Travelling Gavel Gets Knocked Down to Brett Valley
On 10th October, 13 brethren from Brett Valley and 9 from Priory came to Christchurch to launch their challenge for its ownership.
The rules state that a minimum of seven brethren from the same lodge must be present to entitle them to throw down a challenge. In the event of two or more lodges making a claim on the same night, the lodge with the greater number of members present is deemed successful.
On this occasion the rules gave Brett Valley the edge.
However, the rules also state that a forfeit must be paid.
That evening at the Festive Board 71 brethren gave a rousing rendition of ‘My Old Man Said Follow the Van’ and ‘Keep Right on to End of the Road’.
Following this the forfeit for Brett Valley was to sing both songs simultaneously and in a cacophony of words and music they did brilliantly well to claim the Gavel.
A senior Brett Valley member was quoted the next day saying ‘We had a brilliant night; a first class ceremony and we were looked after very well at the Festive Board; all in all a happy night’.
The Travelling Gavel is an enjoyable and great fun way to visit other lodges in the Province and well worth every lodge giving serious consideration.
In May 2014 the brethren of Christchurch Lodge visited the Lodge of Perfect Friendship and successfully claimed the Travelling Gavel.