Saturday, 3 October 2026, was a particularly memorable occasion for Venables Llewelyn Lodge No. 3756, as the Brethren gathered at Porthcawl Masonic Hall for their annual Installation Ceremony. The meeting brought together reflection, remembrance and celebration, marking both a significant personal loss within the Lodge and an important milestone in its history.
The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Neil M. Evans, attended as the Executive Officer on duty, accompanied by his Provincial escort.
Before the Installation Ceremony commenced, the Lodge paused to remember one of its most respected Brethren, W.Bro. Brian Comley PJGD, P3rdPGP, who sadly passed away during the summer recess. A stalwart of both Venables Llewelyn Lodge and the Province of South Wales, W.Bro. Brian had given an extraordinary 70 years of service to the Province. His dedication and commitment to Freemasonry were deserving of the highest respect, and the Lodge’s tribute provided a fitting opportunity to reflect upon a life of remarkable service and contribution.
Alongside this moment of remembrance, the meeting was also one of celebration, as the Brethren marked the 1,000th regular meeting of Venables Llewelyn Lodge since its consecration in 1916. Reaching this landmark is a testament to the generations of Freemasons who have sustained the Lodge, upheld its traditions and contributed to its continued success over the past century.
The Installation Ceremony was conducted by the Installing Master, W.Bro. Michael J. Hulton, who was proffered the gavel by the reigning Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Christopher McCann.
There was a particularly special reason for this arrangement, as W.Bro. Michael Hulton and the Worshipful Master elect, Bro. D. Richard Howells are cousins, adding a meaningful family connection to the occasion.
The ceremony was conducted in an exemplary manner, with this personal connection bringing an added sense of warmth and family significance to an already important and memorable occasion.
The meeting was further distinguished by the presence of a considerable number of Grand Lodge Officers, alongside many Provincial Grand Lodge Officers, whose attendance added to the importance of this historic gathering.
For the newly installed Worshipful Master, the occasion also represented a meaningful link between his Masonic beginnings and his future with Venables Llewelyn Lodge. Bro. D. Richard Howells was originally initiated into Cambrensis Lodge No. 6608 before subsequently joining Venables Llewelyn Lodge.
In a particularly poignant moment, W.Bro. Paul Kelvin Smith presented the Worshipful Master elect for the benefit of installation. W.Bro. Paul had been the Grand Officer and a long-standing stalwart of Cambrensis Lodge before its warrant was surrendered. His involvement in presenting the new Master provided a fitting connection to the Lodge in which Bro. D. Richard Howells first began his Masonic journey, bringing together past associations and new responsibilities.
The Installation meeting of Venables Llewelyn Lodge No. 3756 was therefore much more than an annual change of Master. It was an occasion to honour a Brother whose service spanned seven decades, celebrate the achievement of 1,000 meetings since 1916, and welcome a new Worshipful Master as he begins his year in the Chair.
An evening of reflection, a milestone worth celebrating, and a reminder that Freemasonry is built not only upon its traditions, but upon the friendships, family connections and enduring dedication of the Brethren who keep those traditions alive.
The celebrations continued during the Festive Board, where gifts were given to everyone in attendance as a keep sake to commemorate and celebrate the 1,000th regular meeting.
The atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Brethren from near and far gathered to share in the occasion, reflecting on the Lodge’s proud history while celebrating its remarkable milestone and welcoming the newly installed Worshipful Master. The warmth, friendship and enthusiasm displayed throughout the evening provided a fitting tribute to Venables Llewelyn Lodge No. 3756, demonstrating that after 1,000 meetings, the spirit of Freemasonry within the Lodge remains as strong as ever.