L to R – W Bro Jamie Fyfe; Bro Oliver Gill; Bro Robert David; W Bro Kris Drone (Tyler); W Bro Peter Snowshall; Bro Guy Barlow; WM W Bro Andrew Fricker; W Bro Philip Harrison; W Bro Harry (mucker) Holland; W Bro Adrian Pontin; W Bro Alan Spear; Bro Kaz Hazim; W Bro David Brewer; W Bro Mark Cammack. Photographer W Bro Peter Mulvey

It’s not often you see musical critique in the minutes of a Masonic Lodge, but that rare distinction was accorded at Northwood Lodge, No. 4994 relating to the Installation of Bro Andrew Fricker as Worshipful Master at its most recent meeting.

At the Festive Board afterwards, The Masters Song was played on the piano accordion by W Bro Jamie Fyfe, duetting with W Bro Adrian Pontin on vocals.

The verdict recorded in the Minutes ? – ‘More practice was needed‘!

Andrew was Initiated into Northwood Lodge in June 2013, proposed by W Bro Peter Snowshall with his Seconder W Bro Philip Halliday (deceased).

W Bro Peter Proposed the Toast to the Master, and the 9 o’clock toast was coupled with the name of W Bro Halliday.

In the midst of the current coronavirus situation, he could not be a more appropriate WM – working in the virus secure area of a laboratory in Elstree, about which he was able to give a highly informative talk to the Brethren during the Third Rising.

At the Festive Board he presented gifts to Peter Snowshall and his mentor during his early years, W Bro Adrian Pontin.

The WM was toasted warmly by Immediate Past Master W Bro Alan Spear.

And finally back to the musical highlight of the evening.

What did Jamie think of the performance ?

‘My services don’t cost anything. Fact is, I’m not very good and can’t sing very well, but they keep asking me, so I keep doing it !‘

With honesty like that, who needs Simon Cowell ?

A grateful thanks to Ian Mitchell for writing the report.