ITALIA 2008

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"754" Boldly go........
I have to tell you about a weekend in the life of Lodge Loch Fyne, No. 754, but where does one begin to describe a weekend never to be forgotten? Probably as well to go back to the very beginning........
A couple of years ago Bro., Douglas Philand, PM of 754, a well kent face in many masonic circles, was given the honour of being the Grand Representative of The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Italy, at Supreme Grand Chapter in Scotland. Having family ties with Italy and always one to attend to his responsibilities, he decided to make contact and pay them a visit, as their Grand Rep in Scotland. There he met many other enthusiastic brethren of Loggia Spazio-Tempo, n.11 di Bologna, Loggia Pericle Maruzzi, n.3, the Gran Loggia Regionale Emilia Romagna, Marche ed Abruzzo and the Gran Loggia Regolare D’Italia. Following visits to a Lodge and also, a Chapter meeting, the talk moved on to possible lodge visitations, with some mention of sharing their mutual interest of taking in an Italy v Scotland rugby match.
Of course when Dug, returned to Lodge Loch Fyne and first broached the idea, it would be fair to say there was hardly a stampede of enthusiasm. Patriotic we may be but, when one considers the journey would involve a round trip of about 2000 miles and there is not exactly a hot-bed of rugby enthusiasts in the lodge, maybe it wasn’t so surprising. And how would we get there, where would we stay, how much would it cost, what would a meeting be like in a foreign language, how much would it cost, etc, etc?
Anyway, after the first suggestion, little was heard for a few months, until Douglas received further contact from Bologna, to see if there was much interest. As luck would have it, he realised he would be unavoidably detained by masonic activities in Edinburgh, however, he asked Bro., Secretary, Jimmy McCallum, to see if he would try to take the idea forward?
Contact was soon established by email, with "Maestro Venerabile" of Lodge Spazio-Tempo, n.11 di Bologna, Bro. Giuliano, who put forward his plans for a visit in more detail – attend a meeting on Friday, go to the rugby in Rome on the Saturday, have a dinner on Sunday, before flying home. Sounds good, but who would commit to going?
Well, no sooner was the agenda made known before one, or two names were tentatively submitted on the list in the Social Club. (Alas, the plan to go to Rome to watch the rugby went asunder when all the tickets sold out in a flash, but in reality, this probably worked in our favour later.) Now all that remained was to pluck up the courage to ask permission from "she, who must be obeyed." Sure enough, the endless hours of cleaning, tidying and ironing paid off for Lachie, as he got the nod (or, was it a Glesca kiss?). The knees torn out of Jimmy Purdie’s trousers suggested he had to try a bit harder with Margaret and how Jamie Neilson managed to swing it, nobody knows.
Jimmy Galloway, who makes more foreign travels than Tony Blair, was always a sure fire starter and Davy Sinclair has none of the type of troubles which can sometimes put a fly in the ointment-yes, a wife, so he was as good as confirmed, too! Yet another of Jimmy McCallum’s promises to Pam, of a new kitchen and landscaped garden, just about clinched his signature and Ian "Oggie" Kennedy will be working till his eighties to keep Ruby happy. And the last of the tourists "Nifty," Neil McPhee? – well, that wee twinkle in Bessie’s eye, says it all!
After a bit of surfing the net, Jimmy "MyTravel" McCallum, cooked up a hair brained route to get to Bologna, for a reasonably modest sum, flying via Gatwick. (Big mistake there, Jimbo)! Passports were dusted down and the Italian phrase books looked out. Unfortunately, Jimmy Purdeo, announced he had a bit of pidgin Italian, (Lachie kindly offered to help cook it, honestly!) having stayed in the Bronx for two years, so the language studies were quickly abandoned by the others.
The Lodge assisted the travelling brethren purchase a decanter to give to the Italian brethren and Lachie arranged for it to be beautifully engraved with the crest of Lodge Spazio-Tempo, by the fine hand of Wilma, ( of Tarbert, Loch Fyne – should ensure a discount when the invoice comes in!), complete with suitable inscription and decoration of the stopper with the crest of "754."
As the more refined of you will have sussed out, "Spazio-Tempo" means, Space-Time. For those interested, the crest of No. 11, portrays a canopy over two columns, on top of which are the celestial and terrestial globes, connected by an arch, at the centre of which lies a keystone. Under the arch is a latin inscription - "UNO QVO OMNIA," meaning "to the One from which everything springs." Quite appropriate for a toast with "the water of life," (uisge beatha , or whisky, for our Italian readers) don’t you think?
