Thursday, 22 July, will be remembered by Bro Steven Robson as the night that he was Raised by his father-in-law, VW Bro John Donaldson, DGIW 92. Steven was well prepared; his unwavering fortitude, supported by the exemplary work of all participants, resulted in a magnificent ceremony befitting this significant occasion.

VW Bro John Donaldson, Lodge Canoblas Lewis, travelled from Orange with wife, Pat, and a fraternal delegation of three including RW Bro Hugh Laird, W Bro Ken Howarth and Bro Ian Mackay, SW. Three of the visiting delegation delivered components of the ritual which contributed to lifting the ceremony to unprecedented heights. Steven was also joined by his partner, Katrina, at the Festive Board.

The WM congratulated Steven and then invited John Donaldson and his delegation to also offer their congratulations.

The WM Congratulates Bro Steven Robson
(L-R) W Bro Cholawinskyj, Bro Steven Robson and RW Bro Warren Turton

VW Bro John Donaldson, DGIW 92, Congratulates Bro Steven Robson
(L-R) VW Bro Donaldson, Bro Steven Robson and RW Bro Warren Turton

Bro Steven Robson and the Delegation from Orange

Our visitors will long remember Bro Robson's Raising; they included: W Bro Alan Carnall, WM Lodge Gowrie, with his SW, W Bro Malcolm Mann; W Bro Simon Pitt, formerly of Lodge Perfect who has recently moved interstate and subsequently represented Lodge Mount Gambier of the SA & NT Constitution; W Bro John O'Connor, JW Yass Lodge of Concord; and W Bro's Jerry Cole and Rowland Stewart representing Lodge Woden Valley.

Recognition and acknowledgment must be paid to: W Bro Sid Penhaligon, Membership Officer, who held the SW's chair; RW Bro Warren Turton, Treasurer, who held the SD's chair; and Bro Ian Mackay (SW Canoblas Lewis) who eagerly took the JW's chair during the closing of the Lodge while the JW was preparing the Festive Board. The WM made particular note of Warren's enthusiastic engagement of the duties of SD during the ceremony, fearing that he may need to seek a new Treasurer. Finally, the architect behind the scenes, our DC VW Bro Graeme Moller, who has again raised the bar.

Partners were invited to the Festive Board where supper consisted of catered roast chicken, roast potatoes, peas and gravy. The JW, W Bro Ben Bopf, assisted by Bro Nicholas McCaskie, Steward, and Bro Steve Wilde, are to be congratulated for their administration of the Festive Board for which very favourable comment was passed direct to the WM from several visitors.

The Festive Board Head Table
(L-R) Bro. Ian Mackay, Ms Pat and VW Bro. John Donaldson, RW Bro. Warren Turton,
W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj, Bro. Steven Robson, Ms Katrina and VW Bro. Graeme Moller

 VW Bro. John Donaldson Proposes the Toast to our Newly Raised Brother

 Bro. Steven Robson Responds to his Toast

The festivities did not end at the Festive Board; the WM was invited back to Bro Robson's home to be met by several of the delegation from Orange, including Pat and Katrina, where ample supplies of champagne and Glenfiddich wrapped up a very memorable evening.

Lodge Commonwealth of Australia looks forward with anticipation to Steven's contribution to the Lodge which is likely to be significant.