Three Gavels for Chorley Lodge!

When Joan Chew asked if the members of the lodge would accept a gift in memory of her husband, Bob Chew, the members were delighted.

Joan, who was for many years a key member of the Social Committee, came up with the great idea of a set of gavels which would join the

Collection Plates which her uncle, Bill Vaughan, donated in 1950.

As Joan didn’t feel “Off the shelf” gavels were appropriate, wheels were set in motion culminating in David Harrison kindly agreeing to undertake

the making of them. Dave said: “It was bit of a challenge”, as he had never made a set of three before.

Joan said: “The gavels would be a fitting tribute as they made a lot of noise . . . as did Bob (usually in his role as ‘Beadle’ at Old English Nights).”

The members of the lodge hope the new gavels, which will officially grace the Master’s and Wardens’ pedestals as from the Installation meeting,

will give Joan comfort in the knowledge that Bob’s memory will linger in the Lodge Room for many years to come.

On the day the gavels were presented Joan sent the Lodge an inspirational letter. A copy of which is attached here.

Joan Chew receiving the gavels from David Harrison.

David Harrison presenting the gavels to Mick Matthews, Senior Warden, Iain Simpson, Worshipful Master and Phil Arnold, Junior Warden.