On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brighton’s.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Ian Simpson, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 55 brethren signed the tyle 38 brethren from lodge Polmont 17 visitors and apologies were received from 15 brethren a copy of which is recorded and held on file and there was a total of 9 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1^st degree in due and ancient form. The RWM welcomed all into the lodge and to the brethren of lodge Polmont he offered his thanks for their continued support a warm welcome was extended to the visiting brethren from the sister lodges both within and out with the Province of Stirlingshire, the RWM then called on the brethren of lodge Polmont to afford the visitors a very warm welcome.

Almoners Report

Bro John Curry PM while in the Beaston unit had visits from Bro Billy Fulton PM, Bro Alan Banks WSW and Bro Bill Fleming PM and  John Stated that he would like it announced in open lodge his sincere thanks to the brethren who took the time to visit him the RWM thanked the brethren for continuing to support fellow brethren and for taking the time to visit and to keep the lodge up to date with brethren who cannot attend due to illness.

Obituary

It was the RWM’S very sad duty and with a heavy heart to inform the brethren of the passing to the Grand lodge above of one of our highly respected and cherished Brothers Brother James Alistair Annand roll No 2000 initiated on the 10^th of Oct 1979 passed on the 14^th of November 1979 raised on the 12^th of December 1979 and advanced on the 19^th of December 1979, Jim was a past president of stewards for a good number of years working hard behind the scenes in the kitchen the RWM then asked the brethren to be upstanding and to observe a minute’s silence for the departed merit and reflection.

The RWM informed the lodge that PM Bro Bob Lessels Wife sadly passed away, and the funeral would take place at Falkirk crematorium on Wednesday the 21^st of January at 2.30pm for those wishing to pay their respects.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Graham Black gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren had made: Monday the 29^th of Dec as part of the deputation to lodge Carron 139,Tuesday the 30^th of Dec lodge Camelon 1456 with Bro Connor Wilson, Bro Tam Hardie and Bro Stewart Wilson, Bro Brian Palfrayman, Saturday the 10^th of Jan Douglas lodge 409 with the WSW and IPM for their annual installation Friday the 9^th of Jan Lodge Bridgeton and Glasgow 9^th of Jan lodge Zetland 391with Bro Sam Alston, Shamrock and Thistle No 275 with the RWM and the DM on each and every occasion WJW Bro Graham Black was charged to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW on his extensive visits and for promoting lodge Polmont over the few weeks the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

3rd Degree

The RWM then instructed the deacons to retire, prepare and introduce Bro Jordan McNee in order to confer the third of high an sublime degree of a Master Mason. At the conclusion of the degree the RWM descended onto the floor to be the first to congratulate Bro McNee on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest Master Mason and to introduce him to the brethren, addressing the brethren and distinguished East he charged the brethren ever to meet, greet and treat bro McNee as such but in the meantime, give him a very warm welcome among us. The RWM then instructed the deacons to uplift the collection which realised the sum of £169.83 to which the RWM thanked the brethren.

The RWM then thanked the brethren who accompanied him as a deputation into lodge Carron No139 to carry out a 1^st degree on Monday the 29^th of December 2025.

Invitation to speak

Bro Ronald Bateman replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont congratulating the RWM for an exceptional 3^rd degree carried out by the RWM and his degree team and congratulating in his absence Bro Jordan McNee on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest Master Mason he also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment and finishing off by bringing warm and fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own mother lodge, lodge Stirling Royal Arch No 76.

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 28^th of January which will be a second degree conferred upon Bro Cunnigham.

There being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brighton’s at 1930hrs.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Ian Simpson, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 57 brethren signed the tyle 40 brethren from lodge Polmont 17 visitors and apologies were received from 19 brethren and there was a total of 10 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1^st degree in due and ancient form.

Minutes

The minutes of the last regular meeting held on Wednesday the 26^th of December 2025which having been previouslydisseminated via email was approved proposed by bro John Curry and seconded by Bro Alan Curr there was no further business arising from these minutes.

