RecentEvents

Recent Events at Lodge Dalhousie.

Lodge Dalhousie Annual Outing.(2010)
"Stirling Castle"
Saturday 22nd. May

This year the Lodge day out had an educational theme. We went to visit Stirling Castle. However this was no ordinary visit as we were given a special tour of the Kings Quarters whilst they are being taken back to their livery of 1538.

Whilst the trip has been some time in the planning by past master John McLeish we had a tenuous link to our final meeting of the year when Bro. Charlie Jones gave a superb lecture on ‘Masonic Marks’. If anyone is qualified to speak on this matter it is certainly Charlie as he is not only a speculative mason but is also a practicing operative stone mason working for Historic Scotland. Charlie had arranged for us to be taken round the Royal apartments by Bro. George Simpson, a member of the Lodge who is overseeing a major part of the work being undertaken to return the apartments to their previous grandeur.

Our day began at high 12 when we boarded the bus that would take us from Carnoustie to Stirling Castle. A good time for departure as we were all fed and ‘watered’. On arrival at Stirling Castle about 1:15 we visited the Portcullis hotel for refreshments in glorious sunshine, a good excuse for some social banter. At 2:30 we were met by George who explained many of the intricacies of historical restoration before we entered the Royal apartments. We began in the Trades tunnel where the tailors and carpenters would have been sited and George explained how modern Health & Safety impacts on the restoration and public access to the treasures. We then had a tour through the Queens apartments and into the Kings quarters. The glitch in Stirling Castles history is the military occupation of the 19th & 20th centuries when much was altered to suit a military barracks occupancy. However these times are still an integral part of the history of the fabric and have to be preserved as well. As we moved through the apartments each room became progressively more regal and grander than the previous apartment. Life was obviously very different from present times. George filled us with detail on every aspect of the renovation including detail about the Stirling Heads, and their replacements. How the original 37 heads will be shown to the public. The final room was very special as it is planned to have holographic exhibits of the figures on the outside of the apartments as they would have been and then as you leave the apartments what is left of these figures will be there to observe. We were unanimous in feeling that we had been privileged to see this work and hope to return when it is completed (next years outing?). Georges final words were that everything they were working on had to be done in such a way as it could be returned to the condition it is in today. The total cost of the project is in the order of £12m.

We followed our first tour with a walk through the main Castle at Stirling by Ross Blevins.
Again we were given special status with Ross beginning the tour talking about Burns scribing on a window at the Castle, then smashing his poem to prevent it being used against him in his application to become an excise man. All done in dialectic accent, brilliant! We completed our tour in the refurbished chapel which is allegedly a third size replica of King Solomons Temple. Built by James IV for the baptism of his infant son in record time due to an incentive based wages structure of the 16th century!

Finally we made our way past Drummond Cemetery (worth a tour itself) to the Portcullis hotel where we had an excellent dinner, with some socialising and hence homeward.

This was an excellent day out with lots of Masonic linkage, lots of Scottish history and some excellent fraternal socialising.

Well done to John McLeish for all his organisation, perfect as always. Thanks to Charlie Jones for making it happen and thanks too to George and Ross for such informative and privileged tours.

Every brother there felt privileged and we all know we had a great and unique day out.

To browse some pics click here.

Lodge Dalhousie Annual Outing.(2008)
"Falkirk Wheel" and "The Bo'ness Railway" (What Nae Distillery?)
Saturday 21st. June

The Brethren enjoyed an outing to the "Falkirk Wheel" which was a millennium project, indeed a magnificent balanced piece of engineering connecting the Union and the Forth and Clyde Canal, it is sited in a natural open amphitheatre at Rough Castle near Falkirk, this remarkable and elegant mechanical marvel is the only rotating boatlift in the world and truly one of a kind.

After a bite to eat we made our way to the "Bo-ness Railway" and had a trip along the line pulled by a tank engine, seeing the old Monifieth and Wormit stations which have been relocated there by the society.

Tea was booked at the Dutch Inn, Skinflats where we had a very enjoyable meal, thereafter we visited Lodge Zetland No.391(Grangemouth) for a few beers and some spirits. We departed Grangemouth (pouring rain) and arrived home at approx 0100hrs.(still pouring rain)

A special thanks goes to PM R.Ferguson for organising and driving the mini bus.

