Lodge St. Andrew No. 228
At the beginning of June 4 members of 228 Insch attended Lodge Orient 029 in Sofia Bulgaria. Georgi Ivanov a member of 228 from Sofia is currently studying in Aberdeen.
His father having visited Insch left an open invitation to attend Sofia.
On arrival to departure we had a unprecedented level of hospitality.
This included being met by the mayor of Lovech a town 150k North of Sofia on the first night. Innumerable sights and meals were part of a wonderful 3 days.
We attended a second degree in a purpose built Lodge in Sofia which was something unique and interesting.
Gifts were exchanged and a fantastic Banquet meal at the Grand Hotel Sofia on a upper outdoor floor restaurant on a warm evening completed a great visit.
I suspect there will be more visits in both directions in the future !
Travelling Trowel
Congratulations to Lodge St. Anthony No. 154 for capturing the Travelling Trowel last night from Lodge Royal Ancient No. 1179
St. Anthony’s next meeting (and last of the season) will be on Monday 20th April.
At this meeting the RWM will be delivering a paper entitled “Remember now thy Creator”
In view of the subject, the meeting will only be open to Master Masons.
The RWPGM will also be making the draw for the raffle in aid of St Andrew’s School for Children with Special Needs.
The winner will win a nice bottle of Glen Garioch.
Tickets still available at £2 each or 3 for £5.
Good luck!
Lodge St. John No. 745
Lodge St. John No. 795
Lodge St. John No. 795 captured the Travelling Trowel last season and decided to use the funds to purchase a defibrillator for the use of all the orders that make use of their building.
To help with this purchase, the RWPGM Bro. Lawrie presented their RWM Bro. Melvin with a donation of £250 to assist with the purchase.

Prostate Scotland
At the Quarterly Communication at Lodge Royal Ancient No. 1179 on Saturday 14th February, Adam Gaines, Director of Prostate Scotland gave an informative presentation on the work of the charity.
Following a brief question and answer session, the RWPGM Bro. Andy Lawrie presented Mr Gaines with a donation of £1,000 to assist the continuing good work of the charity.

Inter-Provincial Visitation
The PGL of Aberdeenshire West paid their annual visit to Lodge Leuchar No. 1224 in Culter today.
This was the last official visit of the PGL with the RWPGM Bro. Michael Kinnaird heading the deputation. He demits office on the 6th February after 5 years at the head of our PGL.
To help celebrate his term in office, deputations from the PGLs of Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire East, Banffshire, Forfarshire and Kincardineshire were also in attendance.
The RWPGM also presented a cheque to the Culter Pipe Band.
A Burns Supper followed the meeting.