Accounts

There was an invoice received for scaffolding and roof repairs this is pending to an insurance claim which was presented to our insurance firm for approval other than that there were the usual standing orders.

Almoners Report

There was a short almoners report, Bro Robert Sharp due to ill health is struggling to drive but passes on his best wishes to the lodge, Bro John Gault PM is not keeping in good health and is not likely to get any better but sends greetings and best wishes to the lodge the RWM thanked the Bro Almoner for keeping the lodge up to date.

Visitations

The WSW Bro Alan Banks gave a report of the various visitations he with various brethren had made, lodge St John No 16, lodge Doune No171, lodge Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No 312, lodge Zetland No 391, the Douglas lodge No 409, lodge St John Slamannan No484, lodge Callendar No 588, lodge Camelon No 1456 each and every occasion Bro Alan Banks was charge to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW on his extensive visits and promoting lodge Polmont over the past months the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

Bro Billy Fulton PM attended the installation of the RWM and office bearers of lodge St Andrew No 1437 while in Singapore and was charged to bring back warm and fraternal greetings from the RWM.

Installation of remaining office Bearers

The RWM instructed Bro John Curry to install the following office bearers, Treasurer, Senior Chaplin, Junior Chaplin and the Director of ceremonies.

1^st Degree

The RWM then instructed the deacons to retire, prepare and introduce Bro McNee in order to confer the entered apprentice degree, which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont, at the conclusion of the degree the RWM was the first to congratulate Bro McNee on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest entered apprentice and to introduce him to the brethren. The RWM then instructed the deacons to uplift the collection which realised the sum of £207.13 to which the RWM thanked the brethren.

To the members of Lodge Polmont he once again thanked them for their continued support and to the visitors he thanked them for their attendance and asked that they take warm and fraternal greetings from Lodge Polmont back to their mother lodges at their earliest convenience and asked the brethren of lodge Polmont give the visitors a hearty vote of thanks, the RWM then went on to thank Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment which greatly enhances and degree work carried out.

Invitation to speak

The RWM then invited anyone from the body of the lodge if they had anything to say for the benefit of freemasonry or this lodge in particular he would hear them now. In reply the RWM Bro Shaw replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont congratulating the RWM for an exceptional 1^st degree carried out by the RWM and his degree team and congratulating in his absence Bro McNee on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest entered apprentice he also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment and finishing off by bringing warm and fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own lodge, lodge Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No 312 .

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting on the 24^th of December is cancelled, and the first regular meeting in 2026 is on Wednesday the 14^th of January which will be a third degree conferred upon Bro Jordan McNee.

The RWM wished the brethren a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New year and that they come back to the lodge refreshed and ready for 2026, in response the WSW Bro Alan Banks wishes the RWM on behalf of the brethren a very merry Christmas and a happy New year and looked forward to 2026.

The RWM then invited those who could stay behind to do so for some lodge hospitality and to the brethren that could not that they have a safe journey home there being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brighton’s at 1930hrs.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 77 brethren signed the tyle 46 brethren from lodge Polmont 31 visitors and apologies were received from 7 brethren and there was a total of 6 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1^st degree in due and ancient form.

