ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

PROVINCE OF SOMERSET

WELLINGTON SCHOOL, SOMERSET, LODGE
No. 7230

"NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA"

Date of Warrant
5th November, 1952

Date of Consecration
10th January 1953

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2023

Sunday, September 17th. Our annual Ladies' Luncheon was held at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth. The Worshipful Master, Brethren, their Ladies and many guests savoured a well presented and enjoyable four course lunch amid sparkling company in elegant surroundings.

Saturday, April 15th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured by the presence of R.W.Bro. David Jenkins PPrGM and V.W.Bro. Peter Layzell PDepPrGM. The main labour of the evening was a Third Degree Ceremony. Following which W.Bro. Cozens PPrJGW was presented with a 50 Year Certificate, having been initiated in our School Lodge, being Treasurer for many years and supporting the lodge especially with the ritual. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting which included the election of Worshipfull Master and Treasurer for the ensuing year the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy our Festive Board.

Saturday, February 18th. Wellington School Lodge no.7230 were delighted to receive the Provincial Grand Master, Rt WBro Ray Guthrie, on a fraternal Team Visit on Saturday 18th February, seen here with the initiate, Bro Guy Lambert and Fellow Craft, Bro John Caulfield who distinguished himself with an impressive presentation of the Working Tools.


WBro Clive Dunster PrSGW also a member of 7230, stood in as Worshipful Master in the absence of WBro William Bailey, unfortunately injured in a recent motoring accident. WBro William was the initiate’s proposer, as was Bro Chris Leigh-Brown, Senior Warden, also absent as his wife had Covid. Sadly, WBro Ken Trump PPrJGW aged 89, passed away unexpectedly at home recently. Ken had been a member for 40yrs. The Brethren stood in silence in respect of Departed Merit.

Despite the absence of regular officers, there was no shortage of volunteers and the Provincial Team were treated to an exceptional ceremony where WBro Clive was assisted by WBro John Cottrell who explained the Lesser Lights and WBro Les Neville, standing in as SW, invested Bro Guy with the Badge of an Entered Apprentice. The Charity Charge was given by WBro Geoff Ash, Charity Steward; Bro John Caulfield presented the Working Tools. On his return into the lodge, a near word-perfect Charge after Initiation was given by WBro Mike Meyrick-Eastick, followed by a remarkable explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board by WBro Jon Cozens. A booklet explaining the significance of the ceremony was presented to Bro Guy by WBro David Flack, PrGMentor.

Approximately 50 enjoyed an excellent Festive Board during which the usual toasts were given including to the candidate. A hearty rendition of the Entered Apprentice Song was led by WBro Phil Taylor with no musical accompaniment. Proceeds from the alms and raffle for Shelter Box for The People of Syria and Turkey amounted to £500 which Charity Steward, WBro Geoff said the lodge would match from the Relief Chest. Date of next Regular Meeting: Saturday 15th April 2023. WBro Alan Baker PPrSGW Wellington School Lodge 7230. 22.2.2023

2022

Saturday, December 3rd. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The main item of the evening was a Second Degree Ceremony. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and the Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy our Festive Board.

Saturday, October 15th. The annual Installation Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington with another excellent attendance. After the Lodge was opened in due and ancient form, W.Bro. C.D.M. Dunster, Provincial Senior Grand Warden, representing the Deputy Provincial Grand Master in charge, accompanied by many distinguished Brethren, was received into the Lodge. Salutations were given. The main Labour of the evening was the Installation of W.Bro. W.D.Bailey as Worshipful Master who then invested and appointed his Officers. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and W.Bro. Bailey, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge. The Installation Banquet, complete with the formal Toasts, Responses and the Master's song, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A memorable and joyous evening for our new Worshipful Master, his Officers, Visitors and the Brethren of the Lodge.


WBro.C.D.M.Dunster PrSGW, WM WBro.W.D.Bailey, IPM WBro.D.G.Probert PPrSGD.

Saturday, July 9th. A Committee Meeting was held by the Master Elect.

Sunday, May 15th. Our annual Ladies' Luncheon was again held at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth, attended by our Worshipful Master and his wife, Maureen. The Lodge Brethren, their Ladies and many guests savoured another well presented and enjoyable four course lunch amid sparkling company in elegant surroundings.