Below the inscription lies the square and compasses, in the centre of which is a geometric model of a segmented sphere, projected onto a chequered floor. Giuliano, explained this is a model of Bernhard Riemann’s, Non Euclidean geometry, which was used by Einstein, to describe the Space-Time part, of his General Theory of Relativity. Thus derives his Lodge’s name, indicating their intention to explore modern and future knowledge, but using the traditional tools of freemasonry.
Keen to ensure we were not embarrassed by our hosts’ hospitality, the brethren also came up with other personal mementos to give to our hosts. Jimmy Purdie produced a "masonic" bible and "Oggie" Kennedy kindly donated a ceremonial trowel for presentation. Other bottles of malt whisky, books, masonic diary and artefacts added to the overall collection. Thank you for your generosity brethren!
Anyway, kilts, suits, regalia and underpants were all dry cleaned and pressed by the lads, as other big dilemmas, such as who was going to share the double bed and other arrangements, were hotly debated. "And what time did Jimmy say we were leaving - 5 a.m.?! You are kidding!" But, so it was and along came the big day, Friday, 14 ^th March, 2008 and miraculously Jimmy did make it up in time. Two sleepy car loads soon were taking the road out the 'Gilp – thanks Jamie and Oggie, for doing the honours. There was not a lot said for the first mile, or so, but whether this was due to Jamie’s driving is open to debate. Let’s just say he was better going than coming back!
Known for his expert navigation, Bro., McCallum had plotted the route to the airport parking to perfection and Jamie duly homed in on the target. Quite where Oggie and his co-pilot went wrong, nobody knows, however his passengers all agreed it was good of him to add a tour of down town Paisley, to the itinerary, hurried though it was. Some rapid intervention by Lachie on the mobile soon sent them back to the car park like a guided missile and they caught up with the advance party, expertly negotiating them new computer things at BA’s check-in, terminal, (aye, right!).
Anyway, on to the departure lounge and much to everybody’s mirth, Lachie set bells and buzzer’s going everywhere at the x-ray machine. Surrounded in seconds by bloodhounds and baton wielding guards, they seemed satisfied only when Nifty said "it’s okay, he’s got a screw loose!" Not the last problems which the intrepid eight would encounter at security. Anyway, before long almost everyone’s nerves had returned to normal and the jet was soon winging its way southward.
After a 10 mile walk round Gatwick the boys found refreshment to be had in the departure lounge and ever remembering the RWM’s commands for temperance, the lads were quickly seated at the nearest bar. Oggie by this stage was running low on baccy and set off to find somewhere to have a puff, which it isn’t so easy these days. Feeling no sympathy, those seeking more sociable pleasures were able to enjoy a leisurely pint before heading for the security gate once again. Ever the gent, Lachie carried Nifty’s hold-all and when asked the customary "is this your bag, did you pack it yourself?" questions, his negative response set the guard dogs and security men on him once again. Fortunately, one swoop of them scanner things, revealed only a pair of Nifty’s old drawers and the party were allowed to move on, faces redder than ever.
Ready for take off again, one got the feeling all was not quite right. Maybe it was the clunking sound of broken nuts and bolts from the starboard engine, or just that look of panic in Oggie’s eyes, but the announcement soon followed that there was a slight technical hitch with the engine. Polite enquiry from Bro., Ian revealed it was only a broken generator and would quickly be put right, but unfortunately, the rubber band must have snapped again, at the second attempt. Likewise, Oggie’s nerves I think, as he had trouble explaining to the hostess that Rolls Royce himself, would not be getting this plane off the ground with us still on board!
Understanding the urgency of our situation however, BA soon produced another craft and the journey was resumed. Jimmy "Marconi" Purdie, (birth place, Bologna, by the way! – Marconi, that is), had meantime been on the blower to Maggie, in Mission Control, Kilmory, to let Giuliano know of our troubles and expect us at least a couple of hours late. This could have ruined their meeting, but Giuliano insisted, as guests of honour the meeting would be delayed as long as necessary, much to our relief. Not as much relief as the complimentary miniatures the BA stewardesses were soon dishing out to the four Jimmy’s, mind you, but still a relief, all the same.
