Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1705

The Lodge is very sad to announce the passing to the Grand Lodge Above of W. Bro. Les Fisher. Les died after a short illness on 18th December 2009. Les was the Lodge Organist and was granted Honourary Membership in recognition of his long service in this capacity. He will be sadly missed. The Funeral service will take place on Friday 8th January 2010 at 14:20 at Southampton Crematorium, and afterwards at Southampton Old Bowling Green.

We are also sad to report the passing of Bro. Norman (Paul) May. Norman passed away,aged 86, on 20th December 2009.

Bro. Syd Ashby passed to the Grand Lodge above on 19th November 2009. Syd was 92 years old and had been a member of the Lodge since 1944, receiving his much treasured 60 year certificate in 2004. Syd was famous for his charity work and had been granted the Freedom of Gosport in 2007 (one of only 13 individuals ever to have been given this honour), he was Gosport's 'Citizen of the Year' in 1993, and was also made an honorary alderman of the borough. Ashby Place in Gosport was named in Syd's honour in recognition of his tireless community work.

W. Bro. Geoff Mecham is an emigree to Canada but retains his membership of Prince of Wales Lodge.

Since moving to Canada, Geoff has passed through the Chair of St. Francis Lodge No. 15 in Quebec.

The following article is reprinted from the District Paper of the St. Francis District.

District Representative elected

At a special meeting of the St. Francis District Masonic Association, held at Ascot Lodge on Wednesday, Nov. 26th, W. Bro. Geoffrey Mecham was elected to the position of District Representative to the Board of General Purposes for the balance of the ensuing year.

In accepting the position, Bro. Mecham reminded the brethren that the function of the District Representative is to carry the concerns of the District to the attention of the Grand Lodge Board of General Purposes. As such, he requested that the brethren must first make those concerns known to him. Congratulations are extended to Bro. Mecham.

He can be reached by phone at  819-336-3205 or by e-mail at gwmmason@ntic.qc.ca

Further to the above; and probably the highest promotion that a member of the Lodge has ever received!

Geoff Mecham has now been appointed as District Deputy Grand Master of St. Francis District of the Grand Lodge of Quebec.

Photo showing R.W. Bro. Geoff Mecham with M.W. Bro. Morris Kershaw, Past Grand Master.

Geoff has accepted the Office of Senior Deacon of the Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1705 (2009 - 2010) and will be attending Lodge as often as his new duties (and air miles!) allow. He will be sure to be in attendance on 28th October 2010 when his son, Daniel, will be Installed as Worshipful Master.

Sincere congratulations to R.W. Bro. Geoff on his appointment.