Meeting of 11th February 2026

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 50 brethren signed the tyle 31 brethren from lodge Polmont 19 visitors and apologies were received from 11 brethren, there was a total of 12 visiting lodges in attendance.

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1st 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. in the duties of the evening.

Minutes

The minutes of the last regular meeting held on Wednesday the 28th of January 2026which having been previouslydisseminated via email was approved proposed by WSW Bro Alan Banks and seconded by Bro Campbell McCulloch there was no further business arising from these minutes.

Accounts

The Bro Treasurer one account for payment VSL Livingston for Mark tokens totalling £550 other than that we had the usual standing orders and direct debits this was proposed by WJW Bro Graham Black and seconded by IPM Bro Alex Muir PM.

Correspondence

A letter was received from lodge Camelon 1456 with an invitation to the RWM and office bearers to confer the 2nd degree on Thursday the 26th of March.

A letter was received from lodge Zetland 391 with an invitation to the RWM and office bearers to confer the 2nd degree on Tuesday the 7th of April.

A letter was received from RWM Bro Ronald Bateman of lodge Stirling Royal Arch No 76 accepting our invitation to confer the 2nd degree on Wednesday the 25th of February.

A letter was received from Stirling Royal Arch No 76 with an invitation to their annual installation on Saturday the 14th of March master elect is Bro PM John Ronald Bateman and his office bearers.

A letter was received form the R.W.P.G.M Bro Stuart Stirling of the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire announcing the A.G.M and installation of elective office bearers of the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire to be held within lodge St Servanus No711 at 1pm on Saturday the 28th of February 2026 also a reminder that annual test fees for Past Masters who are members of Provincial Grand lodge are now due and must be paid before Saturday the 21st of February in order to secure voting rights at the A.G.M and inclusion in the Roll book for 2026-2027.

Almoners Report

There was no Almoners report but rest assured that if any brother requires a visit or hasn’t been seen at the lodge for a while then steps are taken to assist or visit to ensure that they are fine or require assistance.

Petition

An application was read out in open lodge from Mr Inegbenosun proposed by Bro Alex Muir IPM, PM and seconded by RWM Bro Ian Simpson this application will lie on the secretary’s desk for the usual period of time and the Bro Secretary intimated that a letter would be sent out to Mr Inegbenosun confirming the above.

Ballot

A ballot was taken in open lodge on behalf of Mr Prattis. The bro secretary said he would write to Mr Prattis with the date of his 1st degree which will take place on Wednesday the 8th of April 2026.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Graham Black gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren he had made Thursday the 29th Jan Douglas lodge No 409 to witness a 2nd degree Friday the 30th of Jan Camelon 1456 degree conferred by Alexanders, Tues 3rd of Feb lodge ancient Stirling No30 Wed 4th St James Harthill No 590 with WSW to witness a 2nd degree conferred by Blackridge 1145, WSW on Thurs 5th Feb visited Portabello No 226 to witness a 3rd degree, Thurs 5th of Feb the IPM visited lodge Dolphin 911, Thurs 5th Feb WJW visited lodge Tulliallan No 598 to witness a 3rd degree, Thurs 7th of Feb the RWM and DM visited lodge St Andrew Denny and loanhead No 176 installation, 7th of Feb Bro Brian Crawford visited lodge Fingal No 318 in Dingwall Ross and Cromerty 200th Bi-centenary re-dedication, 9th of Feb the RWM, IPM and DM visited Stirling Royal Arch No 76, Bro Steven Baxter visited lodge Carron 139 as lodge Polmont were conferring a 3rd degree, Tues 3rd Feb  Bro Baxter with OUR doc and visited lodge Torphican Kilwinning No 13 to witness an 2nd degree and on Tues 3rd of Feb WSW visited lodge Zetland 391 for a 2nd degree conferred by Douglas lodge 409 and on each and every occasion WJW Bro Graham Black and various brethren who were out visiting the various lodges were charged to convey warm and fraternal greetings at their earliest return to their mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who took the time to visit and for promoting lodge Polmont over the last 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 Steven Baxter in order to confer the third of high an sublime degree of a Master Mason. Bro Baxter was admitted into the lodge in order to confer the 3rd degree which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont 793, at the conclusion of the degree the RWM was the first to congratulate Bro Baxter 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 Baxter as such but in the meantime, give him a very warm welcome among us. The collection realised the sum of £179.96 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, 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, Bro Ross McCulloch for playing the pipes which greatly enhances any degree work, to the degree team for carrying out an exceptional degree and Bro Brian Logan, and Bro Ian Wood for assisting in the degree work of the evening.