Arriving over two hours late, there was no time for the planned stop off at our accommodation. Instead it was helter skelter, off to the Villa Pantaleoni, southeast of Bologna, where everyone was already awaiting our arrival. Into a study room, the suitcases were quickly cast asunder and kilts, sporrans, suits and regalia thrown on, not necessarily in the correct order, as witnessed in the photographs. Time for a quick pic, then over to an adjacent building, the upstairs of which comprises an anteroom and temple.
Attendance books signed, the deputation formed up, feelings of apprehension probably only just starting to emerge, after all the frantic activity had diverted thoughts elsewhere. WSW, Lachie Wood had the great honour of heading our admittedly small, but nonetheless, proud, distinguished and dare I say, handsome deputation, into the lodge room, accompanied by the tune of "The Mason’s Apron" on the bagpipes. Now, others may well prove us to be wrong, but this is believed to be Lodge Loch Fyne’s first official visitation abroad, unless you count Islay and likewise, the Italian brethren suggested this was the first official deputation by a lodge of the Scottish Constitution, into a lodge of the Grand Lodge of Italy, so that’s a feather in your cap, Lachie – maybe one of those Pidgin Italian ones? Anyway, crowing over!
Maestro Venerabile, Giuliano, welcomed the deputation into his lodge in Italian and then translated into excellent English, as he did so, throughout the weekend. Indeed, it is somewhat embarrassing how well many of our hosts could speak our language, yet our Italian and other European languages is so scarce. Still, that’s a debate for another day. WSW, Bro., Lachie, introduced his deputation, among whom were two Past Master’s, the current and Past Depute Master, Junior Warden, Junior Deacon and Jeweller. Looking around, one could see a packed Lodge room and admire the painted ceiling and various masonic symbols decorating the walls, as well as the Italian national flag and a Saltire to welcome us!
It was our good fortune to then witness brother, Jacopo, taking his Master Mason degree. The ritual seemed to follow our own quite closely, judging by the sequence of events and words which were similar to what we would expect to hear at the same stage of our degree. One significant difference was the use of music to enhance the drama of the ritual, which we all felt worked particularly well. Perhaps, something to consider back at "754," where it once was used? Another most popular innovation for the visitors was the lack of a collection, just as the boys were starting to rustle through their pockets in search of the usual donation of cents, washers and polo mints.
Degree concluded, the "Scottish brethren" were then invited to demonstrate several aspects of the ritual as practiced in Lodge Loch Fyne. Bro., David Sinclair, a burgeoning slip of a lad came forth to explain some of the more hidden mysteries of the craft, Lachie Wood presented the tools of the trade, while Jimmy Purdie explained the mode of preparation, in his own inimitable manner. Well done boys, you deserved the applause, particularly allowing for the necessary interludes, for translation and explanation!
M.V., Giuliano, then received fraternal greetings from the various Grand Lodge, Regional (Provincial) Lodge and Sister Lodge’s present. It transpired we had the company of many high officials and brethren, some of whom had travelled great distances to be present with us. Amongst the foremost of these was the Right Worshipful Bro., N. Pantaleoni, the Deputy Grand Master of the Gran Loggia Regolare D'Italia and PM of Loggia No.3. It transpired that the Festive Board was to be held within his beautiful house, more of which later. Other GL office bearers present were, RW., Bro., S. Facchini, Grand Secretary and Bro.'s A. Bonechi, Grand Tyler, M. Ghezzi, Past Regional Grand Master GLR Toscana, S. Poretti, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and C. Pasqui, Grand Steward.
Fraternal greetings were also received from Bro., A. Facchini, Regional (Provincial) Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Emilia Romagna, Marche & Abruzzo. He is also current Master of Lodge Pericle Maruzzi No. 3 of Bologna, who assisted with hosting the meeting and the Festive Board. Other lodges represented were Lodge Euklides n. 199 of Pescara (225 miles away), Lodge Polaris n. 10 of Pavia (130 miles), Lodge Crudeli n. 21, Lodge Chimera n. 160 & Lodge Fulcanelli n. 200, all from Arezzo, 120 miles distant. Our WSW, then conveyed the fraternal greetings of our WM, Bro., John W. Mackinnon, before the meeting rounded off nicely with a rousing chorus of the Italian National Anthem and Flower of Scotland.
