Visit Report

A Gathering of Internet Lodge Members

At Edinburgh

On 2-4 October 1999

By WBro John Belton, WM Internet Lodge 9659

As I sped up the M6 on Friday afternoon it was pouring with rain and I wondered just what the morrow would bring! However from 730pm members gathered in the bar of the Royal Scot Hotel - and in an hour totalled 18. Plans were laid for the next days activities and those who had not eaten adjourned to the carvery.

Saturday dawned with a blue sky (even if the breeze was a bit chilly) and we went about our tourist type activities - some for a tour to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle and most staying in Edinburgh. I met Alan Tibbetts and Jerry Ossachuk while walking down the Royal Mile towards Holyrood Palace and we joined forces. The evening saw 15 at the Jasmine Restaurant for a superb chinese meal (booked at 1130 the previous night!)

Sunday (in spite of the weather forecast) was again bright and sunny and the mass exodus to Rosslin took place. The early arrivals took the track down to the Castle (home of the StClairs - hereditary Grand Masters of Masons) - then to local hostelry for soup and to Rosslyn Chapel. I know there were 28 present for we each saved 50p because I collected the money outside and made a block payment for entrance.

Jim Munro was in great form and kept us regaled with history and stories for 2 hours about one of the truly amazing places in Scotland. Even better Bro Naunton had the priviledge of playing the chapel organ - and very fine it was (both the organ and his playing of it). Parties had travelled that day to join us from Glasgow and Manchester and we had two friends of Marty Smiths from Illinois as well.

To the best of my knowledge we all had a great time (even if not quite what was originally planned) and some had tickets for the (rugby) match at Murrayfield on the Sunday to watch Scotland versus South Africa just to round off the weekend!

S&F

John Belton

WM