Saturday, April 23rd. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. Salutations were given. The main item was a Ceremony of Raising which was carried out in an excellent manner by the WM and his Officers. After completing the annual business of the Lodge which included the naming of the Master and Treasurer for the coming year, the presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate and a ballot for a joining member the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy our exhilarating Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

Saturday, February 19th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of RWBro Stanley Hopkins Past Provincial Grand Master. Salutations were given. The main item was a Ceremony of Raising which was carried out in an excellent manner by the WM and his Officers. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and the Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy our Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

2021

Saturday, December 4th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The main item being an Initiation Ceremony which was undertaken in an exemplary manner by a Worshipfull Master and his Officers. After completion of the remaining labours of the evening the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren retired to enjoy the festive board. Our new Brother, John, received a welcome speech to which he replied in a very able manner. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

Saturday, October 16th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of W.Bro Martin Slocombe PSGD, the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. Salutations were given. The main items of the evening were to Proclaim the Worshipful Master, a Second Degree Ceremony and a Presentation. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and the Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy our Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

Saturday, September 11th. An Emergency Business Meeting undertaken in a safe manner and in compliance with the latest guidance. Election of the Worshipful Master, the Treasurer and other miscellaneous items including the proposed programmme until the next Worshipful Master is elected, presented and installed. The Lodge was closed in due form and the WM and Brethren dined afterwards at a local hostelry.

2020

Wednesday, March 26th. Our Worshipful Master and Brethren visited The Lodge of Prudence and Industry, No. 1953 at Chard. A capacity attendance with many distinguished brethren, a 100 year birthday celebration, an excellent Ceremony of Raising and our presentation of the Travelling Trowel to their Worshipful Master, culminating with a memorable Festive Board.

Saturday, February 15th. A Regular Meeting, with another excellent attendance, was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of RWBro Stuart Hadler Past Provincial Grand Master. Salutations were given. The main item was a Ceremony of Raising which was carried out in an excellent manner by the WM and his Officers. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and the Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy our Festive Board.

2019

Saturday, December 7th. A Regular Meeting, with an excellent attendance, was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of WBro Ben Batley Deputy Provincial Grand Master, WBro David Madden Provincial Charity Steward and other distinguished members (Grand Lodge and Provincial). Salutations were given. The main item was a Double Passing Ceremony which was carried out in an exemplary manner by the WM and his Officers. WBro Ben Batley addressed the Brethren following which a presentation of the Lodge's fifth Ashlar was made to WBro Geoff Ash by WBro David Madden. A birthday cake with many candles was presented to WBro David Madden. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and the Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge to enjoy a joyful and excellent Festive Board.

Saturday, October 19th. The annual Installation Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington with another excellent attendance. After the Lodge was opened in due and ancient form, W.Bro. Darren L Sinclair, representing the Provincial Grand Master for Somerset, was received into the Lodge. He was accompanied by many distinguished Brethren. Salutations were given. The main Labour of the evening was the Installation of W.Bro. D.G. Probert, PPrSGD(Devon) as Worshipful Master who then invested and appointed his Officers. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and W.Bro. Probert, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge. The Installation Banquet, complete with the formal Toasts, Responses and the Master's and Visitors' songs, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A memorable and joyous evening for our new Worshipful Master, his Officers, Visitors and the Brethren of the Lodge.


WBro. P B Ball PJGD, WBro. D L Sinclair PJGW representing Rt.W.Bro.D J Medlock PGM for Somerset, WM WBro. D G Probert PPrSGD Devon, IPM WBro. C Dunster PPrGSwdB.

Sunday, May 12th. Our annual Ladies' Luncheon was again held at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth, attended by our Worshipful Master and his wife, Sandy. The Lodge Brethren, their Ladies and many guests savoured another well presented and enjoyable four course lunch amid sparkling company in elegant surroundings. Our W.M., Clive delivered a short speech thanking W.Bro. Alan and his wife Mary for the organisation of the event and thanking the staff at the hotel for their excellent service. Following this special occasion an exhilarating walk along the Sidmouth promenade with the view across Lyme Bay enhanced by the blue sky and brilliant sunshine concluded another joyful day.


Alan and Mary with WM Clive.

