There was an added twist to Coningsby Lodge’s installation ceremony in December 2023.
It’s not unusual that Herefordshire Province-based Coningsby Lodge Installs a Lodge Ruler with a severe visual impairment. The newly Installed ruler has been through the chair once already back in 2017-18. It is believed he was the first one in Coningsby Lodge’s seventy-one-year history to do this with a visual impairment, closely followed by good friend Andy Bailey in 2019.
The twist on this occasion was that both the Wardens were also severely sight impaired. None of the three have any functional vision; both Basil Clement and Jason Payne have some light perception, and Andy Bailey has no vision at all, having two prosthetic eyes after having to have his eyes removed.
Andy said, “The Lodge has always been very supportive to us, we’ve always managed to get the job done no matter what role we’ve been in. While there may have been one extra Deacon on occasions, it didn’t matter because we were involved and we were at the heart of the Lodge’s activities. Somebody was always ready to guide us around the floor and assist us to get to the right place at almost the right time.”
The ceremonies are no more complicated than any other Lodge. The only hitch at the Installation meeting was the absence of one of the key members of the ceremony team due to a last-minute illness.
Basil Clement was ably installed into the Chair of King Solomon by Dr Jones, who was skilfully acting as both Installing Master and Director of Ceremonies and picking up any other slack along the way! Basil then proceeded to install both Andy and Jason into the Senior and Junior Wardens’ chairs, respectively.
Basil said:
“It is a privilege to serve as Master of a Lodge such as Coningsby and an honour to have been allowed to do so twice. I’m lucky to have such a supportive team, and it was a great pleasure to be able to appoint two old friends as Wardens.”
Jason said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to be installed as Junior Warden at Coningsby Lodge’s installation night. It’s great to be part of a strong team of officers, and I look forward to a productive year under our new Master.”
Andy said:
“It’s an honour to be appointed Senior Warden once again by one of my closest friends, all whilst probably making some sort of Masonic history with all the principal officers being visually impaired. I’m sure we’ll have a fantastic year together. We have a great team to support us, and Coningsby always rises to the challenge.”
Andy, who was also reappointed as Lodge Mentor, added:
“It was a joy to help prepare ‘J’ for his year as Junior Warden. My experience, having been through the chair already, was a significant part of this. Sometimes, as we can’t see what’s going on, it’s hard for us to know whether we are doing the right thing at the right time or even know what questions to ask to clarify the point, so my prior knowledge came in very useful. I’m looking forward to our year working together.”
Dr Kevin Jones, who was reappointed as Director of Ceremonies, said:
“I am honoured to be a member of Coningsby Lodge and watch and support the progress of these fine gentlemen within our Masonic fraternity. I’m very humbled and honoured to know these guys.”
He also added, “In addition, we are very proud that Coningsby Lodge is leading the way within the Province in equality, diversity and inclusion.”
Basil, Andy and ‘J’ are supported in the progressive offices by a strong team of ‘light blue’ Brethren that should stand the Lodge in good stead for the year. With three Initiations on the slate, it’s definitely going to be a busy one for Coningsby Lodge.
Herefordshire-based Coningsby Lodge was Consecrated in December 1946 and, at that time, was predominantly a Lodge for serving or retired police officers. Though this is not the case now, it still has strong links to both the security services and the armed forces. It meets eight times a year between October and May and is based in the Masonic Hall in Hereford. The Lodge’s name comes from a distinguished Herefordshire barony whose former seat was Hampton Court.