Across the courtyard, we were soon seated amid, near forty, of the fifty Italian brethren who had attended the meeting, awaiting a tasty feast of delicious pastas and dessert, which Jimmy Galloway and Nifty fair scoffed into. Jimmy Purdie was disappointed to learn that the mugs provided on the table were not for his favoured tipple, tea, but equally, Jimmy and Lachie were just as delighted to learn they were intended for filling with the vino and this they did to their hearts content, for most of the evening.
All needs sated, M.V., Giuliano, addressed the brethren, thanking everyone for attending and being part of this unique occasion. Toasts to the differing strata of Italian freemasonry followed by a well choreographed applause routine, which proved well beyond Jamie and Oggie’s co-ordination. You know what I mean. The last clap has finished and then in chips Jamie with one of his own. Giuliano, once again expressed his sincere thanks to his visitors and it befell Bro., Secretary, Jimmy, to respond and respond he did, sort of. Quite what he was babbling about we will never know, as even Giuliano and Jacopo reached for the English-Italian dictionary. Anyway, it must have had a good joke in it judging by the laughter which followed. In all sincerity, the Italian brethren appreciated his attempt to "parliamo" and language lessons will soon be starting at "754" Si!
To mark the occasion, Bro., Giuliano presented Lachie, with a finely engraved plaque of their Lodge crest and Bro., Alberto, likewise presented Bro., Sec, with a similar crest of Lodge No. 11 and each brother received individual gifts from each Lodge, providing a lasting memento of the evening. In return, Bro., Lachie presented the fore mentioned decanter, along with the many other gifts produced by the brethren, which were equally graciously received.
Formalities over, the brethren were more able to intermingle – that’s not an Italian football team, Oggie – and explore the wonderful delights of Villa Pantaleoni and its surrounds. Quite, some place, decorated by many interesting masonic artefacts, antiques and artwork. That’s before one comes upon the horse, carriage, billiards table, shotguns and miniature from Lodge Loch Fyne. How did that get there, Bro., Philand and who scoffed half of it?
All too soon the clock was chiming bed time, although in truth the boys were showing no signs of flagging, or should that be "flagon?" Photos taken and good-bye’s said, the minibus was then on its way to Giuliano’s home in the hills. Jacopo, keen to treat the boys to some typical Italian rallying, soon had the wing mirror embedded in a wall somewhere on the outskirts of Bologna, but no one batted an eyelid, as attention was drawn to some of the other attractions on display, in Bologna.
The road soon began to narrow and climb its winding way, out of the urban area, before pulling up at our residence in the mountains, a few miles to the south, in Paderno. Giuliano, soon ended any squabbles about bedding arrangements and left the company to sort themselves out. Still buzzing with excitement, the boys kept yakking for another hour, or two, sustained by Giuliano’s welcome, but gradually deminishing stock of wine. Hopefully, we never devoured any of the more valuable bottles of your collection, Giuliano, but if so, we have collectively agreed to blame Jimmy. Pyjamas on, it was then off to bed, though J Mc, struggling to cope with the trials of a foot pump for the airbed, elected to "top and tail" with the horrendously snoring Lachie, who didn’t seem to object, till he woke up next morning, that is.
And, an early rise it was, too. Much too early for Lachie and Jamie’s liking, judging by the abuse aimed at Jimmy, who felt the need to sort out his kilt, etc, from the night before. Soon Oggie, David and crew were also downstairs, brewing up in the kitchen and tentative explorations were made outside, to the welcome of a glorious morning. Even more pleasing was the view down the sloping valley, overlooking the city of Bologna, with a small vineyard below, fields with crops and an occassional large villa, or wooded area on the hillsides.
Having explored the grounds, the boys were faced with a more troublesome impediment to extending their researches into the local surrounds, i.e. an electric security gate. Excellent at keeping intruders out, it proves no barrier to two, who shall remain nameless, rumoured to be of a more delinquent background. Anyway, having explored round about, Jimmy and Lachie, were soon drawn back to the Villa to enjoy the view, along with the late risers, Nifty and JP –(have no fear, these old codgers are sound as a pound!) And what a majestic view the boys had the pleasure to enjoy, accompanied by a freshly delivered breakfast, from Giuliano. Typical Bolognese baked dough, "crescente," filled with sausage and cheese. Yum!
