Our regular meeting on the 26th January 2018, saw us welcome our latest recruit, in the person of Nikolay Marinov. Nik’s journey into Freemasonry began some years ago when he moved into the house next door to Senior Warden Malcolm Graham. He had long been interested in Freemasonry but it was his growing friendship with his next door neighbour which finally convinced him to take the plunge and apply for membership.
Nik, aged 35, is an Accountant living in Maidstone with his wife Maria, who is a local GP, and his 2 young boys aged 6 and 1. His hobbies are “anything sporty” with a particular interest in Martial Arts. Malcolm of course proposed him. He was seconded by Junior Warden, and Membership Officer Neil Marshall.
The meeting opened at 6pm and, in addition to a smoothly executed first degree ceremony, included a poignant moment in the Lodge’s history when long standing member WBro. Richard Hinge was elected an Honorary Member. A local fruit Farmer, Richard is the third generation of his family to have been a member of Agricola Lodge. He served the Lodge in many ways over the years; but is perhaps most remembered for his years as Lodge Secretary, and for his rendition of the “Address to the Brethren” which was a regular and much loved feature of our Installation Meetings for longer than most of us can remember.
The Lodge was also delighted to see WBro. John Beadle back with us after his stroke last year.
The formal proceedings being over, the Lodge was closed at around 8:15 after which the Brethren repaired to the Dining Room for our now traditional January Burns Supper. The meal began with a warm and satisfying, home made, Cock a Leekie soup. This was followed up by Haggis Neaps and Tatties and rounded off with Tipsy Trifle, Cheese and Coffee.
Following the usual Toasts, Neil Marshall rose to propose the “Toast to the Initiate.” He outlined Nik’s background assuring the Brethren that although Accountancy didn’t enjoy the most exciting of reputations, Nik was very much at the hip “Rock and Roll” end of the profession. Following a rousing toast, Nik thanked the Brethren for accepting him into the Lodge and said how much he was looking forward to getting to know more about Freemasonry.
With the Lodge’s Centenary looming in 2023, our Secretary Bob Burns kindly donated a bottle of Single Malt whisky which was raffled in aid of the Centenary Fund. It was won by er….. Bob Burns !!!
A Stewards Enquiry has been ordered ;-)))
The meeting was brought to a close by Tyler Mark Kirby at approximately 10:00pm