On Monday, 26 October 2026, North Glamorgan Lodge No. 4055 held its annual Installation meeting at Merthyr Masonic Hall.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Neil Martin Evans, accompanied by his Provincial escort, was the Executive Officer on duty for the evening.
Unfortunately, due to illness, the Worshipful Master Elect was unable to attend, meaning that the Installation Ceremony could not take place. However, this did nothing to diminish what proved to be a truly memorable and uplifting evening for the Brethren in attendance.
North Glamorgan Lodge has achieved a significant milestone in support of the South Wales 2032 Festival, becoming one of only two Lodges within the Province to have achieved the prestigious Festival Gold Award to date.
The evening also saw the Lodge welcome the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Robert G. Payne, accompanied by the 2032 Festival Chairman, W.Bro. Simon K.S. Daniel, and the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, W.Bro. Richard Thomas.
Prior to their arrival, W.Bro. Neil Martin Evans, who serves as the Executive Lead for Membership within the Province of South Wales, delivered an insightful and inspiring presentation on Membership. His address highlighted the importance of attracting new members, engaging with existing Brethren and securing a strong future for Freemasonry across South Wales.
Upon the arrival of the Provincial Grand Master, the gavel was proffered and duly accepted and retained, allowing him to conduct two important pieces of business.
The first was an opportunity to recognise the outstanding commitment of North Glamorgan Lodge to the 2032 Festival. The Provincial Grand Master invited the Festival Chairman, W.Bro. Simon K.S. Daniel, to address the Brethren and present the Festival Gold Award to the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. John Askey, and the Lodge Charity Steward, W.Bro. Gethyn Thomas.
This achievement is a testament to the generosity, dedication and collective efforts of the Brethren, whose commitment to the Festival will help make a lasting difference to those who need it most.
The second piece of business was an especially heartwarming moment.
Following a period of ill health and undergoing chemotherapy in June, W.Bro. David Lewis had been unable to attend the Annual Provincial Meeting to receive his first Provincial appointment as Past Provincial Grand Organist.
Determined that W.Bro. David should receive this honour personally, the Provincial Grand Master had made a remarkable effort, attending the Annual Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of Monmouthshire during the day, the Provincial Grand Master made an exceptionally quick dash along the M4 to ensure he could be present to invest W.Bro. David himself.
This evening provided another opportunity to recognise W.Bro. David, and the occasion served as a touching reminder of the friendship, care and support that are such an important part of our Masonic family.
The after-proceedings were filled with celebration, laughter and good friendship, bringing to a close a truly wonderful evening for everyone present.
Congratulations to the Brethren of North Glamorgan Lodge No. 4055 on achieving the 2032 Festival Gold Award. Their commitment is an excellent example of what can be achieved when Brethren come together with a shared purpose and a determination to make a difference.