Nine members of the Stewards Lodge, accompanied by their partners and led by our intrepid Provincial Grand Master, Rodney Bignell, together with his wife Jeanette, embarked on our annual pilgrimage to the beautiful shores of Lake Como on 12th June.
Unfortunately, our Worshipful Master, David Wynn, and regular attendee David Somerset were unable to join us due to health reasons and were greatly missed throughout the week.
After flying into Milan, we travelled by coach along the stunning lakeside roads to the Hotel Bazzoni in Tremezzo. The hotel provided magnificent views across the lake, with rooms overlooking the water – a perfect setting for the week ahead.
The week offered a variety of activities to suit every taste. Many members explored charming lakeside towns such Bellagio and Varenna, while others visited the spectacular gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbienolla. For the more adventurous, a memorable excursion on the Bernina Railway to St. Moritz provided breathtaking alpine scenery, glaciers and mountain vistas.
Sunday morning saw the traditional Lodge of Instruction take place, featuring a First Degree Ceremony. The standout performance came from our Master Elect, Paul Nicholls, who delivered the Charge after Initiation almost word-perfect despite having had very little time to prepare.
On Tuesday evening, members gathered on the hotel’s upper terrace for a delightful barbecue, enjoying excellent food, good company and stunning views as the sun set over the lake.
One of the undoubted highlights of the week was the murder mystery evening, Murder on Lake Como, expertly organised by Paul and Helen Nicholls. Armed with only a little background information and guidance on costume, everyone enthusiastically embraced their roles and entered into the spirit of the occasion. After much investigation, intrigue and accusation, the culprit was finally revealed to be Monica, a Tuscan mafiosa wife, otherwise known as Coral Guise-Smith. The award for Best Detective went to Sophia Orsini (Margaret March), while the accolade for Best Actor was awarded to the notorious Mafia Don Farnesa, brilliantly portrayed by Brian McCardle. The evening provided plenty of laughter and will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
The week concluded in traditional Masonic style with a splendid Black-Tie Gala Dinner. This provided an opportunity not only to reflect on a wonderful week of friendship and fellowship but also to thank our hosts, Ross and Doriana, for their exceptional hospitality. On behalf of everyone present, Peter Johnson presented Doriana with a bouquet of flowers as a token of our appreciation.
As we made our journey home, there was unanimous agreement that the week had been another outstanding success. It provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen friendships, enjoy each other’s company, sample some excellent food and wine, and create many happy memories in one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations. We are already looking forward to next year’s adventure.
Here is a selection of photographs from the event. Please double click to expand the images.
Report by W. Bro. Malcolm March