Sponsored Run.
4th. May 2008

Bro. Eric Hovell, along with his daughter Louise took part in the "Great Edinburgh Run" to raise money for the "The Camus House Comfort Fund" which is a local care home for the elderly.

Together they raised the sum of £285.00 and would like to thank the Lodge, Brethren, family and friends for their Sponsorship.

Congratulations and well done to you both.

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Lodge Dalhousie Annual Outing.(2007)
"Fettercairn Distillery" and "Aberdeen Masonic Temple"
Saturday 18th. August

This year the outing had two destinations, surprisingly a visit to Fettercairn Distillery followed by a visit to the Aberdeen Masonic Temple in Crown Street.

First stop was the Fettercairn Distillery where after a short video and a sample of the end product we were given an informative tour of the distillery. After the tour we were given further samples and some of the Brethren were persuaded to purchase the "Golden Nectar".

An enjoyable lunch was then had at the Ramsay Arms Hotel in Fettercairn then it was on to Aberdeen.

At the Crown Street Temple we were met by RWM Alan Pimbley and PM John Bothwell of Lodge 190, who gave an extremely instructive tour round the various Lodge and Chapter rooms, including a visit to the Vault for those who were Royal Arch Chapter members.

The Brethren then went to the RUA Masonic Club where a fine high tea was provided and then after a few drinks we set off back to Carnoustie having had a most enjoyable day.

A special thanks go to Bro.R.Ferguson PM who organised and drove the minibus.

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The annual pairs putting competition was held on the Carnoustie links putting green.

Eight members and four wives contested the cup and the chocolates, with Bro.L.Black and Bro.J.McLeish winning by one stroke.
Mrs. Joyce Brown won the chocs with the lowest ladies score.
R.W.M. Bro.I.Dempster scored a "hole in one". (still waiting for the drink!!!!)

After the competition we sojourned to the Lochlorian Hotel for high tea and a beverage, most enjoyable, retiring in the early part of the evening.

Lodge Dalhousie Annual Outing.(2006)
"The King's Cellar, Limekilns Fife"
Saturday 1st. July

This outing organised by the WSW Bro.L.M.Black included a trip to Limekilns, Fife, and also a visit to Lodge Lindores, Newburgh.
Our thanks also go to Bro. Steve MacKenzie for volunteering his services to drive the minibus.

Twelve brethren from Lodge Dalhousie and three visiting brethren enjoyed an informative and social day out to the King's Cellar, Limekilns, the oldest building to house a masonic lodge, Lodge Elgin and Bruce No.1077.(PDF file of the booklet issued by the Lodge) We then proceeded to the site of the now disused limekilns. Our thanks go to Bro.Jim Swan and Bro. Jim Smart for taking the time to show us round and giving a talk on the King's Cellar.
Link for pictures of Limekilns.

Then onto Lodge Lindores,Newburgh, where we were given a lecture on the panels painted by Bro.D.P. Craig at the tender age of twenty six, we then settled down to enjoy a small libation and watch a game of football but were distracted by a "hen night" party upstairs in the lodge room.
Later the local bingo players entered the hall to start their social night, so it was time to depart and head home, an enjoyable day out for all.
Link for pictures of Lindores.

On Sunday 14th. August 2005, Lodge Dalhousie held its annual pairs "Putting" competition for the late "Sandy Mair Cup" at the Carnoustie Golf Links putting green. The match once again included the brethrens' partners and family.
Four competitors suceeded in scoring "a hole in one" at various times throughout the competition.

The Brethren then retired to the local hostelry for a meal and much needed refreshment.

Lodge Dalhousie Annual Outing.(2005)
"Tullibardine Distillery"
Saturday 25th. June

Once again the members of the Lodge elected to visit a distillery!!! No complaints.
On arrival at the Tullibardine Distillery and after some window shopping, the Brethren enjoyed lunch at the visitor centre restaurant.
After being shown round the distillery by the guide and as it was a very sunny day, the Brethren made their way back to the Glen Turret distillery where there is an outdoor fooftop terrace to enjoy the afternoon sunshine, (not to mention the alchoholic beverages.)

