By Bro Mark Thompson
On Monday 10th I popped over to Guernsey in the Channel Islands for a day trip. I took the bike as I’ve always wanted to circumnavigate the island. Having to stop for the obligatory scenic photo and a chat to the Islands police (road blocked due to the Islands Games). It took just over an hour to do, leaving myself plenty of time to have a bit to eat in 1 of the many pubs in St Peters port.
Whilst on Guernsey, I thought I’d make an effort and try and find a local Masonic lodge, which I did in St Martins. The current lodge is built on the grounds of the old St Martins lodge, which now houses all 8 of the lodges in the province, including 1 lodge from Alderley, that meets twice a year there.
There are 2 temples underneath the main part of the building, 1 for St Martins lodge only as a respect to giving up the land to biluild the new masonic Hall, and the other for everybody else.
I had a guided tour of the building, including both temples, from a Past Master of St Martins lodge, who was there doing some decorating.. one thing led to another and we got talking about bikes as he’s a rider for some 40 years, his list of the bikes he’s had was impressive ranging from some very old ones to newer up to date models. He even informed me that there was a group of widowsons on the island. He finished off by saying that all widowsons and mainland freemason were welcome anytime to any of the lodge meetings. The day concluded by spending most of the journey home on the bridge of the liberation, chatting to the skipper and chief officers that I know from work. I even got offered my old job back as they said they are short of deck crew.