The RWM welcomed all into the lodge

Minutes

The minutes of the last regular meeting held on Wednesday the 8^th of October 2025which having been previouslydisseminated via email was approved proposed by WSW Bro Ian Simpson and seconded by Bro Wallace Simpson there was no further business arising from these minutes.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Alan Banks gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren he had made over the couple of weeks commencing with Thursday the 9^th of Oct Bannockburn Bruce & Thistle 312 1^st Degree accompanied by EA Stevie Baxter, Saturday the 11^th of October lodge Union 244 3^rd Degree + 40th year celebration in current premises present were the RWM, IPM, PM Alan Campbell, Dave Stewart our IPM Bro Alan Curr delivered Emblems and PM Campbell replied on behalf of visitors, Tuesday 14^th October lodge Abercrombie 531 2^nd Degree, Wednesday 15^th October with the RWM, WSW, Senior Chaplain, IPM and EA Stevie Baxter attended St John Slammanan 484 and witnessed a 2^nd degree, Thursday 16^th October lodge Buchanan Killearn 1419 2^nd Degree accompanied the RWM, Monday 20^th October lodge Solomon 1209 3^rd Degree and Tuesday 21^st October accompanied by the RWM and Depute Master a visit to lodge Zetland 391 where 1^st by Slammanan 484 were invited to confer the 1^st degree and on every occasion WJW Bro Alan Banks was charged to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW on his extensive visits and promoting lodge Polmont over the past few weeks the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

Nominations and Elections 2025-2026

All offices were nominated and elected as per Lodge Office Bearers page.

1^st Degree

The director of ceremonies presented a large deputation headed on this occasion by the RWM of lodge St Andrew Denny and Loanhead No 176 Bro Trevor Deans into the lodge and after a few exchanges of welcome and thanks the RWM Bro Trevor Deans, RWM’s and Past masters in the deputation were invited the East.

The RWM then instructed the deacons to retire, prepare and introduce Mr Cunningham in order to confer the entered apprentice degree, which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont 793 The collection was counted and realised the sum of £225 to which the RWM thanked the brethren.

The RWM then instructed our director of ceremonies to carry out his special duties to which he presented RWM Bro Peter Neilson from the West to our RWM in order for our RWM to present honorary membership on Bro Neilson and after accepting and taking an obligation Bro Neilson was given the opportunity to say a few words Bro Neilson thanked the RWM Past masters, worshipful wardens and brethren of lodge Polmont for the honour of becoming an honorary member something he never expected, our RWM responded that for all the support for the lodge over the years it was only befitting that he was made an honorary member. The RWM then went on to thank Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment which greatly enhances any degree work carried out and expressing his delight at seeing PM Bro John Curry back in the lodge after a short absence

Invitation to speak

RWM Bro Trevor Deans replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont congratulating the RWM and his degree team for an exceptional 1^st degree and congratulating in his absence Bro Garry Cunningham on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest entered apprentice he also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment and finishing off by bringing warm and fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own mother lodge, lodge St Andrew Denny and Loanhead No176.

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 12^th of November tyling at 7.15pm which will our AGM, Provincial visit and a 2^nd  degree conferred by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont 793 upon Bro Steven Baxter the RWM then invited those who could stay behind to do so for some lodge hospitality and to the brethren that could not that they have a safe journey home and there being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brighton’s at 1930hrs.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 91 brethren signed the tyle 48 brethren from lodge Polmont 42 visitors and apologies were received from 11 brethren a copy of which is recorded and held on file and there was a total of 13 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1^st degree in due and ancient form. The RWM welcomed all into the lodge and to the brethren of lodge Polmont he offered his thanks for their continued support a warm welcome was extended to the visiting brethren from the sister lodges both within and out with the Province of Stirlingshire, the RWM then called on the brethren of lodge Polmont to afford the visitors a very warm welcome the RWM then extended an invitation to all qualified brethren to join him here in East to assist in the duties of the evening.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Alan Banks gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren he had made over the couple of weeks commencing with Wednesday the 1^st of Oct Clackmannan 1303 to witness a 2^nd degree accompanied by WSW Bro Ian Simpson, Bro Wallace Simpson Bro John McKinney, HM’S Bro John MacKenzie Bro Ian McDonald, Bro Lenny McCombe and Bro Alex Montgomery. On Thursday the 2^nd of Oct St John Tulliallan 598 to witness a second degree accompanied by Bro Andrew Goodwin PM. Saturday the 4^th of Oct Camelon 1456 for the installation and rededication accompanied by WSW Bro Ian Simpson Bro Wallace Simpson, Bro John McKinney, Bro Brian Palfreyman, Bro Billy Fulton PM who delivered the toast to the lodge, also in the company were HM’S Bro John MacKenzie, bro Gordon Sewell P.P.G.M, Bro Lenny McCombe, Bro Alex Montgomery, Bro Ian MacDonald Bro Les Wilson. Tuesday the 7^th of Oct Lodge Hopetoun St John No 1232 to witness a first degree and on every occasion Bro Alan Banks was charged to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge. Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW on his extensive visits and promoting lodge Polmont over the past months the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

