Appreciating our Past Grand Master
29 August 22
On 28 May, 120 guests, masons and their partners gathered in the Banquet Hall at the Sydney Masonic Centre to honour the Immediate Past Grand Master, MW Bro Derek James Robson AM CMH PGM, with a dinner to mark the end of his second term as Grand Master.
Attendees came from all over New South Wales and the ACT to enjoy a three-course dinner with wine, music, dancing, and the presence of old and new friends.
Derek and Gael were piped into the Banquet Hall to the applause of the enthusiastic audience.
The evening was professionally and competently run by the Master of Ceremonies, Bro Dane Sara. An observer reports that Dane ran the evening so flowingly well that he had all public toasts sorted out and done within twelve minutes, to everybody’s delight.
The brethren and guests not only honoured Derek for his many years of service to, and accomplishments in, the Craft, but also acknowledged the support and dedication of his fiancée, Gael Knox.
Derek was presented with a wristwatch and a jewellery box which some said that he would doubtless find occasion to fill for his coming wedding. Narelle Hicks presented Gael with beautiful flowers and MW Bro Hicks presented her with The Grand Master’s Distinguished Service Award.
Derek was especially touched by the presence of MW Bros Ron Johnson and Noel Dunn.
Of course, no party is complete without music, and delightful tunes played by the band Misty Blue had everyone on their feet.
One of Derek’s many friends commented, ‘It’s not the end of Derek’s masonic career, it’s a pause and the opening of new opportunities.’