the Vigilantes Lodge looks forward to honouring its founders with many more years of happy Freemasonry.

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