On Saturday evening, 1st of May, a fraternal relationship which has existed since 1950 entered its 60th year when the WM of Lodge Concord Technology, RW Bro. Clarrie Alexander PSGW, supported by a delegation of seven, presented the Chain of Friendship to the WM of Lodge Commonwealth of Australia, W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj.

A deeply valued tradition within Lodge Commonwealth's history over the years has been the inter-change of fraternal visits with Lodge Concord Technology, formerly Lodge Manoora Technology, and prior to that Lodge Technology, in Sydney.

Commencing in 1950 with a visit from Lodge Manoora Technology to Canberra, the arrangment has been that the Sydney Lodge visits Canberra in one year and Lodge Commonwealth visits Sydney in the next. In addition, the WMs of the two Lodges, accompanied by some of their Officers and Brethren, visit each other at Installation and the visiting Master participates in the ceremony.

Proposals for these visits were made by Lodge Manoora Technology and the first visit was led by their second Master, W Bro. Norman Sawkins, and received by W Bro. Ian Cartledge, the Master of Lodge Commonwealth.

A 'Technology-Commonwealth Chain' was later introduced, being made up of inscribed links commemorating each visit. The Chain is exchanged between the Lodges on each visit and each Lodge has a specially made small box to hold the Chain while it is in its custody.

For several years, it was customary for the brethren only to make visits, but, later, when travel by car became general practise, it was decided to include the ladies. The move added considerable pleasure and attractiveness to the social occasions.

The visit to Sydney in 1979 marked the completion of thirty years of the fraternal exchanges and, to mark the occasion, the Master of Lodge Commonwealth, W Bro. Chris Peterson, made a presentation to Lodge Manoora Technology of a ceremonial gavel. The Master of Lodge Manoora Technology, W Bro. Marcus Kellerman, reciprocated by presenting for the use of Lodge Commonwealth a finely crafted metal stand to hold the DC's baton.

These fraternal exchanges and social occasions which commenced in a modest way in 1950 have led to the development of a close fellowship between the Officers and brethren of the two Lodges and the establishment of many friendships on a personal and family basis.

At some time later the Chain was renamed the 'Chain of Friendship'.

Prior to this evening, the Chain was last displayed within Lodge Commonwealth on the occasion of the re-installation of RW Bro. Warren Turton as Lodge Commonwealth's Master in December 2008 where it was ceremoniously drapped over the WM's pedestal during the Installation ceremony.

 RW Bro. Clarrie Alexander presents the Chain of Friendship, safely housed in its
box, to W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj. Lodge Commonwealth's box may be seen on the
front edge of the pedestal

 W Bro. Roman Cholawinskyj welcomes RW Bro. Clarrie Alexander, and his
fraternal delegation, on this historic occasion. The Chain of Friendship may be
seen drapped over the two boxes and extending down either side of the pedestal.

 The Lodge Concord Technology Delegation
(L-R front row) Bro. Jeff Moon (visitor), W Bro. Don Hely, W Bro. Bruce Rowan,
W Bro. Graeme Power, W Bro. Garry Harvey, VW Bro. Robert Webb and
Bro. Barry Brandy

Photography: VW Bro. David Slater