Obituaries

It was the RWM very sad duty to inform the lodge of the passing to the grand lodge above if the following brethren.

Past Master Bro Thomas Henry Grieve who passed away on Thursday the 3^rd of Oct, Roll No 1530 aged 28yrs old when he applied to join and was an electrical engineering surveyor, initiated on the 15^th of Feb 1967, passed on the 1st of Mar 1967, raised on the 15^th of Mar 1967 and advanced on the 29^th of Nov 1967 RWM of Lodge Polmont 1977-78 and 2008-09 And awarded honorary grand rank by the Grand Master Mason in Nov 2012 as Grand director of music.

Bro Ian Hamilton passed away on Saturday the 4^th of Oct, Roll No 2161 aged 18 yrs old when he applied to join and working as an apprentice painter and decorator, initiated on the 25^th of Jan 1984, passed on the 28^th of Mar 1984., raised on the 11^th of Apr 1984 and advanced on the 25^th of Apr 1984.

The RWM then gave the body of the lodge the opportunity to say a few words of reflection and on that note the RWM asked the brethren to be upstanding for a minute of respect and departed merit.

2^ndDegree

The RWM then passed the lodge and a large deputation from lodge Dolphin entered the lodge with the sound of the pipes and drums and after a few exchanges of welcome and thanks the RWM Bro Hardie was invited the East and with the gavel handed over RWM Bro Hardie instructed the office bearers of lodge Polmont to vacate office in favour of the office bearers of lodge Dolphin 911. The RWM and his team then conferred the fellowcraft degree, which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Dolphin 911, at the conclusion of the degree the RWM Bro Ross Hardie, with our own RWM bro Alex Muir the first to congratulate Bro Mcnee on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest fellowcraft and to introduce him to the brethren

The RWM Bro Hardie reflected on the last occasion that he was RWM of lodge Dolphin 911 and had the opportunity to confer a degree within lodge Polmont which was 11 odd years ago and never expected a second invitation to confer a degree in our as he put it our magnificent temple, before handing back the gavel to our RWM. The collection realised the sum of £264  to which the RWM thanked the brethren.

The RWM then instructed our director of ceremonies to carry out his special duties to which he presented RWM Bro Ross Hardie from the West to our RWM in order for our RWM to present honorary membership on Bro Hardie and after accepting and taking an obligation Bro Hardie was given the opportunity to say a few words Bro Hardie thanked the RWM, Past masters, worshipful wardens and brethren of lodge Polmont for the honour of becoming an honorary member something he never expected, our RWM responded that with all the work and improvement’s that he had done for the lodge over the years it was only befitting that he was rewarded for all the hard work that he had done, the RWM then invited the deputation to retire and stay behind for some of lodge Polmont’s hospitality which was readily accepted. The RWM then went on to thank Bro Mcculloch for his musical talents playing the pipes and Bro Anderson for the drums.

Invitation to speak

RWM Bro Alan M Buchannan replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont congratulating in his absence RWM Bro Ross Hardie and his degree team and the deputation from lodge Dolphin 911 for an exceptional fellowcraft degree and congratulating in his absence Bro Mcnee on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest fellowcraft he also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment and finishing off by bringing warm and fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own mother lodge, lodge Callendar No 588.

