Our June meeting was always Past Master's Night, but it had stopped a number of years ago. So, this year the WM decided to revive it and W Bro Ward was nominated to be the WM. Along with the other Past Masters they conducted a Second Degree demonstration. W Bro Ward did an excellent job of the degree, especially when as Master in 2013-14 he had been taken ill and was unable to do a Second Degree. Everyone enjoyed the ceremony and the Festive Board afterwards. Another great night at Ryton!

14 members of the Lodge met at Rowlands Gill Lodge for a very special night. Bro Evans a Fellowcraft was to be Raised to the Third Degree there because his time ashore from his work isn't allowing him to be at his mother lodge very often. After an excellent ceremony we all sat down to a tasty Festive Board and after the usual toasts the raffle was drawn and it was definitely Scott's night as he won the whisky! It was lovely to see 2 Lodges working together and enjoying each other's company.

On Monday 3rd June we are having our Lodge of Instruction starting a 7.00pm. All our Master Masons and Past Masters are welcome to attend.
Wednesday 5th June will see Bro Evans Raised at the regular meeting of Rowlands Gill Lodge commencing at 7.00pm. This is a special meeting for us as our Officers will be assisting the Officers of Rowlands Gill and the Lodge is very grateful to them in assisting us in Raising Bro Evans. If you are interested in attending this special meeting please contact the WM so that the catering can be sorted out.
On Monday 10th June the regular meeting will be a Past Master's night and a demonstration of the Second Degree will take place. Please come along and enjoy a truly Masonic Evening.

Unfortunately Bro Evans who was due to have taking his MM's degree is having to work, so we are very fortunate to have W Bro Alan Errington of Benfeldsyde Lodge who will give a talk on "Freemasonry in South Africa, the same but different!" Please come along and join us for a wonderful Masonic Evening. It is on Monday 13th May at 7.00pm., we look forward to seeing you.

On Monday 8th April the Lodge Passed a candidate to the Second Degree, he had obviously done his homework and proved an exceptional candidate. We welcomed a Past Master of the Lodge who had moved to Shropshire a number of years ago and we were very glad to see W Bro Mike who is now Worshipful Master of Lodge of St Oswald in Oswestry. Everyone enjoyed the meeting and afterwards we held an excellent Festive Board.

10th December saw the Lodge have its December meeting, the Treasurer presented the accounts to the lodge which were duly past by the brethren present. After which the Lodge was closed and we joined our families and friends for our Christmas dinner, although we were low in numbers we made up in enthusiasm. When the lovely food had been eaten we continued with a presentation on the TLC Teddies by W Bro Kevin Carter, carols were sung and the Bottle Draw was held. Congratulations to those that won something.

W Bro was presented with a cheque for £100.00 towards the teddy bear funds, also a cheque for our contribution towards the running of the scheme.

On 10th December the Lodge will hold its Christmas meeting. After a short meeting where the Treasurer will present the Lodge accounts for approval, the Lodge will close and adjourn to the dining room for the Christmas dinner. We will be joined by our wives, partners and friends, after dinner we will sing some carols, have a pantomime (not confirmed) and hold the bottle draw. The bottle draw is our main booster to Lodge funds, so we hope to sell as many tickets as possible. There is always a good number of bottles for prizes. All brethren are invited to attend.

It with sadness that we have to announce the death of W Bro Alan Lawrence Chapman PPGSwdB on Thursday 30th August 2018. His funeral takes place at Lucy Street Methodist Church, Blaydon on Thursday 6th September at 12.30pm and at West Road Crematorium. Afterwards at Ryton Rugby Club.