Chapter 17
Post Second World War Years.
At a meeting in 1940 it was stated it was “time something was done about the hall roof”. Again in January 1946 another discussion was held regarding the roof, Scottish Speedwell Company was approached and they laid a new roof at a cost of £125-9/4. In January 1948, it was reported that the roof required patching and the contractors promised to repair it, but reneged. In 1950 a tender of £248-9/2 was accepted from Messrs Glendinning for a new hall roof.
A new zinc roof was installed over the Lodge room in 1949 by Messrs Robert Russell, Plumbers, at a cost of £258-1/7. A Masters chair was presented to Innerleithen Lodge 856 and in 1959 a clock purchased with money bequeathed to the Lodge by the late PGM Br. Barry.
The first post war Ball was held in the Lodge premises attended by over 80 couples.
In 1948 there were two nominations for the office of RWM, Brothers T. Colledge and John Riddel, the latter being elected by ballot, and T Colledge taking the Substitute Masters office. In 1947 both brethren stood for the office of RWM but John Riddel withdrew leaving the position open to T. Colledge.
Langholm Eskdale Kilwinning 107 worked a third degree on 22nd November 1950 in Lodge 111, the first occasion that that Lodge had worked a degree outwith their own Lodge and 111 worked a first degree in Langholm Lodge, this being the first time that a visiting Lodge had ever worked a degree in Langholm.
The Lodge received a visit from the Grand Master Mason, Bro. Sir Charles Malcolm Barclay- Harvey of Kinord, on 14th November 1951 who remarked on the simplicity of the 111 Temple.
Following a sale of work and various functions the ladies committee handed over a cheque for £300.
A number of brethren attended the consecration of the new premises at Innerleithen on 13th October 1954. Br. Alex Sim retired from the office of President of Stewards in 1961 having held that office for 22 years. He was presented with an inscribed wristwatch.
In September 1962 a notice of motion to discontinue the May meetings was defeated, but after three attempts it was finally agreed to dispense with the May meetings on 13th January 1965. After two attempts to have the Secretary’s desk moved to the floor of the Lodge the notices of motion were defeated.
On 28th April 1965 a notice of motion to change the meeting nights from Wednesday to Thursday was approved. In January of that year the first joint Burns supper was held with 424, the first joint Ball being held in March 1967 in the Victoria Hotel.
The date of Installation was changed to the second Friday in December, and Br.Wilhehn Andreas Martin (William Martin), acting Inner Guard, took the floor for the first time Willy Martin arrived in Britain in 1945 as a German Prisoner of War, he progressed through various Offices and became R.W.Master in 1972, he received a Distinguished Service Diploma from the Lodge in 1980 and was awarded Honorary Grand Rank (Bible Bearer) in 1989 .
In1967 there were 259 life and test fee-paying members in good standing.
March 1968 saw the 200th Anniversary of the granting of the Lodge Charter (the writer having the privilege and honour of occupying the chair as RWM). The week of celebrations included a church service, mannequin parade, beetle drive, cheese and wine party, and ladies night. A first degree was worked by Provincial Grand Lodge office bearers under the chairmanship of PGM Br James W. Smith.
On 16th March the Lodge was rededicated by the Grand Master Mason Sir Ronald Orr Ewing assisted by Grand Lodge office- bearers, a dinner being held in the Tower Hotel afterwards.
The Grand Master Mason Br. Liddell Granger, who visited the Lodge in 1971 and had honorary membership conferred upon him. He made reference to the beautiful interior of the Lodge.
Alterations to create a new Lounge from the existing hall were made in 1973-74, a new bar and seating was installed along with a suspended ceiling and was completely re-decorated The main entrance door and steps were closed up and re-sited at the side of the building, a Ladies toilet was made in the area previously occupied by the front entrance hall.
A large amount of money necessary for the alterations was raised by a very hard working Ladies committee. The appreciation of the members of Hawick Lodge 111, must be recorded, for all the work done by the Ladies over the past years.
In 1975 Past Master Br. Len P. Williams was presented with a tankard in appreciation of his work as President of Stewards. In 1980 Br. AVB Bouglas stood in as Master Elect on the illness of Br Ian Herbert. The new office of Assistant Treasurer was inaugurated.
In the early 80’s the Lodge suffered two severe disruptions that left its aftermath for some time but happily it appears these difficulties have now been overcome.
The work of the Lodge continued up to 1993 when the 225th Anniversary of the granting of the Lodge Charter was celebrated with a second degree worked by the RWM Br R. Drysdale of Lodge St James BURA 424 and his office bearers. A dinner followed in the Lodge premises under the chairmanship of the RWM of Lodge 111 Br. Michael Laidlaw. The principal toast “The Hawick Lodge 111” was proposed by Br. Dr. Ian Thompson P.D.G.M.
Hawick Lodge 111 has been very fortunate in having a large number of hard working, dedicated members, bar staff, tote double ticket sellers, secretaries, treasurers, office bearers etc., too numerous to mention by name, without them the Lodge could not have survived the past 225 years, our thanks are due to each and everyone, with special mention to Br. Rev. Geo. Watson on receiving his 50-year diploma and Brs.Geo. Brown and J. Leithead (Seegy) on receiving their Distinguished Service Diploma’s.