There being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brighton’s at 1930hrs.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 52 brethren signed the tyle 32 brethren from lodge Polmont 20 visitors and apologies were received from 15 brethren a copy of which is recorded and held on file and there was a total of 7 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1^st degree in due and ancient form

The RWM welcomed all into the lodge and to the brethren of lodge Polmont he offered his thanks for their continued support a warm welcome was extended to the visiting brethren from the sister lodges both within and out with the Province of Stirlingshire, the RWM then called on the brethren of lodge Polmont to afford the visitors a very warm welcome the RWM then extended an invitation to all qualified brethren to join him here in East to assist in the duties of the evening.

Correspondence

A thank you card was handed into the RWM from Elaine Robertson daughter of Bro Derek Robertson WJW of lodge Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No 312 thanking the lodge for the donation of the late Bro James Bennie PM wheelchair which will be made great use of.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Alan Banks gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren he had made over the couple of weeks commencing with Wednesday the 17^th Sept  Lodge St John Slamannan 484 to witness a first degree and witness Bro Alex Montgomery receive his 60 year diploma. On that occasion the WJW was accompanied by the RWM and various brethren from lodge Polmont. Thursday the 18^th of September a visit to the Dougals lodge 409 Bo’ness to witness a 2^nd degree accompanied by the RWM, Bro John McKinney and HM Bro Ian MacDonald. Monday the 22^nd of September Stirling Royal Arch No 76 to witness a 2^nd degree accompanied by HM Bro Ian MacDonald. Tuesday the 23^rd of September the WSW visited Lodge Ladywell No1474 with Bro Wallace Simpson to witness a 1^st degree and on each and every occasion Bro Alan Banks was charged to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW on his extensive visits and promoting lodge Polmont over the past weeks the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

1^st Degree

The RWM then instructed the deacons to retire, prepare and introduce Mr Baxter in order to confer the entered apprentice degree, which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont, at the conclusion of the degree the RWM descended onto the floor to be the first to congratulate Bro Baxter on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest entered apprentice and to introduce him to the brethren, addressing the brethren and distinguished East he charged the brethren ever to meet, greet and treat Bro Baxter as such but in the meantime give him a very warm welcome among us. The RWM then instructed the deacons to uplift the collection which realised the sum of £120  to which the RWM thanked the brethren.

The RWM then thanked the brethren in the columns for their quiet attention during the ceremonial and that the brethren once again show their appreciation to the degree team for a job well done.

The RWM then went on to thank Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment which greatly enhances and degree work carried out the RWM then went on to thank Bro Alan Campell PM for the final charge, Bro Alan Curr PM for stepping in as DOC, Bro Allan Simpson for standing in as the Bro junior deacon and Bro Connor Wilson for being the Bro senior deacon, Danny Gallacher for taking on the duties of the outside guard or Tyler and not forgetting Bro Brian logan for the mode of Prep.

On another note, the RWM thanked bro Sam Alston for demolishing the wall in the assembly room on order to carry out much needed repairs Bro Graham Black for painting the assembly room walls and repainting the newly installed fire escape door.

Invitation to speak

The RWM then invited anyone from the body of the lodge if they had anything to say for the benefit of freemasonry or this lodge in particular he would hear them now the Bro Secretary took the opportunity to inform the assembled brethren that commutation and lodge fees will be due shortly and that letters will be handed out stating payment can be made directly to the treasurer of it would be easier and quicker to do a bank transfer bank details would be given in the letter. RWM Bro John Mitchell replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont congratulating the RWM for an exceptional 1^st degree carried out by the RWM and his degree team and congratulating in his absence Bro Baxter on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest entered apprentice he also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment and finishing off by bringing warm and fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own mother lodge, lodge St John Falkirk No16

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 8th of October which will be a second degree conferred by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Dolphin No 911 upon Bro Mcnee reminding the office bearers of lodge Polmont that it would be black and white for the evening the RWM then invited those who could stay behind to do so for some lodge hospitality and to the brethren that could not that they have a safe journey home there being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brightons at 1930hrs.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 56 brethren signed the tyle 44 brethren from lodge Polmont 12 visitors and apologies were received from 13 brethren and there was a total of 5 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1^st degree in due and ancient form. The RWM welcomed all into the lodge and to the brethren of lodge Polmont he offered his thanks for their continued support a warm welcome was extended to the visiting brethren from the sister lodges both within and out with the Province of Stirlingshire, the RWM then called on the brethren of lodge Polmont to afford the visitors a very warm welcome the RWM then extended an invitation to all qualified brethren to join him here in East to assist in the duties of the evening.

