Incorporation of Masons of Glasgow: Supporting Stonemasonry and Allied Trades
  • Home
    • Master Court
    • Past Deacons
    • Members since 1574
    • Bye Laws >
      • Beneficiaries
      • Lady McDonald Bursary & Scholarship
      • Becoming a member
      • Membership Forms
    • Clerks to the Incorporation
    • Deacon Conveners of the Trades House of Glasgow
  • Events
    • Year 2022 - 23 >
      • Deacon's Choosing Dinner 2022
    • Year 2021 - 22 >
      • Wreath Laying
    • Year 2019 - 21 >
      • Visit to the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers
      • PTSD Memorial Unveiling
      • PTSD Memorial Beginning
      • Visit to Plaisterers' Hall 2020
      • Candlemas Court 2020
      • Glasgow Cathedral ~ November 2019
      • Deacon's Choosing Dinner 2019
    • Year 2018 - 19 >
      • Pear Eating 2019
      • Masons Stained Glass Window
      • Lammas Court 2019
      • Box Opening 2019
      • Prince and Princes of Wales Hospice Visit
      • Candlemas Court Social 2019
      • Curling Winners 2019
      • Army Cadet Force Affiliation
      • Remembrance Sunday
      • St. Mungo Presentation
      • Deacon's Choosing Dinner 2018
      • Deacon's Choosing Meeting 2018
    • Year 2017 - 18 >
      • Pear Eating 2018
      • Box Opening 2018
      • Ladies Golf Winners 2018
      • Sculpture Project
      • Memorandum of Understanding
      • Deacon's Choosing 2017
      • Choosing Dinner 2017
      • Pre-Apprentice Competitions 2017
      • Pre-Apprentice Competition 2018
      • Pear Eating 2017
    • Year 2016 - 17 >
      • Box Opening 2017
      • Visit to Below Central Station
      • James Hamilton Smith ~ Obituary
      • Choosing Dinner 2016
      • Choosing Lunch and James Hamilton Smith's Golden Jubilee
    • Year 2015 - 16 >
      • Pear Eating 2015
      • Choosing Dinner 2015 >
        • Prize Winners 2015
    • Year 2014 - 15 >
      • Sculpture Project
      • Choosing Dinner 2014 >
        • 2014 Choosing Dinner Photographs
      • Candlemass Court Social
      • Pre-Vocational Bricklaying and Plastering Competitions
      • Scottish Skills Olympics 2015
      • Box Opening 2015
      • Curling Champions 2014
    • Year 2013 - 14 >
      • Deacon's Choosing Dinner ~ Sept 2013
      • Candlemas Court and Social 2014
      • Lady McDonald Lecture 2014
      • Box Opening 2014
      • Pre-apprentice Bricklaying Competition 2014
      • Pear Eating 18th September 2014
    • Year 2012 - 13 >
      • Pear Eating 2013
      • Deacon's Choosing Meeting 2012
      • Prize Winners 2012
      • Deacon's Choosing Dinner >
        • Incorporation's Silver
      • Candlemas Court 2013
      • Curling Champions 2013
      • Necropolis Visit 2013
      • Box Opening 2013
      • Pre-Vocational Bricklaying 2013
      • City of Glasgow College Prizegiving 2013
  • Digital Library
  • Links
  • Contact Us
PictureDeacon Craig R Bryce
Pear Eating 17th September 2015

The Pear Eating was once again well attended with 48 people enjoying an evening of fun and entertainment.   This was the second year in a row that Deacon Craig R Bryce had the pleasure of conducting the evening and he was delighted that he did not have to sing the Besir Song or present the company with Besir Bryce's Blairlogie Raspberry Jam in compensation for not singing.

The traditional rustic fare of sausage rolls; pies and sandwiches was washed down by ample supplies of beers and wines.   The Besir's cake made an excellent dessert after the main course.

The Pear Eating was attended by many Past Masters, Members of the Master Court, Deacons of the 2013/14 and 2014/15 Chain Gangs and Mr Bill Gloyne the Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons of London.   Mr Fraser Paton, our New Laid Stane was also present and he was introduced to the company for the first time.

During the meal the company was entertained by the pianist Mr Kitchen playing a selection of tunes which set the tone of the evening.

After the meal there was the usual speeches and interludes of singing, pipe music and funny stories.  Everyone the evening contented after having a very enjoyable end to the Trades House year.

Collector Gary Smith introduced Ian Macpherson who led the singing and performers of the evening.   David Harrison, Deacon of the Hammermen was slightly surprised to be asked to perform and he upheld the honour of the Hammermen magnificently.  Past Deacon Ian Smith was magnificent on the pipes which led the singing of "The Rowan Tree" and "Maries Wedding".  Other performers also took part and all helped to make the evening a night to remember.

In the absence of the Incorporations' Auldest Deacon, James Hamilton Smith, David Dobson told the story of the Pear Eating.   He had his own imitable style and the only way to learn the story is by attending the great evening.

Tom Monteith, Clerk to the Incorporation of Masons recited a humorous poem describing the Deacon's year and which gently poked fun at the Deacon, much to the amusement of the audience.

Late Deacon Brian Evans toasted the Deacon (he claims for the 58th time) and revealed some of his hidden secrets.

The evening was closed in the traditional manner with the Auldest Deacon Present, Past Deacon David Orcharton "Rapping the Shed".   David related the story of how this custom came into being and its significance to the Incorporation.

On leaving the hall, every one picked up there two pears and white heather, which was worn the following day at the Deacons Choosing meeting and the Deacons Choosing Dinner.

nt retired to the Steps Bar for a final libation after a very enjoyable and successful evening.

Home
Trades House
Contact Us
Copyright Statement
Credits: The Incorporation of Masons is delighted to acknowledge the help and assistance given by George Mahoney, Photographic Lecturer and Graeme Hamilton, student 
               both at John Wheatley College, Glasgow in photographing most of the items on the website.