Saturday, April 13th. A Regular Meeting, with an excellent attendance, was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of WBro B.G.W. Batley PSGD, DPGM (designate) and distinguished members of the Provincial Team on the occasion of their Fraternal Visit. Greetings were given. The main item was an Initiation Ceremony which was undertaken in an excellent manner by our Worshipfull Master, his Officers and Brethren. After completion of the many business items the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren, including forty six visiting Brethren, retired from the Lodge for our usual exuberant Festive Board. Our new Brother, Harry, received a welcome speech to which he replied in a very able manner and he was then greeted by a rousing rendering of the Entered Apprentice Song. (Full details wil be in the circulated minutes.)

Saturday, February 16th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The Lodge was honoured with the presence of RW Bro C.A. Stuart Hadler, Provincial Grand Master and many Distinguished Brethren. The main item was an Initiation Ceremony which was undertaken in an excellent manner by our Worshipfull Master, his Officers and Brethren. After completion of the remaining labours of the evening the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren, including many visiting Brethren, retired from the Lodge for our usual joyous Festive Board. Our new Brother, Jeremy, received a welcome speech to which he replied in a very able manner and he was then greeted by a rousing rendering of the Entered Apprentice Song. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)


V.W.Bro.John W. Winston Deputy Provincial Grand Master, our WM W.Bro. Clive Dunster, Bro. Sean Grange, Bro. Jeremony Pitman (our Initiate), Rt.W.Bro.C.A.Stuart Hadler Provincial Grand Master.

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2018

Saturday, December 1st. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The main item being an Initiation Ceremony which was undertaken in an exemplary manner by our Worshipfull Master and his Officers. After completion of the remaining labours of the evening the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren, including many visitors, retired from the Lodge for our usual convivial Festive Board. A presentation was made by W.Bro. Alan Baker to our outgoing Treasurer, W.Bro. John Cozens, in recognition of his thirty years service. Our new Brother, Sean, received a welcome speech to which he replied in a very able manner followed by an exuberant rendering of the Entered Apprentice Song.
(Full details in the circulated minutes.)


W.Bro. Miles Dorrington, Bro. Sean Grange, our WM W.Bro. Clive Dunster and W.Bro. Jeremy Hellier.

Saturday, October 20th The annual Installation Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington, with another excellent attendance. After the Lodge was opened in due and ancient form W.Bro.D.J.Maddern, PAGDC.PrGChStwd, representing the Provincial Grand Master for Somerset, was received into the Lodge. He was accompanied by many distinguished Brethren. Salutations were given. The main Labour of the evening was the Installation of W.Bro.C.D.M.Dunster P.Pr.G.Stwd as Worshipful Master who then invested and appointed his Officers. After completing the remaining Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and W.Bro.Dunster, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge. The Installation Banquet, complete with the formal Toasts, Responses and other speeches, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Another memorable and happy evening for our new Worshipful Master, his Officers and the Brethren. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

Sunday, May 13th. Our annual Ladies' Luncheon was again held at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth, attended by our Worshipful Master, Richard, and his wife, Yvonne. The Lodge Brethren, their Ladies and many guests savoured a well presented and sumptuous four course lunch amid sparkling company in elegant surroundings. Our W.M., Richard delivered a short speech thanking W.Bro. Alan for the organisation of the event and thanking the staff at the hotel for their excellent service. Afterwards, the weather being perfect, an exhilarating walk along the Sidmouth promenade with the view across Lyme Bay enhanced by the blue sky and brilliant sunshine concluded a joyful occasion.

Saturday, April 21st. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The main items were an Enactment of the First Degree and the Annual Business. After completion of the remaining labours of the evening the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren, including many visitors, retired from the Lodge for the usual joyous Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

Wednesday, March 7th. Our W.M. W.Bro. Richard Coupe, Wardens and Brethren visited Quantock Lodge No. 4446 at the Masonic Hall, Watchet to present The Travelling Trowel to the Worshipful Master and Brethren. This was a well attended meeting which included an excellently presented Ceremony of Passing. On completion of the meeting a joyous festive board ensued.