Correspondence

A letter was received from lodge St John Slamannan No 484 inviting the RWM and brethren to their next regular meeting to witness Bro Alexander Montgomery PM receive his 60-year diploma and in addition Bro James Mccomb PM will receive his 50-year diploma these will be presented on Wednesday the 17^th of September.

A letter was received from lodge Dolphin 911 inviting the RWM and brethren of lodge Polmont to celebrate their 125^th rededication on Saturday the 29^th of November 2025 the rededication will commence within lodge Dolphin 911 at 1pm and afterwards there will be a meal laid on at Bonnybridge Golf Club with speeches from the top table followed by entertainment back at the lodge where your wife or partner can join the celebrations.

Obituary

It was the RWM’S very sad duty and with a heavy heart to inform the brethren of the passing to the Grand lodge above of one of our highly respected and cherished Brothers, Brother James Wilson Bennie PM passed away peacefully on the morning of the 22^nd of August 2025, Jim was registered on the role of Grand lodge of Scotland on the 26^th of March 1964 role No 1422 Jim was an apprentice motor mechanic when he applied to join lodge Polmont 793 aged 20 years old and was proposed by Bro Alexander Henderson and seconded by Bro Alexander Waugh the conferring master was RWM Bro George Pringle, initiated on the 11^th of March 1964 passed on the 25^th of March 1964 raised on the 15^th of April 1964 and advanced on the 22^nd of April 1964 Jim was presented with his 50-year diploma in 2014 by the RWM Bro John Curry who was the master at the time, Jim then went on to become our RWM with his tenure running from 2018-2021 at which time he lead the lodge through the difficult time of covid.

Bro James Wilson Bennie PM was presented with his 60^th year diploma on the 27^th of March 2024 and on the same evening was presented with honorary membership of the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire as Director of ceremonies with his certificate being presented by the RWPGM Bro Gordon Sewell and I think we can all agree this was a very emotional occasion for all present, Jims funeral took place on Tuesday the 9^th of September at Falkirk crematorium the RWM then asked the brethren to be upstanding and to observe a minutes silence for the departed merit and reflection.

Ballot

The ballot was prepared for to applicants Mr Cunningham and Mr Mcnee it was proposed by the Bro secretary to take the ballot en-block. The ballot being clear the Bro secretary was instructed by the RWM to contact the applicants as to the outcome of the ballot and to arrange their initiation dates.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Alan Banks gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren he had made over the summer recess commencing with Friday the 25^th of April lodge Ancient Stirling No 30 for the reigning masters 1^st degree accompanied with our RWM and several brethren and four honorary members, Monday the 28^th of April Stirling Royal Arch No 76 where lodge Polmont were invited to confer the mark degree conferred by Bro Alex Ure PM at our RWM request the deputation was made up of 22 Polmont brethren and 10 brethren from lodge Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle 312, Wednesday the 30^th of April Stirling Royal Arch No 76 for the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire communication accompanied by the RWM, IG and five honorary members Wednesday the 7^th of May lodge St John Slamannan No 484 to witness a mark degree carried out by Caldercruix 1314 accompanied by Bro Peter Hamilton and four honorary members, Thursday the 15^th of May the lodge of Alloa 69 a 1^st degree conferred by lodge Tulliallan No 598, Monday the 26^th of May lodge Ben Cleuch No 782 to witness a 1^st  degree, Saturday the 31^st of May Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No312 to represent our lodge by taking part in a 1^st degree worked by past and present prison officers, delivering the Secrets, accompanied by Bro Brian Palfreyman and Bro Graeme McClay, Saturday the 26^th of July Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No 312 a 2^nd degree worked by police Scotland, Saturday the 9^th of August Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No312 a 3^rd degree worked by the Past masters, Monday the 1^st of September Lodge Callendar No 588 a 2^nd degree accompanied by Alex Croy & HM Alec Montgomery, Wednesday the 3^rd of September Harthill No 590 to witness a 3^rd degree, Tuesday the 9^th of September Blackridge No 1145 to witness a second degree and on each and every occasion Bro Alan Banks was charge to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW on his extensive visits and promoting lodge Polmont over the past months the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

