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bod
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Posted 02/08/2010 06:46:50
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Group: Forum Member
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Thanks for the clarification about jurisdiction.
The Festive Board (nom nom's that follow a meeting) is, under UGLE, usually a three course meal (starters, main and dessert) and there is usually wine on the table, some will have a drink before the meal, and often afterwards - this is more of a convivial thing than a full on p!$$ up and as mentioned is optional, and not often taken to excess.
As with all societies there will be them what takes it to excess but in my experience they are the exception rather than the rule.
That said I would probably avoid drinking in rounds with the fella who made the comment!:cool:
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Mike Martin
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Posted 02/08/2010 08:02:22
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Excellent Master
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Kevin (01/08/2010)
Just for the record I am not surprised there is this perception of Freemasons especially of English Lodges. I have read on Masonic forums more than once about the 4, 5 and 6 course meals after a meeting coupled with 8 or 9 toasts, numerous references to nipping out to the bar between courses, keeping the meetings short so Brethren can get to the Festive board on time. Blimey, I wouldn't be surprised either if this was what someone had led me to believe went on at UGLE Lodge meetings. Thank goodness the majority of us here are English Masons and can set you straight.Just for clarity: I have only once attended a Lodge's Festive Board that had more than the normal three courses and that was a Lodge celebrating its Centenary. A toast consists of standing, a sip, replace glass, fire. I'm not quite sure what you were picturing? People who go out to the bar at the table tend to be the blokes drinking orange and lemonade because their driving or the blokes who actually need to pop outside the building to have a ciggie (I used to be one). Those of us that meet at big Masonic Centres (places like Mark Masons' Hall) have to ensure we are available at the time we have booked to dine as it is a full on catered building. Rushing to the FB is much more unusual in the smaller halls around the country.
MikeMersey Lodge No. 5434 WebsiteThe Freemasons'''' Grand Charity WebsiteSee my BALLS here
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Cora B
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Posted 02/08/2010 12:40:59
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Group: On Warning
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Before my Initiation, my then WM passed some very wise and valid advise in respect of freemasonry: "You get of it what you put into it."So - if a Bro:. considers it to be 'a glorified booze-up', then that's what he or she'll will get out of it. It he or she considers it to be an opportunity for spiritual growth, then that's what he or she will get out of it. If he or she considers it to be an excuse to avoid his or her personal or professional obligations, then that's what he will find - although the consequences will be his or hers to face. You get the picture.
Cora
--
International Order of Co-Freemasonry "Le Droit Humain",
British Federation
Lodge Light of Amen-Ra No. 717, Orient of Surbiton
Lodge St Francis No. 817, Orient of Camberley
Mark Lodge Nephthys No. 32, Quarries of Surbiton
HRA Triangle The Hidden Glory, Vault of Surbiton
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Eldmar
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Posted 02/08/2010 12:51:33
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Because of the distance between home and my mother Lodge I pretty much always drive. The bus takes about 2 hours and at least 2 changes and the train - though faster requires me to change at a very busy train station with lots of pidgeons and seagulls. By car it takes me about 45 minutes, predominantly on motorways, so the idea of drinking at Lodge is a no - no for me. Very occasionally I will have a tiny glass of wine for some of the toasts, but I usually toast with my glass of fruit juice or coke. No body complains or says anything, in fact when we do buy for each other they are probably happy as my drink is cheap! I have seen several of the brethren leave - those not driving - tipsy, but never properly drunk. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.
Best wishes
Eldmar.
Pontypridd Lodge 9001.
Caerleon college, 72, Brangwyn college 75, SRIA.
Dunraven Lodge MMM 950, Dunraven RAM Lodge 950.
Ystradyfodwg Chapter 7638.
Merthyr Tydfil Council N0 120 R&SM
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sojourner
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Posted 02/08/2010 13:14:45
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When i attend my Mark Lodge in Northumberland, I drive over from Scotland (about 3 hours) and stay with my daughter for the week of the meetings. Monday is rehearsal, Tuesday I usually get an invite to a Craft Lodge, Wednesday to a KT Preceptory, and Thursday is the Meeting itself. My daughter lives about 15 miles from the Hall. Thus I am on diet coke all night and don't drink at all at any of the meetings due to driving. My daughter though usually kindly has a couple of cans awaiting me when I get back. The daytimes are spent doing "daddy jobs" about her house.The arrangement seems to suit us both. So Northern Star, if you drive (or even if you don't and are just not inclined) you don't have to drink. Acknowledging the toasts with a soft drink is just as acceptable.
Roy L."SELUME PROFERRE"
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david walter
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Posted 02/08/2010 14:19:31
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When I first joined in 1969 my proposer explained that there was no compulsion or expectancy for anyone to drink wine or other alcohol. Indeed several brethren did drink water even for the toasts.
In the intervening period I have visited many lodges in the UK and in Spain and have never found any pressure to drink. Some members of my current lodge will get together to share a taxi home but they are certainly only being cautious as we have all been taught.
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Kev
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Posted 02/08/2010 14:55:29
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I enjoy a good drink, but what I do is drive, that way I have a glass of wine at the festive board and thats all, it would be sad if they were just treating it like a drinking club but I'm guessing thats just male bravado and they drink no more or no less than most lodges.
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DarkHorse
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Posted 02/08/2010 16:01:10
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Hi,Just to add my thoughts, I have not been in the Craft very long and in my Lodge there are Bro. who drink and those who do not. I will drink (or not as I see fit) with them to to my own comfort. Never have I seen any of my Brethren become intoxicated, nor have I ever been encouraged to drink beyond what I feel I am happy with. It is always a happy and convivial affair, and I have always been made to feel more than welcome. Drink at the FB or beyond, in my humble experience, has never been an issue.
DarkHorseUGLE Sherborne Conduit Lodge No: 9484 All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing - Edmund Burke.
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chestnut
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Posted 03/08/2010 19:07:07
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Freemasonry is not the paragon of virtue. It is no different to the majority of society.
The majority enjoy a relaxed drink before and during the meal ever remembering their obligation to uphold the law, in this case the drink driving.
Some enjoy the bar a little more than others which is probably the same percentage who do so in pubs every day of teh week.
There is no compulsion to drink.
Many Lodges as has been mentioned were set up and some still are non alcohol, temperance.
Initiations and installations are time of celebration for the Lodge and often port is available. However there is less drink at a Festive Board than there is at Livery and Guild functions.
David
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wisden21
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Posted 09/08/2010 02:05:08
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I saw this recently, and for some reason reminded me of this thread: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zj50DmBFp0
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