Invitation to speak

RWM Bro Kenneth R 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 3rd degree carried out by the RWM and his degree team and congratulating in his absence Bro Steven Baxter 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 Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No312.

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 25th of February which will be a second degree conferred upon Bro Barry McNee at the hands of the RWM, office bearers and brethren of Stirling Royal Arch No 76.

The Burns supper will be held on Friday the 6th of March £20 per head with names to the RWM or Danny Gallacher along with payment.

A quiz night has been organised by the DOC Bro Alan Curr PM for Friday the 20th of February with a maximum of teams of six and £5 per head, those interested to see Bro Curr PM.

The next enquiry committee meeting will be on Monday the 16th of February commencing at 6.30pm followed by a general committee meeting within the premises of lodge Polmont 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.

Meeting of 28th January 2026

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 68 brethren signed the tyle 48 brethren from lodge Polmont 20 visitors and apologies were received from 14 brethren a copy of which is recorded and held on file and there was a total of 11 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened in the 1st 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

Correspondence

A letter was received form the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire with the date and the host lodge for the annual Reigning master’s degree which will take place in lodge St Servanus No 771 on Friday the 24th of April our RWM is taking part in this degree and intimated that we would appreciate support from the brethren.

Almoners Report

The brethren were informed by the RWM that Bro John Curry PM had finished his treatment at the Beatson unit and that John was in good spirits but resting up for a bit and wished to pass on his thanks to the brethren for the various visits and passed on his best wishes to the lodge.

Visitations

The WJW Bro Graham Black gave a report of the visitations he with various brethren he had made over the couple of weeks commencing with Lodge Dolphin 911 Thursday the 11th of Jan accompanied by WSW Bro Alan Banks, Bro Alex Ure PM Sec, Bro Walter Tetsill and Bard Bro Connor Wilson.

Lodge of Alloa 69 Monday the 19th of Jan accompanied by the RWM and Bro Wallace Simpson DM.

Lodge St Servanus No 771 with a deputation from Lodge Polmont to confer the fellowcraft degree.

Tuesday the 20th of Jan Edinburgh defensive Band No 151 to witness a first degree accompanied by Bro Alex Muir IPM, Bro Alan Banks WSW and Bro Sam Alston Jeweller and on this occasion, they were presented with a lodge Polmont apron and sash by brethren from the Netherlands.

Thursday the 22nd of Jan lodge Camelon 1456 WSW, doc, PM Alan Curr, bro Tam Hardie and our newest fellowcraft Bro Steven Baxter.

Lodge Zetland 391 accompanied by our RWM and Bro Wallace Simpson and on every occasion Bro Graham Black WJW was charged to convey warm and fraternal greetings at his earliest return to his mother lodge, Our RWM thanked all who accompanied the WJW and other brethren on their extensive visits and promoting lodge Polmont, the RWM then asked the brethren to give a vote of thanks for the various visits that were made.

2nd Degree

The RWM then passed the lodge to the second degree and instructed the deacons to retire prepare and introduce Bro Garry Cunningham in order to confer the second or fellowcraft degree which was carried out with most solemn, Precise and dignified manner as practiced by the RWM and office bearers of lodge Polmont 793, at the conclusion of the degree the RWM was the first to congratulate Bro Cunningham on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest fellowcraft and to introduce him to the brethren, he charged the brethren ever to meet, greet and treat bro Cunningham 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

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 the RWM and his degree team for an exceptional third degree and congratulating in his absence Bro Garry Cunningham 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 Callendar No 588.