1^st Degree

The RWM then instructed the deacons to retire, prepare and introduce Bro Mcnee in order to confer the entered apprentice degree, which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont, at the conclusion of the degree the RWM descended onto the floor to be the first to congratulate Bro Mcnee on becoming lodge Polmonts newest entered apprentice and to introduce him to the brethren, addressing the brethren and distinguished East he charged the brethren ever to meet, greet and treat bro Mcnee as such but in the meantime give him a very warm welcome among us and on returning to the East the RWM then invited Bro Mcnee to retire and restore himself to his former comfort, the RWM then instructed the deacons to uplift the collection which realised the sum of £163 to which the RWM thanked the brethren. The RWM then thanked the brethren in the columns for their quiet attention during the ceremonial and that the brethren once again show their appreciation to the degree team for a To the members of Lodge Polmont he once again thanked them for their continued support and to the visitors he thanked them for their attendance and asked that they take warm and fraternal greetings from Lodge Polmont back to their mother lodges at their earliest convenience and asked the brethren of lodge Polmont give the visitors a hearty vote of thanks, the RWM then went on to thank Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment which greatly enhances and degree work carried out.

Invitation to speak

The RWM then invited anyone from the body of the lodge if they had anything to say for the benefit of freemasonry or this lodge in particular he would hear them now in reply Bro Barry Hamilton replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont congratulating the RWM for an exceptional 1^st degree carried out by the RWM and his degree team and congratulating in his absence Bro Mcnee on becoming lodge Polmonts newest entered apprentice he also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment and finishing off by bringing warm and fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own affiliate lodge, lodge Pioneer No 1305 .

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 24^th of September which will be a first degree conferred upon Mr Baxter the RWM then invited those who could to stay behind to do so for some lodge hospitality and to the brethren that could not that they have a safe journey home there being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston
Road Brighton’s at 1930hrs.
Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per
the attendance register 49 brethren signed the tyle 42 from lodge Polmont apologies were
received from 8 brethre and there were 7 visiting brethren a total of 4 visiting lodges in attendance.
The lodge was opened in the 1 st degree in due and ancient form.
The RWM welcomed all into the lodge room to the brethren of lodge Polmont he offered his
thanks for their continued support and a warm welcome was extended to the visiting brethren
from Sister lodges both within and out with the province the Rwm then called on the brethren
of lodge Polmont to afford the visitors a very warm welcome the RWM then extended the
invitation to all qualified brethren to join him in East to assist in the duties of the evening.

Ballot.
The lodge was prepared for a ballot on one gentleman who wished to become a freemason
Mr Baxter was balloted and was found to be clear ,the Bro Secretary was asked to inform the candidate.