Saturday, February 17th. A well attended Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. Among the labours of the evening was the receiving of the Travelling Trowel from the Worshipful Master and Brethren of the Royal Naval Lodge No. 2761. Bro. Alex Moran MBE excellently presented a talk entitled "30 Years Naval Service - The Falklands Conflict - Freemasonry" which was well received with acclaim. After completion of the labours of the evening the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren, including many visitors, retired from the Lodge for a joyful Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)


Our WM W.Bro. Richard Coupe with the WM W. Bro. Mark Twiss and Brethren of the Royal Naval Lodge No. 2761.
The speaker, Bro. Alex Moran, at third from the right.

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2017

Saturday, December 2nd. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington. The Lodge was opened in due and ancient form with solemn prayer. The main labour of the evening was a talk entitled "Wellington, the School and Freemasonry" excellently presented by W.Bro. R. Garrett PPrJGW. After completion of the labours of the evening the Lodge was closed in due form with solemn prayer. The Worshipful Master, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren and Brethren retired from the Lodge for an excellent Festive Board concluding with a hearty rendition of popular carols. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

Saturday, October 21st. Our Installation Meeting.


W.Bro. B. G. Batley, PSGD, AsstPGM of Somerset with WM W.Bro. Richard Coupe.
Wardens and Immediate Past Master.

Our Installation Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington with an excellent attendance. After the Lodge was opened in due and ancient form W.Bro. B. G. Batley, PSGD, AsstPGM of Somerset was received along with distinguished Brethren to whom Salutations were given. The main Labour of the evening was the Installation of Bro. R. D. Coupe as Worshipful Master who then appointed and invested his Officers. After completing the Labours of the Meeting the Lodge was closed in due and ancient form and W. Bro Richard, his Wardens, distinguished Brethren, Visitors and Brethren retired from the Lodge. The Installation Banquet, complete with the formal Toasts, Responses and the joyful rendition of the Master's song, was heartily enjoyed by all. A memorable occasion for our new Worshipful Master and all present. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)
A short CV of our Worshipful Master - Having served both at sea and ashore in the Royal Navy for 32 years in the Logistics Branch WBro Richard Coupe retired early as a Commander to become Bursar of Wellington School from 1999 to 2010 during which he oversaw a rapid �12m modernisation of many of the teaching areas including the build of a new Junior (now Prep) School. After handing over the reins at the school Richard is now a civil and commercial mediator and also runs a small publications company. He joined Freemasonry in 2010. He was awarded the OBE in 1997 for services to the Military.

Saturday, September 2nd. The Federation of School Lodges held the 70th Festival at Pocklington School, West Green, Pocklington, York YO42 2NJ, under the banner of Old Pocklingtonian Lodge No. 7867. ( Further details at http://wp.me/phqzP-eR). The 2018 Festival is to be held on Saturday September 1st under the Banner of the Taunton School Lodge No. 8215 in the Province of Somerset.

Friday, June 16th. Mark Provincial Golf Day.


Alan Baker, Richard Coupe, John Cottrell and Les Neville enjoying the hospitality after the Master Mark annual golf match.

Sunday, May 14th. A Ladies' Luncheon was held at the Belmont Hotel, Sidmouth, fronted by our Worshipful Master, Miles, and his wife, Kate. A well attended gathering enjoyed good food and sparkling company in elegant surroundings. Afterwards an exhilarating walk along the Sidmouth promenade with the view across Lyme Bay enhanced by the blue sky and brilliant sunshine was a perfect way to conclude a joyful occasion.

Saturday, May 6th. Our Master Elect and Brethren visited Queen's College Taunton Lodge at Taunton Masonic Centre and witnessed a Ceremony of Initiation. The evening concluded with a joyful Festive Board during which the new Brother was warmly welcomed as a member of our Ancient and Honourable Institution.

Saturday, April 8th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington, and was enhanced with the presence of VW Bro John Winston and the Provincial Team on the occasion of their Fraternal Visit. This annual business meeting included a talk "Who is Adam Weinshaupt", a G.L. Certificate Presentation and the Election of Master Elect and Treasurer. This well attended Meeting was followed by the usual jovial and fraternal Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)


VW Bro John Winston with WM Miles Dorrington and the Provincial Team.

Saturday, February 18th. A Regular Meeting was held at The Masonic Hall, Wellington, the main labour being 'To exemplify the Ceremony of Passing'. The Lodge was closed in due form and with solemn prayer, the W.M. and Brethren then attended an excellent Festive Board. (Full details in the circulated minutes.)

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© Wellington School Somerset Lodge 7230.