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation’s Friday the 20th of February the lodge is hosting a quiz night further information is available from Bro Alan Curr, the Burns supper is on Friday the 6th of March cost of a ticket is £20 payable to Bro Danny Gallacher or the RWM, Sam Alston and his band will be playing in the lodge on Saturday the 14th of March playing 60s 70s 80s and Scottish music, the next Cabaret is on Sunday the 22nd of March the cost of a ticket is £16, the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 11th of February which will be a third degree conferred 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 there being no further business the RWM closed the lodge in due and ancient form.

Meeting of 14th January 2026

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 1st 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 10th of Oct 1979 passed on the 14th of November 1979 raised on the 12th of December 1979 and advanced on the 19th 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 21st 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 29th of Dec as part of the deputation to lodge Carron 139,Tuesday the 30th of Dec lodge Camelon 1456 with Bro Connor Wilson, Bro Tam Hardie and Bro Stewart Wilson, Bro Brian Palfrayman, Saturday the 10th of Jan Douglas lodge 409 with the WSW and IPM for their annual installation Friday the 9th of Jan Lodge Bridgeton and Glasgow 9th 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 1st degree on Monday the 29th 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 3rd 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 28th 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.

Meeting of 10th December 2025

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 1st degree in due and ancient form.

Minutes

The minutes of the last regular meeting held on Wednesday the 26th 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.

1st 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 1st 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 24th of December is cancelled, and the first regular meeting in 2026 is on Wednesday the 14th 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.

Annual Installation Meeting of 26 November 2025

On which day and date, a regular Meeting was held within the Masonic Hall 14 Maddiston Road Brighton’s at 19.15hrs.

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 113 brethren signed the tyle 47 brethren from lodge Polmont 46 visitors 20 Brethren from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire apologies were received from 5 brethren and there was a total of 19 visiting lodges in attendance.

Opening

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

RWM Alex Muir 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 apologised to all qualified brethren that would normally join him in the East due to it being the annual installation and stated that due to limited numbers that only installed master’s for the evening to join him in the East and on their next visit they would be offered their rightful place in the East.

The minutes of the last regular meeting held on Wednesday the 12th of November 2025 which having been previously disseminated via email was approved on the motion of Bro Graham Black and seconded by WSW Bro Alan Banks.

Annual Installation

The rods were manned, and a large deputation of installed Masters was received headed on this occasion by PM and installing Master Bro Allan Simpson with a few words of welcome the installing Master was invited to the East.

A deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire headed by the RWPGM Bro Stuart Stirling was received into the lodge as recorded in the attendance book for the purpose of the annual installation.

The RWPGM thanked the RWM for the fealty and warmth of his welcome expressing his pleasure at once again being with the members of lodge Polmont and their visitors and as the business of the evening was the annual installation of the RWM Elect and his office bearers wishing the installing Masters his best wishes for the evening and intimating that it would be his pleasure to address the brethren later in the proceedings.

THE RWM then presented the gavel to the RWIM Bro Allan Simpson PM in order that he may proceed with the ceremony of installation, on receiving the gavel the RWIM welcomed the brethren and visitors into the lodge.

The RWIM instructed the RWM Elect Bro Ian Simpson to be presented and the ancient charges were read out for his assent and both having approached the alter the RWM Elect took the oath de Fedeli which was administered by the RWIM and a solo by Bro Greg McCulloch played on the pipes.

The RWIM instructed Bro John H W Curry that as the installing board wished to retire to conclude the installation of Bro Ian Simpson with the rods manned the installing board retired to the pipes and drums.

Bro John Curry PM in his own unique style invested the office bearers with the jewels of their respective office, on the return of the installing board the RWM was then taken to the East to sit in the chair of king Solomon IPM Bro Alex Muir then presented the charter, constitution, bye-laws and the v.s.l. The RWM then appointed his Depute. The RWIM then introduced the newly installed RWM Bro Ian Simpson to the lodge and presented the lodge to the RWM.

At the conclusion of the installation ceremonial the RWIM Bro Allan Simpson congratulated his installing colleague Bro John Curry PM for a job well done to the musicians Bro Greg McCulloch, Bro Ross McCulloch for the pipes and Bro Peter Anderson for the drum accompaniment not forgetting Bro John Galloway offering his sincere thanks for their musical accompaniment to the brethren in the columns, he thanked them not only for their attendance but also for their quiet attention during the ceremonial.

