Valentia Mark Lodge No. 623 held its first virtual Business Meeting on the 28th October 2020. Although Valentia hold an informal Zoom meeting weekly, I believe some of the members, were a bit nervous about it. But due to Covid 19 we decided not to hold a proper Meeting as so many of the members would be reluctant to attend.
On the night, the members opened Zoom about half an hour early to allow us to discuss protocol etc. Eventually 7:30 came around and the Meeting was opened By the Worshipful Master W. Bro. Andy Blatchford. We played the opening ode without singing as everyone was muted.
We had a particularly good attendance which included the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Richard Olliver, his Deputy V. W. Bro. Graham Seeman, the two Wardens W. Bro’s. Bob Watson and Dick Haydon, W. Bro. Huw Hopkin, Provincial Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Les Canham, Prov.J.G.D. and W. Bro. Brian McCormack, Prov.G.Stwd. and 16 members of the Lodge. Of course, the fact that the R. W. Bro. Richard Olliver was in attendance made the Brethren at ease and I believe all enjoyed the evening.
W.Bro. Tim Dummer Secretary gave a short tribute to a regular visitor W. Bro. Peter Lloyd followed by R. W. Bro. Richard Olliver with a tribute to R. W. Bro. Alan Brunning. The R.W. Bro. Provincial Grand Master also mentioned W. Bro. Peter Lloyd.
The Master W. Bro. Andy Blatchford was declared Master for the forthcoming year, and he announced that his officers will remain in post.
The rest of the Meeting included elections of the Treasurer W. Bro. Tim Double was re-elected.
The remainder of the Meeting included elections to the Lodge standing Committee, the Centre Representative, and the lodge Representative to BeMBA
Before closing the R. W. Bro. Richard Olliver said a few kind words.
All in all it was a very good first attempt at a Virtual Business Meeting and after the Meeting the Members decided we would do this again in November, and I for one am looking forward to it.
W.Bro. Tim Dummer Secretary 623
