W.Bro. Roger Pritchard has travelled to India for a meeting of the Freemasons Without Borders Lodge of Mark Master Masons No2031.

His report follows:

Arrived in Hyderabad India for Mark Masons without borders meeting on Saturday, it’s a warm 36 degrees here. A very busy city but lots to go and see. Looking forward to the meeting, where I’m standing in as senior Deacon, and then trying the various dishes at the festive board.

Not sure how many other Mark Masons have travelled from UK, will find out Saturday.

Arrived at the lodge rooms for a pre meeting and talk about the history of Hyderabad and of the lodge rooms. The lodge building was a former palace belonging to Qutb Shahi dynasty built in 1682 to house the royal ladies. It was left for some years in disrepair and was given over to Freemasons in 1852 by the Nizam of Hyderabad, the ruler. It now remains the oldest building in India to house a Masonic temple.

When you look at the outside it looks a plain building but when you walk in you feel the presence of history, it is a vast space and still restoration works are ongoing. After an interesting talk we had a tour of the building, everyone in their suits, me in my Welsh top, before having drinks on the terrace. The meeting was to start at 6pm.

The lodge meeting opened at 6pm and the usual business was conducted.

Because there was no candidate a practice of a limited Advancement was conducted and as acting SD I had quite a role. It ran smoothly and with a bit of light hearted fun as well. A new master was elected to be installed in June.

Every Brother then introduced himself and where they were from, USA, Columbia, Switzerland, India, England and just me from Wales.

The meeting closed at 7.30 and we had a drinks reception on another balcony before sitting down to eat at 9.40.

Lots of food, some a bit spicy, grateful for cold beer, arrived back at the hotel just turned midnight. Next meeting London in June and Paris in November.

A great day, nice memories were made.