At the regular meeting of the Nottinghamshire Engineers Lodge No.8739, on Tuesday February 19th 2008 presided over by the W Master Bro Gareth Richards the members present voted in favour of the proposal by W Bro Julian Rose & seconded by W Bro Michael Joynes that the Lodge be foreclosed & the Warrant be surrendered. In making the proposal Bro Rose recorded his sadness as the last remaining Founder Member having to make the proposal, the decline in membership having made it difficult to continue

At the Festive Board that followed being attended by the wives & visiting Brethren and Gentlemen Bro. Rose spoke of the happier times the Lodge had enjoyed since being sponsored by the University of Nottingham Lodge No.7598 and consecrated at the Masonic Hall Goldsmith Street in 1977. He thanked the visiting Brethren for their support at the closure meeting and for their regular attendance at meetings in the past. He was pleased to note the Secretary of the University Lodge was at the meeting. Bro Rose also made a particular reference to W Bro Jim Oliver PPrSGWdn CoM of the Round Table Lodge No. 8604 for his continual attendance over the years as the guest Organist, thanks were also given to W. Bro Alan Davis PAGDC, Grand Lodge Liaison Officer for his invaluable assistance in ensuring the closure was carried out correctly & in accordance with the B o C Bro Rose concluded his remarks in saying whilst a toast at normal meetings is given to the visiting Brethren, he requested in this instance all the Brethren & Gentlemen present to stand and give a toast to the Ladies.

W. Bro Peter Bailey, PPrJGW, PM of Temple Lodge No 5196, a regular guest of the Lodge, responded on behalf of the visitors (and the Ladies) He commented on the fact that he had met Bro.Julian many years ago who had not only been an enthusiastic member, - the Lodge Secretary for the last 18 years – and the last surviving Founder Member. He had also been one of the main driving forces behind the refurbishment of the Chilwell Masonic Hall. Bro. Peter reminisced on his many visits to the Lodge over the years and of his association with the social events that had been promoted in the past. He remarked how pleased he was to see the members wives joining in the Festive Board in what is an evening tinged with sadness but he suggested the members and the guests should look on the evening as one of a thanksgiving for times past.

Bro Rose closed the evening by wishing all present “Good Health”. He expressed his hope that the departing Lodge members would make every effort to become a Joining Member of a Lodge of their choice in order to continue their masonic career , reminding the members that the Secretary of the University Lodge and the W Master of that “other” Engineers Lodge No.9493 (Derbys) were present both and would no doubt assist in an application made to join their Lodge. Bro Rose concluded saying he hoped the members of the Lodge would endeavour to retain the fellowship made over the years by keeping in touch with an informal meeting from time to time and enjoy a drink over a meal

A most enjoyable night tinged with hint of sadness.

Bro Peter Olko – Thoresby Lodge No. 3106 (Guest)