Pear Eating Evening: 21st September 2017
Collector Gordon Weech about to say Grace.
The Pear Eating evening is the final event in the Deacon's calendar and takes place on the evening prior to the new Deacon being sworn in. The Saloon in the Trades Hall was crowded by Merry Masons and guests. This year the Keith Brown the Deacon Convener, Tom MacInally the Collector of the House and Peter Clark the Master of the Worshipful Company of Masons of London were all present and ready to enjoy a rather unique experience.
This being Deacon Gary Smith's final event, he was in good form and ready to enjoy the rustic fare and home grown entertainment that was about to commence. Prior to the meal Collector Gordon Weech said Grace. The meal consisted of sandwiches, sausage rolls and spring rolls all washed down with either a fine wine or a bottle of beer. As this was the Pear Eating evening, ample supplies of luscious pears were available for all on the table.
This being Deacon Gary Smith's final event, he was in good form and ready to enjoy the rustic fare and home grown entertainment that was about to commence. Prior to the meal Collector Gordon Weech said Grace. The meal consisted of sandwiches, sausage rolls and spring rolls all washed down with either a fine wine or a bottle of beer. As this was the Pear Eating evening, ample supplies of luscious pears were available for all on the table.
Past Deacon Ian Macpherson singing his heart out.
The first piece of entertainment was Past Deacon Ian Macpherson singing a few ditties.
Prior to his singing, Ian explained the origin of the songs that he was about to sing, this gave a context and made it all the more entertaining.
Ian had arranged the entertainment for the evening and it was made up solely from members of the Incorporation of Masons who have an abundant supply of entertainers.
Prior to his singing, Ian explained the origin of the songs that he was about to sing, this gave a context and made it all the more entertaining.
Ian had arranged the entertainment for the evening and it was made up solely from members of the Incorporation of Masons who have an abundant supply of entertainers.
Late Collector David McLaren with his Besir cake.
Late Collector David McLaren supplied the BeSir cake and this was used as a dessert at the end of the meal. The tradition of the BeSir cake goes back to Ian Macpherson's time when he was Deacon and he wished his evening as Besir not to end so he supplied a cake for consumption in the Steps Bar at the end of the evening. The tradition has morphed slightly over the years as so much cake was not being consumed in the pub at the end of the evening.
The cake had been made by students at South Lanarkshire College, where David is the Deputy Head of Faculty of Construction.
All present enjoyed the cake.
The cake had been made by students at South Lanarkshire College, where David is the Deputy Head of Faculty of Construction.
All present enjoyed the cake.
Deacon Gary Smith toasting the Besir
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 Late Collector David McLaren giving it laldy
After the meal it was time for the toasts and entertainment. Deacon Gary Smith toasted Besir David McLaren, reflecting on his year as Collector and Past Deacon and how well he would do as the new Deacon. Besir David replied, thanking the Deacon for his kind words and pledging that he would do his utmost to carry out the duties of Deacon to the best of his abilities.
After his reply, it was time for the Besir song and David boomed out loudly, not sure if he sang the Besir song to the traditional tune, but nevertheless he made a great show for us all. |
Past Deacon Ian Smith playing the bagpipes.
Past Deacon Ian Smith was the next act and this time it was communal singing accompanied by him on the bagpipes. As with Ian Macpherson, Ian Smith explained a bit about each of the songs prior to playing the bagpipes and those present singing as best that they could the words which had been supplied.
Past Deacon Ian Smith's selection was one suitable for all as he had chosen Caledonia and Marie's Wedding.
Past Deacon Ian Smith's selection was one suitable for all as he had chosen Caledonia and Marie's Wedding.
Collector Gordon Weech replying to the Toast.
Deacon Gary Smith then toasted Collector Gordon Weech, complimenting on his superb year as Collector and thanking him for all his hard work arranging the events for the Merry Masons.
As the new Collector was unwell, Gordon had agreed to carry on with his roll until the Collector was well enough to take over her duties.
Collector Gordon gave a heartfelt reply and it boads well that he will make a great Deacon in the future.
As the new Collector was unwell, Gordon had agreed to carry on with his roll until the Collector was well enough to take over her duties.
Collector Gordon gave a heartfelt reply and it boads well that he will make a great Deacon in the future.
