This year Coveham Lodge decided to take part, in the light of the Lodge having been in existence since 1921, hence
  being the oldest private organisation in the village and thus very much part of the heritage of the community -
  albeit a low-key one.

  Much thought was expended on the form that the display should take, with the inevitable small committee being set up
  to work out what material was available and the best way to display it. The overall display consisted of three
  sections:

      1)  A 1934 Ordnance Survey map, showing the names and locations of the early Coveham Freemasons whose addresses
           were actually in the immediate Cobham area, emphasising the high proportion of Freemasons represented in the
           trades then in the village and thus the important part they would have played in the community. Where
           possible, pictures of their business premises and their adverts in the Parish Magazine were included.



As part of the same section, a photograph of a Ladies' Night Dinner of 1933 was displayed, with an
invitation for visitors to identify anyone shown - this is part of on-going research into the history of
the Lodge. 



      2)  A costume display, showing a mannequin dressed in the WM's regalia, including the Master's Collar. The
          latter was recently refurbished and is consequently rather impressive. The 'Master' stood beside pedestal,
          with a bible, square and compasses resting on the Coveham display cushion, a kneeling stool below and the
          Coveham Lodge banner behind.



      3)  The final part of the display was devoted to a simple quiz, designed to convey some idea to the visitors of
           the large numbers of Freemasons who had achieved eminence in their field. The display portrayed just a few
           well-known faces with their names, and the quiz itself consisted of the faces of another two dozen Freemasons,
           their names being left blank for the competitor to fill in, aided by some rather obvious clues! No entry fee
           was charged, and the winner will receive a litre of one of the best-known blended whiskies. Over 70 entry
           forms were taken during the day. This area was also used for promotional literature and back copies of
           'Surrey Mason' for visitors to help themselves to.



  The weather for the event could not have been bettered - warm and sunny throughout with just enough of a breeze to keep
  the air fresh. Visitors came in their hundreds, and many expressed great interest in the stand. Several local Freemasons
  who were members of other Lodges stopped by to chat, and entry forms for the quiz very nearly ran out before the displays
  had to be dismantled at four o'clock. Coveham's current WM, W.Bro. Bernie Dreczko, PPDepGReg can be seen below with his
  temporary alter ego . . .



  Due to the large number of visitors passing the stand, it proved difficult to photograph adequately while in operation,
  but here can be seen a couple of interested visitors, plus W.Bro. Bert Davis, PSGD, PAProvGM, LGR (on right).



  As those who could collapsed exhausted afterwards in the Old Bear, it was felt that the large amount of effort expended
  was very worthwhile. Hopefully a larger number of those living in the Cobham area would realise the existence of an
  ongoing and friendly Freemason's Lodge in their midst, not a dreaded secret society but very much an upfront, helpful
  bunch worthy of further study.

  Many thanks are due to those who contributed time and effort both in the concentrated preparations, and to all those
  who turned up to help out on the day. It was an splendid combined effort from many members of the Lodge as well as an
  excellent opportunity to meet the public and promote Freemasonry. Now we start planning next year's stand . . . .


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Last updated 15 September 2009