A wonderful turnout of 24 (which should have been 27 – but sadly 3 didn’t show…) for our first meeting after the recent debacles of COVID & London’s constantly changing caterers’ ‘habits’…

You can see who joined us – but we did have quite a few apologies from Members who were away as this was the height of the Holiday Season, but really wanted to be with us… 

On our first visit to a new venue it is reasonable to assume that there will be a hiatus with set up but this could be down to the fact that Mateus (the Events Manager) never works at weekends (tut-tut!), notwithstanding that, the Secretary’s experience with dining and also the catering trade seemed to prove invaluable.

1. The Treasurer tabled the current standing of LLs Accounts, which ‘ipso facto’ have remained the same since 2022.

2. There was a fairly impassioned discussion regarding the annual number & frequency of our Meetings going forward; some suggested it should be cut down to 4, some suggested moveable dates, some suggested varying venues – but after it had been pointed out that we needed “stability, regularity & worthiness of attendance” the consensus was that ‘pro-tem’ we should aim to maintain our original schedule & generally to increase all-round awareness of our existence, openness & interesting topics of our Speakers - so that a bright future could be assured. Of course, this would also be discussed in greater detail in Committee, so that recommendations could be put to the membership as appropriate.

3. Dining: The meal today was very well received, and seemed to fit ‘budget-wise’, so coupled with the fact that the choice of wine or soft drinks was included, the mood was to retain the status quo with 3 courses. Of course, this would also be discussed in greater detail in Committee, so that recommendations could be put to the membership as appropriate.

4. Appointment of a Vice-Chair: this was of paramount importance, particularly due to the intrusive effects of Lockdown, London catering changes – also not forgetting the sad untimely passing of our previously elected Vice Chair Richard Dedman (RIP). Volunteers were invited to show their interest, and after a small amount of hesitation, Past Chair Robyn Wright asked the Secretary if she was allowed to ‘serve again’. Precedent had already been set by several ‘Chairs’ continuing for a second term, so the way was clear. Pin then announced, “Well, now that seems to be sorted, then!!” & Robyn was declared duly elected with immediate effect, which met with thanks & congratulation from more than a few of those around the table.

5. Speaker Liaison Officer: After a small amount of coercion, Bob 😊agreed to assist Pin with the speakers (Bob had done an excellent job whilst actually doing that job for about 3 years, for which great admiration & approval had already been expressed - & now reaffirmed).

6. Media Controller: Founder Julian Smith spoke eloquently about this, pointing out that most of the ‘younger generation’ of Masons had little time for daytime activities but looked to social media for updates & communications. The Kent Club seemed to be a challenger for LLs, but it must be remembered that our U.S.P. is that we welcome ALL Obediences – as it says in our Maxim “…LLs is open any person with a genuine & positive interest in Freemasonry, regardless of Sex, Creed, or any other limitation…”

7. Committee: It was proposed that arrangements be made for a Committee Meeting at a venue other than a Pub (too noisy, by far!) - & Chris Williams suggested a venue for the Welsh along Grays Inn Road he was involved with, which proposal met with approval - & this was put in hand. Although ‘’Zoom Meetings” had been suggested, one or two later opined that “face to face” meetings were always preferable. One of the main items to be addressed in Committee is “Standing Orders”, which now are a tad jaded & out of date.
   Informally, after one or two had offered to assist the Committee, unanimous approval was given to allow 4 “Lay Members” to be “Honorary ad hoc” Committee Members (insofar as they would not be a current Officer nor Past Chairs of LLs). This resulted in David Thompson, David Justice, Penny Bell-Wright & Chris Williams (who had already been assisting with Re-Juve) being co-opted. Naturally, this would form part of the amendments to Standing Orders – which would then need to be ratified by the Membership.

8. After Pin had given the Lunchtimers Maxim (which, at the AGM 23 years ago, he had caused to be given at EVERY LLs meeting) & the final Toast to “Absent Lunchtimers & to Lunchtimers Worldwide”, the Meeting was declared closed by Chair Geoff Watson.

Minutes compiled from contemporaneous notes made by the Secretary - Pin (Mike Pinfield)