The RWM first duty was to present Bro Alex Muir IPM with his jewel then invite the Almoner Bro John Curry PM to make the appeal on behalf of the Grand Almoner, the collection was uplifted, and a substantial amount was presented the treasurer who would announce the total collected when fully counted.

The RWM then presented the gavel to the RWPGM Bro Stuart Stirling in fealty to the PGLOS and through that august body to the Grand Lodge of Scotland so that he could once again preside over the lodge as he deems fit.

On accepting the gavel, the RWPGM thanked the RWM for tendering the gavel and reiterated that the fealty of lodge Polmont has never been in doubt congratulating the RWM for taking the chair in his mother lodge and a special mention to Bro Wallace Simpson DM stating that he must be a very proud father to have witnessed his two sons one taking to the chair and the other as his installing master the RWPGM then wished the RWM and his office bearers every success for their tenure in office. The RWPGM expressed his pleasure at the quality of the installation ceremonial and congratulated the installing masters Bro Allan Simpson PM and Bro John Curry PM not only on the high standard of the ceremonial but also the way on which it was presented, to Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment to our musicians Bro Greg McCulloch, Bro Ross McCulloch for the pipes Bro Tom Anderson for the drums and on escorting the board of installed masters and the deputation from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Stirlingshire.

On returning the gavel to the RWM the RWPGM reiterated his thanks and wished lodge Polmont all the best for the ensuing twelve months, As the business of the evening having come to a happy conclusion the RWPGM and his deputation wished to retire the RWM then invited those who could stay behind to do so for some lodge hospitality and to those that could not to have a safe journey home.

The RWM then thanked the installing masters for installing him and his office bearers and invited the installing board to retire inviting them to stay behind for some lodge Polmont hospitality and to those that could not to have a safe journey home.

The RWM thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment to musicians Bro Greg McCulloch, Bro Ross McCulloch for the pipes and Bro Peter Anderson for their musical talents to the members of Lodge Polmont he once again 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.

Invitation to speak & Response

RWM Bro Alan Buchanan 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 to the installing team for a fantastic installation to Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment to Bro Greg and Ross McCulloch and Bro Peter Anderson for their musical talent 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.

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimations that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 10th of December and is a first degree, the festival of St Andrew is on Friday the 5th of December 7pm for a 7.30pm sitting, the general committee meeting due to take place on Monday the 15th of December is cancelled and moved to Tuesday the 16th of December 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.

Meeting of 12th November 2025

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

Present were the Right Worshipful Master Bro Alex Muir, office bearers and Brethren as per the attendance register 92 brethren signed the tyle 45 brethren from lodge Polmont 24 from the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire, 23 visitors and apologies were received from 6 brethren and there was a total of 11 visiting lodges in attendance

Opening

The lodge was opened 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.

AGM

As this was our AGM the RWM announced that he was raising the lodge to the high and sublime degree of a master mason. The lodge was raised, the RWM then asked the Bro treasurer for the annual report which had previously disseminated by email and read out in open lodge the RWM then asked for adoption of the report which was proposed by WSW Bro Ian Simpson and seconded by Bro Campbell McCulloch the RWM then asked the Bro secretary for his annual report which was read out in open lodge again the RWM asked for adoption of the report which was proposed by WSW Bro Ian Simpson and seconded by IG Bro Graham Black, there being no further business arising from these reports the AGM was closed and the Lodge reduced to the first degree the rods were manned and the deputation from the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire entered the lodge headed on this occasion by the W.P.G.M Depute Bro Leonard McComb entered the lodge accompanied by the sound of the pipes and drum and received in full form and an extended warm welcome by our RWM who in a token of Fealty to the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire and through that body to the Grand lodge of Scotland invited the W.P.G.M.D Bro Leonard McComb to accept the gavel Bro McComb then instructed Past Provincial Grand Master Bro John MacKenzie to install PM Bro Bill Fleming as S.P.G.W which was carried out in a most solemn and dignified manner, on handing back the gavel to our RWM Bro Alex Muir instructed the D.O.C to carry out his special duties Bro Bud Inglis was presented with his 50yr diploma and congratulated by the RWM and W.P.G.M.D Bro Leonard McComb, Bro Bud Inglis had the floor and thanked the RWM for being presented with his long-awaited diploma and with these very few words Bro Bud Inglis was invited the sit in the East.

