Minutes of an informal Zoom meeting 22/01/2021

The Llantwit Major Lodge no. 9241

The Minutes of an informal Zoom meeting

held Friday, 22nd January 2021 at 7.00 pm.

The gathering commenced the meeting at 7.15 pm – in the absence of W. Bro. Richard, W. Bro. Mike Thomas greeted the brethren and made them welcome. W. Bro. Mike again asked W. Bro. Tony if he would kindly act as secretary and record the evenings business.

The members who logged on were:  Mike Thomas – Dave Cox – Vince Bennett – Roy Williams – Archie Reynolds – Tony Fraser – Harold Jones – Roland Hughes – Andy Davy – John Hatherley – Andrew Spurway – Dave Pearce – Glyn Morgan – Gary Rosser – Alan Price & Tony Hilliard.   (If I have missed anyone please let me know) – Apologies from the W.M. Richard Andrews, Ian Harding and Dr. Bob Baron – Mike Thomas had been in touch with Roger Andrews and he hoped he would join us.

 Mike then opened the proceedings by bringing apologies from the W.M. W. Bro. Richard Andrews and the news of his new son – those present passed suitable comments and toasted the New Welsh Heavyweight – He then asked the members if they had any information to impart – Royden said there were only a few unpaid subs to date – Vince had no news from either Grand or Provincial Grand Lodge.

After several attempts at logging on much to every ones amusement, the Almoner, W. Bro. Glyn joined in and brought news of the following: 

Ian Harding has been to Morriston Hospital for surgery to his throat but unfortunately, due to his medication, they were unable to carry out the procedure  – Tony Fraser has been suffering with his health & hip and is taking pain killers – Doreen Evans wife of Reese Evans is in hospital after falling and breaking a hip and is none too well, Rees is coping with help from his family  but is feeling the strain – Dave Pearce is making progress – Dillwyn Phillips who has decided to move to the North of England lost both her sisters over Christmas, one Christmas eve and one on Christmas day – Keith Payne, a former member, lost his twin Brother to the Covid 19 Virus; he lived in Barry – Trevor Warren will be 90 years old on Sunday 24th January and is in reasonable health.

Both he and Tom Gardiner (a former member)  have served the Craft for over 60 years.  Glyn is trying for a 50/60 year certificate of recognition for them, from Province, but unfortunately their continued membership of any Lodge/s is in doubt.

It was decided to postpone any practise of the opening and closing until the Master was logged on again – David Pearce had asked to practice at the last Zoom meeting.

Tony H. Reminded the members that Roger Andrews was standing down as the secretary and had they got a replacement for him – somebody suggested Peter Brian Evans was looking for an Office in the Lodge – Tony also said he no longer wanted to be the H.R.A. rep and suggested the members consider Vince as a suitable candidate,           

Archie ‘whose computers, phones and what have-you’  had been causing havoc during the evening, finally updated the meeting with details of the new ‘Lodge Web Site’ which can be accessed via:                                                       lodge9241.blog  and the new password: “badly-spelled-3nox”

The brethren present exchanged pleasantries, news and gossip until finally W. Bro. Mike the Senior Warden again raised the subject of the Lodge’s commitment to the Festival. He spoke briefly about our responsibilities as members and stated how nice it would be if we could achieve the ‘Silver Award’ – he again  thanked  Bro. Harold for his work and asked for details of the Festival Chest, how much do we have, how much do we need and how many members contribute to the Festival. Harold informed the meeting that to date, and subject to an unchanging membership, a further £5,000.00 plus would be required which, with a membership of 47, equated to £100.00 plus gift aid per head. 

Following this information and various comments, a lengthy discussion took place culminating with a request that the acting Zoom sec. should send a ‘Round Robin’ to all the members asking if they would be kind enough to increase, donate or take out a covenant in the sum of £100.00 plus the gift aid. The Charity Steward Bro Harold then clarified the scheme by telling those present that to qualify for a Silver award, all donations must be before November this year and covenants will mature December 2023.

At the closing W. Bro. Mike enquired if the brethren were pleased with the evenings proceedings, if they had anything to add and were they in favour of meeting in February – the response was in favour. Andy said he had enjoyed himself and looked forward to the next meeting, adding, it was the first meeting for a long time that he had not been thrown out.

The meeting closed sometime after 8.20 pm.