LODGE ST PETER GALSTON 331
The Repair Shop on The Road – Ayrshire: Restoring Robert Burns Graffiti
Ayrshire is the birthplace of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns, and many of the towns and villages in the region can boast strong links to his life and works. One of Burns’ tendencies was to engrave windows, using a Diamond Cutter, with his own words, both in public and private places, as a means of expressing himself. One of these writings was done on a bedroom window of the Manse home of The Reverend George Lawrie and his wife when he was Minister of Newmilns.
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The inscription reads, "Lovely Mrs Lawrie, she is all charms".
Image from BBC
It was unfortunate that the window was damaged in the past and was hidden away in a cupboard in the Barr Castle, Galston for safekeeping. The window is an important item and deserves to be on display. It was in Autum 2024 that presenters, Will Kirk and Steven Fletcher headed out on the road visiting venues in Irvine, Mauchline and Galston in Ayrshire, Including a visit to the Barr Castle where Will came face-to-face with a very special artefact, the windowpane with a hand inscription by Robert Burns himself.
What was done to restore the window?
The window was safely transported to the Repair Shop, and with the help of ceramics expert Kirsten Ramsay, they hoped to once again put it on display. Fixing glass is notoriously difficult, and Kirsten definitely felt the pressure of getting such an important object looking back to its best.
Image From BBC
What does this window represent? The window is a piece of social history and a tribute to Robert Burns.
Image From BBC
You can view the first episode of The Repair Shop on the Road, which aired on BBC one and is available to watch now on iPlayer, and by appointment at the Barr Castle, Barr St, Galston, by contacting the Lodge Secretary via the contact us page.
As Christmas 2024 approached the Brethren of Lodge St. Peter No. 331 agreed to donate selection boxes to the children of Galston Early Childhood learning Centre and Primary School.
On Friday 8th December, Bro’s. T. Smith (RWM) K Darrant (WSW) and R. Little (WJW) visited Galston Nursery with 130 Christmas selection boxes.
The staff appreciated the gesture by the Brethren of the Lodge and confirmed that this would help greatly with their efforts to support the children in the coming weeks. The staff asked for their thanks be passed to the Brethren of Lodge St Peter.
Installation of Lodge St Peter No. 331 RWM
On Saturday 9th November 2024, the RWM (Elect) Bro. Thomas Smith PM was installed as RWM of Lodge St. Peter Galston No 331.
The Installing Masters, Bro. Archie Jay PM Lodge St. Marnock No.109 and Bro. Robert Little PM Lodge St. Peter No.331, carried out an excellent ceremony of Installation which was enjoyed by the large number of Brethren in attendance. This included representation from The Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire headed by Depute Provincial Grand Master Bro. Stephen McConnachie and Brethren from Sister Lodges. On conclusion of the Installation Ceremony, a few hours were spent in Harmony at the Festive Board.
RWM Bro Tom Smith with his Installing Masters. RWDPGM Bro. Stephen McConnachie & Brethren from PGLA.
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Playing for The King
Scottish Freemasonry was well represented when King Charles and Queen Camilla began two days of events in Edinburgh for a Holyrood Week shortened this year by the general election.
On Wednesday 3rd July, The Grand Master Mason, in his role as Lord Lyon, greeted the King and Queen on their arrival at Edinburgh Castle. Brother Morrow summoned the Garrison to open the gates to the King and present the Keys to the Castle. The Lord Provost, city councillor Robert Aldridge, then presented the keys on a red velvet cushion, which the King symbolically touched.
Ahead of the ceremony, the garden of the Palace of Holyroodhouse was transformed into a parade ground where the King met senior military and uniformed figures. Also lined up were the Royal Company of Archers, who serve as the sovereign’s ceremonial bodyguard for Scotland, a role first created in 1822 for King George IV.
Several distinguished Freemasons are members of the Royal Company of Archers, including Past Grand Masters, Brother J.M. Marcus Humphrey of Dinnet, Brother Sir Archibald D. Orr Ewing, and Brother Charles Iain Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont, along with Past Substitute Grand Master, Brother Alexander C.G. Moncrieff.
The King and Queen rounded off their trip with a celebration at Edinburgh Castle to mark the city’s 900th anniversary, after it was founded by King David I in 1124. The Grand Master Mason was accompanied by Brother Adam Bruce, Past Master, and Brother Liam Stewart, Past Master. Brother Stewart, a Substitute Provincial Grand Master of Ayrshire and well-known musician, had the honour of playing the accordion for the Royal couple. As a champion and accomplished player, he has participated in many Installations and Harmonies across Scotland, including several Festivals of St Andrew. He was Initiated into Lodge St. Peter 331 in 2003 and emulated his late grandfather and father by becoming Master in 2010.
Grand Tours of Scotland's Rivers by Paul Murton is a programme on BBC exploring the different rivers in Scotland. In series 3, episode 4, titled "A Handmade Tale" Paul visits the Irvine Valley. The River Irvine in Ayrshire is the hidden gem explored on this Grand Tour. From its source close to Loudoun Hill, Paul follows the river through ancient battle fields and discovers a legacy of lacemaking and a treasure trove of gemstones along its banks.
Paul stops off at the Barr Castle in Galston where he is provided with a history of the game of "Handba" which was played against the North Wall of the Castle. The programme can be watched on the BBC IPlayer.
At Kilmarnock, he salutes the memory of whisky giant Johnnie Walker – but is shocked to learn how the national poet Robert Burns once contemplated emigrating to Jamaica to work on a slave plantation. In Irvine, Paul visits the Scottish Maritime Museum and pulls at the oars as he joins a team of rowers heading out to sea.
On Tuesday 12th December 2023, Bro. T. Smith (RWM) R. Little (WSW) and J. Adams (DoC) visited Galston Nursery with Christmas selection boxes.
This was in response to an appeal by the Nursery to help with Christmas parties and activities for the kids. The Brethren of Lodge St. Peter No. 331, gave a fantastic response to this appeal and amassed over 70 selection boxes!
The staff representative at the Nursery was very appreciative of this generous gesture by the Lodge and confirmed that this would help greatly with their efforts to support the kids in the coming weeks and asked for their thanks be passed to the Brethren of Lodge St Peter.
On Saturday 9th December 2023, the Brethren of Lodges from Darvel, Newmilns, Galston, Hurlford and Kilmaurs, accompanied by partners and friends held their Christmas Dinner Dance at Kilmarnock Masonic Halls.
A donation of £220 was presented to Mrs Christine Oliver for her Christmas Toy Appeal by the RWM's of the Lodges present. A very enjoyable night was had by all who attended the Dinner Dance.
Installation of Lodge St Peter No. 331 RWM
On 11 November 2023, Bro. Thomas Smith PM was installed as RWM of Lodge St. Peter Galston No 331.
The Installing Masters Bro. Archie Jay PM Lodge St. Marnock No.109 and Bro. Robert Little PM Lodge St. Peter No.331 carried out an excellent ceremony of Installation and a fine harmony with toast and speeches was enjoyed by the large number of Brethren in attendance.
RWM Bro Tom Smith with his Installing Masters. RWPGM Bro. Jim Bell, Brethren from PGLA and St Peter 331.
