Page 30 - EM-Issue-93

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North Essex Masters
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As Worshipful Master of North Essex
Masters' Lodge No. 9831 (NEML), the Deputy
Provincial Grand Master, VW.Bro. Nick
Franklin, appropriately attired in his tartan
trews, made sure that Friday 13th May 2022
was a lucky day for all the NEML brethren as
they met on this occasion at the Braintree
Masonic Centre, Howard Hall.
The regular business of the Lodge included the
elections of Graham Poulter as the Worshipful Master
and Brian Dack as Treasurer for the ensuing year, both
brethren are Past Provincial Junior Grand Wardens
(PPJGWs) and Brian is also the Lodge Organist.
The NEML Brethren were then most fortunate to
receive an exceptional demonstration of a North
East Scotland Third (NEST) Degree from ‘The Degree
Team’ led by from o’er the Border. Although their
degrees are the same, Scottish workings can be
more dramatic and theatrical when compared to
workings in England and this was no exception. In
addition, it was also noted that the NEST Degree,
as demonstrated, gave much more explanation than
ours does.
The NEML brethren enjoyed seeing the differences
compared to our own workings as they watched the
candidate being handled much more rigorously in a
way which would be an unforgettable but meaningful
experience. Although essentially the same ceremony
as ours, the NEST Degree is embellished with ‘fun’, is
‘louder’ as opposed to ours with its quieter demeaner
but does not lose any of its gravitas and adds further
to the meaning.
The journey south by the very experienced and
committed ‘The Degree Team’, led by Steve Barker,
was greatly appreciated by all the NEML brethren.
It was performed to a packed house which added
to the powerful effect on the audience who enjoyed
something very different but equally connected. For
those brethren who have seen many demonstrations
over the years they could be forgiven for thinking of
‘The Degree Team’ as the ‘Tina Turner Team’ as it was
‘Simply the Best’.

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