Sept 2005

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September 2005 Message

A FAMILY GATHERING

Our recent Half-Yearly meeting at Ootacamund in the Nilgiris after the serious business, had all the warmth and gaiety of a family gathering, and it was especially comforting to be bathed in a brotherly glow, in temperatures which fluctuated between about 5°C to 15°C. The host Lodge had put itself out to be hospitable – and indeed succeeded beyond measure. Except for a shower on Friday afternoon the weather also co-operated, so that we could enjoy the sunshine.

The Saturday night went on well into the midnight hour, with the younger legs exercising on the dance floor, with some of the older ones to show them, that the spirit was willing, and that memories of ‘tripping the light fantastic’ had not yet been completely lost.

The American auction conducted by the President of the Board, of a hamper of undisclosed contents, led to frenzied bidding more reminiscent of casinos, and yielded in about 45 minutes the goodly sum of Rs.50,000/-. The Bar Dive earlier on Friday night had contributed Rs.35,000/- and adding another Rs.14,000/- approx. at District Meeting, realized in all about Rs.100,000/- for Charity – not bad for a gathering of about 270 Brethren in all.

On Friday the 12^th I had the solemn duty of presiding over the re-dedication of the Grave, beautifully renovated by the Brethren of the eponymous Lodge, of Major General Pitt Macdonald, our first District Grand Master to be so designated. The grave is in the yard of the St. Stephen’s Church in Ooty, and dates back to 1867. It is heartening to have such representative acts of our respect for our traditions and in remembrance of brethren who contributed so much to our fraternity and to the social causes of that time.

This message may read more like a news report but if reminder were necessary it is the medium of our actions that underlines the message that I wish to convey. Actions speak louder than words, and the gathering we all recently attended, encourages us to believe that our Brotherhood is alive, robust and well, in this District of Madras.