Laughter & Charity at the Metropolitan Officers Mess

Parachute
Regiment
Lodge
9315

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals…

The lodge has held several social events such as witnessing the Tower of London Keys ceremony a lady’s festival at a hotel usually outside of London that provides opportunity for our families to enjoy the company that these types of events provide. Importantly we maintain links with the regiment and serving soldiers.

EVENTS

Delve into the rich traditions of Freemasonry as we gather to celebrate our shared values and principles

WHERE WE MEET

Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of March, June, September and December, at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. they usually start at 11am thus providing members ample time to travel to London to join the meetings. The June meeting is the installation meeting.

ABOUT

The Parachute Regiment Lodge was consecrated on 5th June 1989. Though named for our Regiment the decision was taken not to restrict membership to serving or former members, though the majority do fit that criteria. Our membership is drawn from a wide range of military, security and civilian backgrounds who all adopt our ethos, to be the best in all that we do…

ARENA

Engage in enlightening discussions, partake in meaningful rituals, and forge lasting connections with fellow brethren

On Tuesday 26th March, happy members of the Metropolitan Mess gathered in the plush surrounds of the Grange City Hotel, to be greeted by their President, R.W. Bro. Sir Michael Snyder, the Metropolitan Grand Master.

After the delight of a very enjoyable champagne reception, where Met Mess members mingled with DepMetGMs, AMetGMs, MetGInsps, SVO’s, VO’s and friends, they sat down to an excellent 3-course lunch and wine and were then splendidly entertained by Alfie Moore.

Alfie, a recently retired police officer, had the audience howling with laughter as he regaled them with hilarious anecdotes, drawn from his interesting career on Humberside. Having spent 18 years in the Force, Alfie traded his truncheon for a microphone and sprang sideways into stand-up comedy, appearing on numerous TV and Radio shows as well as at the Edinburgh Festival.

During the lunch the large total of £23,000 was presented to Sir Michael towards his £2.5million appeal to buy the London Fire Brigade two super-aerial platforms, the donations were raised and donated by;
Met Golf Society – £2,000
Pre-Loved Regalia Team – £4,000
Met GL Events Team – £17,000

The Metropolitan Officers Mess convenes just twice a year, once for a spring-time luncheon and then a dinner in the autumn.

£10 Membership is open to all Metropolitan Officers, present and past, as well as Senior Visiting and Visiting Officers.

The amazing list of guest speakers has ranged from Lieutenant-General Sir Michael Rose – UNPROFOR, Sir Christopher Meyer – UK Ambassador to the USA, Michael Portillo – former MP, Cabinet Minister and broadcaster, to Jimmy Greeves, former England International footballer.

Tony Hawley, member of the Met GL Events Team and organiser of the Mess, said, “It gives Met Mess members the unique opportunity to dine and chat with our most senior masons, friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere, be entertained by a wonderful range of speakers, but above all to have some great fun.”

The next Met Mess is a dinner on Thursday 26th September at the Grange City Hotel.

If you would like further info or to check your eligibility for the Mess, contact: tony@metglevents.com