Obituaries

It was the RWM’S very sad duty to inform the brethren of the passing of Bro John James McKinney to the Grand lodge above on Thursday the 6th of November, Johns Roll No 1095 was initiated on the 2nd of Nov 1955, passed on the 16th of Nov 1955, raised on the 3rd of Dec 1955 and advanced on the 15th of Feb 1956 and on this sad day was due to receive his 70yr diploma the RWM asked the brethren to be upstanding in respect to departed merit.

Remembrance Sunday

The RWM then informed the brethren that as this was Remembrance week, he would read out for the fallen by Laurence Binyon and would they be upstanding in respect of a two-minute silence.

Provincial administration

The Provincial administration team sought permission to retire to inspect the books of treasurer and Secretary, the treasurer retired but the secretary remained behind due to other masonic duties.

2nd Degree

The RWM then instructed the deacons to retire, prepare and introduce Bro Steven Baxter in order to confer the fellowcraft degree, the RWM then passed the lodge to the second degree and at that point he deacons returned with the candidate in order to perform the fellow craft 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 along with Bro McComb to be the first to congratulate Bro Baxter on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest fellowcraft  and to introduce him to the brethren, addressing the brethren and distinguished East he charged the brethren ever to meet, greet and treat Bro Steven William Baxter 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 Baxter to find a seat in the lodge. RWM then instructed the deacons to uplift the collection which realised the sum of £284.86 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.

As this was the Provincial visit to the lodge the RWM once again tendered the gavel to W.P.G.M.D Bro Leonard McComb, he then went on to report that the lodge has had another successful year stating that the books of the lodge had been examined and both the Provincial treasurer and secretary had found the books to be in good order and he thanked the Bro treasurer and secretary for all the hard work that goes on in the background in order to maintain a well-run lodge he then went on to congratulate the RWM on his second year tenure as master and thanked him for all the hard work that he had done for the lodge and freemasonry in general and the way that the lodge had been run under his leadership, thanking Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment, Bro Peter Anderson and Bro Greg and Ross McCulloch for the pipes and drum when entering the lodge, congratulating Bro Baxter on taking his second regular step and congratulating the RWM and office bearers for the manner in which they carried out the degree, also congratulation Bro Inglis on receiving his 50yr diploma and with these few words he tendered the gavel back to our RWM,. RWM thanked Bro McComb for the kind words. At this point the Provincial DOC asked the RWM to instruct the brethren to be upstanding as the business of the evening with regards to the Provincial Grand lodge of Stirlingshire had come to a happy conclusion, the Provincial grand lodge retired to the sound of the pipes and drum but not before seeking permission the take our newest fellowcraft Bro Baxter and Bro Bud Inglis with them which was readily granted.

Thanks

To the members of Lodge Polmont the RWM 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, as this was the RWM’s greeting meeting he then went on to thank Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment which greatly enhances and degree work carried out over his two years in office as master the RWM then went on to thank DM Bro Sam Alson for all the work and support he had given him over the two years , thanking the Bro Treasurer and Secretary for all their hard work and support, for the work done in the lodge a thanks to the following brethren Bro Blair Barclay, Bro Graham Black, Bro Kevin Tetsill and all the various brethren that gave up some of their valuable time to assist with the various lodge activities, he then went on to wish our RWM Elect Bro Ian Simpson all the best for his installation and his first year as master.