New Laid Stane, Lewis Anderson
Late Collector David McLaren introduced the New Laid Stane, Lewis Anderson. He outlined Lewis's background as a lecturer in South Lanarkshire College. He also indicated some of Lewis's talents that would be of benefit to the Incorporation.
Lewis gave a very good response much to the delight of all present
Lewis gave a very good response much to the delight of all present
Past Deacon J Alan McLennan.
Past Deacon J Alan McLennan was the next to entertain those present. He related a number of humorous stories about his grandchildren and told a number of jokes. He finished up with a poem, all to the delight of his merry audience.
Past Deacon Jack Steele relating the legend of the Pear Eating
Past Deacon Jack Steel had the honour of relating the story of the Mason's Pear Eating.
The story has been passed down from generation to generation in the Incorporation and Jack had the pleasure of telling all present about the history of the event.
Jack is a modest chap and he asked if we could upload Past Deacon James Hamilton Smith telling the story of the Pear Eating. James Hamilton Smith was Deacon in 1966 and prior to his sad demise he had served the Incorporation for over 50 years.
To see and hear Jimmy the Pie as he was known, please click HERE, you can also here Ian Macpherson singing one of his ditties at this location also. Please scroll down to see the video of interest.
The story has been passed down from generation to generation in the Incorporation and Jack had the pleasure of telling all present about the history of the event.
Jack is a modest chap and he asked if we could upload Past Deacon James Hamilton Smith telling the story of the Pear Eating. James Hamilton Smith was Deacon in 1966 and prior to his sad demise he had served the Incorporation for over 50 years.
To see and hear Jimmy the Pie as he was known, please click HERE, you can also here Ian Macpherson singing one of his ditties at this location also. Please scroll down to see the video of interest.
Clerk Tom Monteith delivering his rhyming couplet
The Deacon gave a toast to the Clerk highlighting his numerous attributes as Clerk. Without Tom Monteith, the Clerk, the Incorporation would not be as effective and forward moving as it is. It is his guidance and advice that has for many years guided and supported numerous Deacons in their roll.
Clerk Tom Monteith then made a fantastic reply as is normal for him. He commented on the uniqueness of the Incorporation and the Pear Eating.
He then delivered what we all consider to be a poem about the Deacon, but he insists is a series of rhyming couplets. As usual this was a delight to us all and Deacon Gary Smith was delighted with the resume of his year as Deacon.
Clerk Tom Monteith then made a fantastic reply as is normal for him. He commented on the uniqueness of the Incorporation and the Pear Eating.
He then delivered what we all consider to be a poem about the Deacon, but he insists is a series of rhyming couplets. As usual this was a delight to us all and Deacon Gary Smith was delighted with the resume of his year as Deacon.
Past Deacon David Bannerman toasting the Deacon.
As is tradition, at the end of every meeting, the Late Deacon says a toast to the present Deacon, congratulating him on his control of the meeting.
Late Deacon David Bannerman gave a short and humorous toast to Deacon Gary Smith commenting on his abundant use of the word "ERUDITE", claiming that he thought that he had said "ARALDITE" and couldn't understand why he was referring to a glue!
Late Deacon David Bannerman gave a short and humorous toast to Deacon Gary Smith commenting on his abundant use of the word "ERUDITE", claiming that he thought that he had said "ARALDITE" and couldn't understand why he was referring to a glue!
Past Deacon Ian Macpherson "Rapping the Shed"
The meeting ended with the traditional "Rapping of the Shed" and this was carried out by Past Deacon Ian Macpherson as the Most Senior Deacon present.
The tradition goes back to the time when Stone Masons used to work in a shed, cutting stone for Cathedrals or other buildings and when it was time to stop, the Master Mason would rap the shed to the tune of "Stop Stop Stop, All The Masons In The Shed, Stop Stop Stop", with one rap per word.
To see and hear Past Deacon James Hamilton Smith rapping the shed and telling the story of the tradition, please click HEAR.
The tradition goes back to the time when Stone Masons used to work in a shed, cutting stone for Cathedrals or other buildings and when it was time to stop, the Master Mason would rap the shed to the tune of "Stop Stop Stop, All The Masons In The Shed, Stop Stop Stop", with one rap per word.
To see and hear Past Deacon James Hamilton Smith rapping the shed and telling the story of the tradition, please click HEAR.