Lodge Loch Fyne, was recently privileged to receive a visit from four brethren from Lodge Spazio-Tempo, No.11, Bologna, here to attend the annual installation of Master of the Lodge, Donald Crawford and his office-bearers. The two Lodges have had a mutual friendship going back to the first visit to Italy, by Lodge Loch Fyne, on the 15th of March, 2008, with several visits home and abroad since then.
 
On this occasion we were joined by the Master of Lodge Spazio-Tempo, Andrea, PM Nico, SW, Mario and EA, Mauro. The brethren landed at Edinburgh airport and were soon whisked into town by PMs Andrew Kerr and Jimmy McCallum, chaperons for the day. After some fine food and fluids, we paid a visit to Grand Lodge, where we made a tour of the museum and were privileged enough to literally bump into the GMM and PGMM who warmly welcomed our Italian friends into Grand Lodge.
 
We had to abandon plans to visit Rosslyn chapel as time was getting on, but also made a stop in at the Kelpies and George Hotel, Inveraray on our way home. Next day, after breakfast, we made for the top of the "Rest and be Thankful," taking in the vista of snow covered mountains and glen below us. Continuing the gastro theme, we next paid a visit to Fyne Ales brewery, enjoying a tour round the premises followed by a tasting session and further sampling of the products available. Then it was onwards to Inveraray for a visit to the castle, before the brethren returned home to a feast of freshly caught lobsters, by Gavin Allan. These boys love their food!

Unfortunately, for them it was soon time to prepare for the installation, which was also a great success. The brethren were most warmly received by one and all, with Br., Andrea joining our RWM for the ceremony and afterwards, making a toast from visiting brethren from out with the country! Sensibly, they did not wait till the end of the excellent harmony, (unlike some), as another day of exploring lay ahead on the Saturday, as 8 members joined them, for an exhilarating boat trip to Jura to visit the distillery and have a meal at the hotel. Notice a theme here?
 
We were fortunate to have a nice, calm day, which afforded us the privilege of showing off the beautiful scenery and wildlife on our doorstep, spotting dolphins, porpoise and various bird life, as well as the historical sights and mountains of Argyll. The distillery tour went down well, very well and again, more than a few healthy specimens were purchased for sampling at a later stage. After a fine meal in the Jura Hotel, we were soon cruising back to the mainland, paying a quick visit to Eilean Mor, before the final stretch up the fjord-like Loch Sween into Tayvallich, where nothing would do like a wee visit to the Inn to warm up a bit!
 
Like all good things, this visit must come to an end, so we stopped off at the 754 Social Club, to say our farewells, with pledges made for future visits, so hopefully this friendship will continue for many a year to come.

Thank you Lodge Spazio-Tempo and the brethren who helped make it so enjoyable for them - you know who you are! Here are a few pics from the visit.

There was a massive attendance at the recent Installation of Master Kenneth Pearson of the Oban Commercial Lodge, No 180. However it was also to prove a very special day for one unsuspecting brother, quietly watching proceedings of his 51st successive installation of his own lodge. Addressing the brethren, PGL Representative, Substitute PGM, John Stewart, asked PG Secretary Jimmy McCallum to read a presentation from the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Provincial Grand Lodge, awarding the Honorary Rank of Substitute PGM to Bro. Neil Horne in recognition of 8 years' service as PG Chaplain and 10 years as PG Secretary.
 
Much to everyone's relief Neil accepted this fine accolade and, after the Obligation, was congratulated with glowing words of tribute by PGM Douglas Philand, SPGM John Stewart and IPPGM Kenneth R. Johnson.
 
The PGM also wishes to extend grateful appreciation to newly installed RWM Pearson, office-bearers and all brethren present, for allowing the PGL, to intrude upon a wonderful day and perform this special duty for Bro. Horne.

It was the usual, fun day of bowls, with players from Campbeltown, Arran, Oban, Tarbert, Lochgilphead and Inveraray. The composite team from Inveraray and Tarbert, Lodge “Inverar-bert,” ultimately blowing away the opposition. Congratulations to Robert Scott, Duncan Crawford and Matthew MacMillan and runners up, Campbeltown 1, Archie, Gilbert and Jim, who made a good fight of the final.
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PGM Douglas Philand, thanked everyone for attending, especially those from overseas and afar. Also, special thanks to RWM, Donald Crawford, who made a fine job of organising the event, despite late call off's. The PGM also expressed a vote of thanks to Lochgilphead Bowling Club, for use of the facilities and thanked the brethren who survived the famine (private joke :) ) Next year the bowls will be hosted by Lodge St Munn and the following year, Lodge St John's, Campbeltown, No.141.

​Thanks to everyone who took part, all who helped organise, particularly Andy Gilles, 1435, Innellan Golf Club for fine hospitality and Depute PGM, Br., Kenny Harvey for presenting the trophies and a generous vote of thanks, which was well appreciated by all present. A fine day of golf was had by all, despite some rain and the odd midge, or one million :) Hopefully, see everyone next year. Venue still to be decided.

​Some of the big trophy winners :-

• Team Champs - St Munn, Ardnadam A (193 - better 4th score over Dunoon Argyll A)
• Scratch Champion - Donald MacKay (66)
• Nett Champion - Kevin Barton (60)
• Jimmy Johnstone Trophy - Ronnie Campbell (34 Points)