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 he would be collecting selection boxes for Enabled Scotland Falkirk branch this year and will gladly accept donations. In reply RWM Bro Ian Milne 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 2nd degree carried out by the RWM and his degree team and congratulating in his absence Bro Steven Baxter on becoming lodge Polmont’s newest fellowcraft, congratulating Bro Bud Inglis on his presentation of his 50yr diploma RWM Bro  Ian Milne also thanked Bro John Galloway for his musical accompaniment, thanking Bro Greg and Ross McCulloch for a rendition of the pipes and Bro Peter Anderson for the drums 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 Slamannan No 484

Intimations

The RWM gave the following intimation that the next regular meeting is on Wednesday the 26th of November which will be the annual installation of the RWM Elect and office bearers of lodge Polmont 793 6.30pm for office bearers in order to have pictures taken and a 7pm tyle 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.

Meeting of 22nd October 2025

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 1st 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 8th 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 9th of Oct Bannockburn Bruce & Thistle 312 1st Degree accompanied by EA Stevie Baxter, Saturday the 11th of October lodge Union 244 3rd 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 14th October lodge Abercrombie 531 2nd Degree, Wednesday 15th October with the RWM, WSW, Senior Chaplain, IPM and EA Stevie Baxter attended St John Slammanan 484 and witnessed a 2nd degree, Thursday 16th October lodge Buchanan Killearn 1419 2nd Degree accompanied the RWM, Monday 20th October lodge Solomon 1209 3rd Degree and Tuesday 21st October accompanied by the RWM and Depute Master a visit to lodge Zetland 391 where 1st by Slammanan 484 were invited to confer the 1st 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.

1st 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 1st 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 12th of November tyling at 7.15pm which will our AGM, Provincial visit and a 2nd  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.

Meeting of 8th of October

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 1st 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 1st of Oct Clackmannan 1303 to witness a 2nd 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 2nd of Oct St John Tulliallan 598 to witness a second degree accompanied by Bro Andrew Goodwin PM. Saturday the 4th 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 7th 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 3rd of Oct, Roll No 1530 aged 28yrs old when he applied to join and was an electrical engineering surveyor, initiated on the 15th of Feb 1967, passed on the 1st of Mar 1967, raised on the 15th of Mar 1967 and advanced on the 29th 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 4th 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 25th of Jan 1984, passed on the 28th of Mar 1984., raised on the 11th of Apr 1984 and advanced on the 25th 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.

2ndDegree

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.

Meeting of 24th September 2025

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 1st 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 17th 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 18th of September a visit to the Dougals lodge 409 Bo’ness to witness a 2nd degree accompanied by the RWM, Bro John McKinney and HM Bro Ian MacDonald. Monday the 22nd of September Stirling Royal Arch No 76 to witness a 2nd degree accompanied by HM Bro Ian MacDonald. Tuesday the 23rd of September the WSW visited Lodge Ladywell No1474 with Bro Wallace Simpson to witness a 1st 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.

1st 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 1st 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.

Meeting of 10th September 2025

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 1st 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 17th of September.

A letter was received from lodge Dolphin 911 inviting the RWM and brethren of lodge Polmont to celebrate their 125th rededication on Saturday the 29th 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 22nd of August 2025, Jim was registered on the role of Grand lodge of Scotland on the 26th 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 11th of March 1964 passed on the 25th of March 1964 raised on the 15th of April 1964 and advanced on the 22nd 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 60th year diploma on the 27th 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 9th 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 25th of April lodge Ancient Stirling No 30 for the reigning masters 1st degree accompanied with our RWM and several brethren and four honorary members, Monday the 28th 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 30th 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 7th 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 15th of May the lodge of Alloa 69 a 1st degree conferred by lodge Tulliallan No 598, Monday the 26th of May lodge Ben Cleuch No 782 to witness a 1st  degree, Saturday the 31st of May Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No312 to represent our lodge by taking part in a 1st degree worked by past and present prison officers, delivering the Secrets, accompanied by Bro Brian Palfreyman and Bro Graeme McClay, Saturday the 26th of July Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No 312 a 2nd degree worked by police Scotland, Saturday the 9th of August Bannockburn Bruce and Thistle No312 a 3rd degree worked by the Past masters, Monday the 1st of September Lodge Callendar No 588 a 2nd degree accompanied by Alex Croy & HM Alec Montgomery, Wednesday the 3rd of September Harthill No 590 to witness a 3rd degree, Tuesday the 9th 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.

1st 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 1st 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 24th 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.