The Brethren then made their way to the Crieff visitor centre where they had a lovely high tea, courtesy of the pleasant, hard working girls who kept the restuarant open late for the Brethren, (very much appreciated girls). On the way back to the bus one of the Brethren succumbed to a 50p bet, to climb to the top of a childrens climbing frame, which he duly collected then lost on the bus during the journey home, (some things never change).

Later at the kind invitation of Lodge St Michael No.38, a sociable evening was had by the Brethren of both Lodges, and we helped to celebrate PM Richard McGlashan winning the Lodge St Michael fishing competition.

Our thanks also go to Bro.Black and Bro.Robertson for driving the minibus. (even though the kerbs were at risk!!!)

On Sunday 5th. June, three brethren in a party of eleven climbed "Ben Nevis" to raise funds for local man Kevin Christie , the climb started at 10am and we were all off the mountain by 4.45pm. (and in the Ben Nevis Inn by 4.46pm, courtesy of John Hovell, thank you John!!!!)
It was an enjoyable day out for everyone, where we meet many interesting people climbing the mountain for many different reasons, but there were reports of aching legs on the days that followed.

Bro.John Butchart, Bro.Eric Hovell, Bro.Ian Stewart,
on the summit of Ben Nevis.

A "Race Night" was held on Friday 8th. April 2005 in aid of the "Kevin Christie Fund". The event took place courtesy in the West End Bowling Club who allowed the Lodge the use of their premises.
An enjoyable and entertaining night was had by all who attended the evening.

The grand sum of £1404.00 was raised towards the "Kevin Christie Fund" with special thanks to all who sponsored the individual races, paid for ownership of the horses, donated the cost of the race videos and someone even sponsored the cost of the stovies.

Picture Courtesy of "The Arbroath Herald"
RWM Allan Brown presents a cheque (£1404.00) to the "Kevin Christie Fund".
Bro.R.Ferguson (West End Bowling Club),Bro.A.Brown (RWM),Bro.L.Black (Sponsor),Bro.Angus Christie (Kevin Christie Fund),Bro.E.Hovell (Sponsor and Organiser of the Event)

Our day out, organised by WJW Bro Ian Dempster, kicked off with a leisurely journey to the Crieff visitor centre.
After a spot of lunch, and refreshments, we headed up to the 'Grouse Experience'; the tour of the distillery ended with the not so famous grouses of Lodge Dalhousie extended the hand of friendship to some of the more "Famous Grouse". This was assisted by Bro Ian Stewart, P.M. who talked his way into some complimentary samples of GlenTurret malt.

After refreshments on the rooftop terrace bar we headed for a High Tea at a Crieff Hotel.

This was followed by a very sociable visit to Lodge St Michael No.38 where we were greeted by the RWM Bro. Richard McGlashan and a number of brethren of the Lodge.
During the evening we were treated to a guided tout of the Lodge Temple and its small but impressive museum. In true Masonic tradition we arrived yet left as friends and look forward to extending this friendship in the years to come. Our journey home was uneventful with a couple of unscheduled pauses, and the constant sound of the 'Grouse' tune from Bro. ATM Robertsons mobile.

On Saturday 18th. May 2002, the Brethren of Lodge Dalhousie together with members of Chapter Victory No449 enjoyed a sojourn to Rosslyn Chapel. (www.rosslynchapel.org.uk)

Having been picked up by bus we enjoyed a pleasant run to Lasswade for lunch.
After lunch we travelled to the village of Roslin for the visit to the Chapel.

We were kindly conducted by Jim Munro, Past Master of Lodge Roslin No.606. Jim has an immense knowledge and understanding of the site, the building, its construction and its symbolism regarding Freemasonry.
We were given an extensive insight into the allegorical, emblematical and figurative aspects of Freemasonry.

Jim's vast knowledge of the Chapel contributed to a pleasant and informative afternoon which was appreciated by all.

We then returned to Lasswade for tea and then to Bonnyrigg where we enjoyed the hospitality of Lodge Dalhousie No.720