Application.
An application was received from Mr Mcnee this was read out and would remain on
the secretary’s desk for the require period for any further information from any of the
brethren.
Visitations.
The WJW reported the following visits he had made with various brethren Friday the 28 th of
March St James Operative No 97 a 2 nd degree, Thursday the 3 rd of April Loch Lomond 1483
2 nd degree accompanied with Bro Wallace Simpson, PM Alan Campbell and HM bro John
McKenzie, Thursday the 10 th of April lodge Camelon 1456 3 rd degree accompanied with nine
brethren to witness Bro Brian Palfreyman receive honorary membership, Tuesday the 15 th of
April St John Midcalder No272 1 st degree, Wednesday the 16 th of April Clackmannan 1303
Mark degree worked by Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle 312, Monday the 21 st of April St
Servanus No 771 accompanied by our IG and four honorary members of lodge Polmont to
witness a 1 st degree plus a 50 year diploma and honorary membership for PGM Gordon
Sewell, the RWM thanked our WJW Bro Alan Banks for his report and thanked the brethren
that accompanied him.

Mark Degree.
The Rwm then adjourned the lodge and at this point he invited the Bro secretary to take the chair in order to carry out the mark degree and after a few words of thanks Bro Alex Ure PM instructed the office bearers of lodge Polmont to vacate office in favour of the mark degree team the RWWM then instructed the deacons and DOC to retire and introduce Bro Patrick Yeend, Bro Peter Hamilton and both brethren having agreed to Bro Jack Robertson taking an obligation on their behalf they were placed in the North, the Deacons then introduced Bro Jack Robertson in order to confer the Mark Master Mason degree which was carried out with a most solemn, precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWMM and office bearers of lodge Polmont and at the conclusion of the degree the RWMM along with the RWM descended onto the floor to be the first to congratulate Bro Jack Robertson, Bro Patrick Yeend and Bro Peter Hamilton on being advanced to the degree of a mark master mason and to introduce them to the brethren charging the brethren ever to meet, greet and treat them as such but in the meantime give the newest mark master masons a very warm welcome among us.
Returning to the East the RWMM asked permission from the RWM to say a few words of
thanks, thanking the degree team for the way in which the degree was carried out in an
entertaining and dignified manner turning to the RWM the Bro Secretary thanked the RWM for the opportunity to carry out the mark degree in this his mother lodge on handing the gavel
back to the RWM the RWM then instructed the deacons to uplift the collecting which realise
the sum of £127.00 to which the RWM thanked the brethren he then instructed the degree
team to vacate office in favour of the office bearers of lodge Polmont the RWM then thanked
the brethren in the columns for their quiet attention during the ceremonial and that the
brethren once again shown their appreciation to the degree team for a job well done.
To the members of Lodge Polmont he once more thanked them for their continued support
and to the visitors he thanked them once more for their attendance and asked that they take
warm and fraternal greetings from Lodge Polmont back to their mother lodges at their earliest
convenience and asked the brethren of lodge Polmont give the visitors a hearty vote of thanks
the RWM then invited anyone from the body of the lodge if they had anything to say for the
benefit of freemasonry or this lodge in particular, he would hear them now. The WJW Bro
Alan Banks announced that he would be taking part in the prison degree which has been
organised, Bro John Mckimney thanked the RWM for the invitation to the Easter treat which
he enjoyed, the RWM thanked him for his kind words and also wished him a belated 92nd
birthday and as there being no further business from the body of the lodge the RWM invited
anyone who was sitting in the East if they had anything to say for the craft in general or for
Lodge Polmont in particular that he would hear them now in reply PM sandy Macintosh
replied on behalf of the visiting brethren for the warmth and cordiality on entering the lodge
something that has always come to be expected at lodge Polmont and for the excellent work
done by the degree team and wishing the newest mark master masons all the best on
becoming lodge Polmont’s newest mark master masons finishing by bringing warm and
fraternal greetings from all the visiting sister lodges but more in particular his own mother
lodge, lodge St Baldred No 313.
Closing.
The RWM wished the brethren a very restful recess over the summer and sought permission
for the committee to carry on with the affairs visa committee meetings our WSW Bro Ian
Simpson responded by wishing the RWM a very well deserved break over the recess the
RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting will be on Wednesday the
10 th of September 2025 the RWM then asked those who could, to stay behind for some lodge
hospitality and to all that could not that they have a safe journey home, there being no further
business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.