After that, it was time to get the kilts, Scotland shirts, scarves and flags on and into Jacopo’s bus for Bologna, where we surveyed the route we had travelled the previous evening. This time, Jacopo made it back to Bologna intact and after a short transfer on a city bus, we arrived at the planned meeting place, the Piazza Nettuno. There we met up with a good number of our friends, posing for a picture at the magnificent Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune’s Fountain), a bronze statue and fountain, which dates back to the mid 1500’s. Dragging Lachie away from the lactating nereid’s, (that’s what he called them), Giuliano, Jacopo, Sergio, Pippo & Co, acted as our tour guides, leading us into the huge Piazza Maggiore, one of the finest in all Italy.
The square is bordered by several grand, palatial buildings, including the Palazzo d'Accursio, which is the city’s town hall, the Palazzo dei Notai, dating from the 1300’s, the Palazzo del Podestà, another civic building, the Pavaglione whose porticos serve as the meeting place, King Enzo’s Palace and the Palazzo dell’Ospedale. Bologna, as you will know, is famous for its porticos, which are like an extended porchway, or arcade along the streets, stretching for over 38 km, so next time, forget the "brollie’s," like Jacopo said!
These fine buildings however, are overshadowed by the magnificence of the Basilica di San Petronio, despite its unfinished facade, the fifth biggest church in the world. Internally there are 11 separate chapels, with many beautiful works of art, decorating the ceiling and walls, as well as massive, stained glass windows. Able to hold over 28000 people, the sheer scale of size and magnificent decor, takes the breath away. The building is dedicated to Saint Petronius, a fifth century bishop, who became patron saint of the city. Apparently the basilica was intended to have been even bigger than St. Peter’s, in Rome, until the then pope decided that would not do.
Another striking feature of the church pointed out by Giuliano, was a hole in the roof! Further explanation revealed this to be intentional, unlike our lodge premises. Apparently, this was used by Cassini, a 17 ^th century astronomer at Bologna University, the oldest university in the world. He marked the path of the sun on the floor, to make a meridian, or sundial line, over 66 metres long, the largest in the world, precisely 1/600,000 of the earth's circumference and this he used to prove several important astrological theories.
After a necessary stop to wet the whistle and post a card home, Giuliano led the tourists to the nearby Galvani Square, behind the Piazza Maggiore. Here one finds a statue to Luigi Galvani, famous physicist and native of Bologna, who found the muscles of a dead frogs legs twitched when electricity was applied, thus discovering bioelectricity. (And how Lachie, could have done with some bioelectricity on the Sunday morning!) Here also lies the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio, an old university building, holding many rare books and manuscripts and now is the most important library in Italy. The inside walls still have the coats of arms of the Italian and the foreign students who attended the University, though surprisingly, none of the brethren could see sign of any descendants having gone before.
Moving onwards, we admired some exclusive shops, with equally exclusive price tags, before coming to the church of Santa Maria della Vita, where there is a hauntingly, lifelike sculpture of six female figures, mourning over the body of Christ. It is known as "the Stone Scream." for good reason. The majestic high dome and altar, again had Jimmy snapping away with the camera – contrary to the prohibited signs – sorry, on his behalf! Our tour guides also pointed out some of the hundred or so, towers of Bologna, some of which are less inconspicuous than others. Apparently they were status symbols of the well to do, the highest being the Asinelli Tower, at 97 metres. Bro., Davy offered to climb the 498 steps, but alas, we were only there for a weekend.
Our steps then took us on to an area of narrow streets and lanes, known as the Middle Market, which is characterised by many buildings built on wooden columns, which have survived for centuries and now host rows of small shops and market stalls of a traditional nature. "No’ a Tesco in sight," bemoaned, Jamie. From here it was a short walk to the snack shop where Jacopo and Giuliano treated the boys to a tasty kebab, before the doors opened to the "Celtic Druid," the regular watering hole of Bologna’s rugby fans.
The poor barman was almost swept away in a stampede, as Davy and Jamie raced to get in the first round. Such speed is seldom seen in the Social Club, I can tell you! Meantime, Giuliano, had reserved us a good spot in front of the large screen and soon we were immersed in Guinness, uisge and other native beverages, awaiting Scotland to give them a hammering. The national anthems were soon belted out, as more of the Italian brethren joined our company, in buoyant mood. None more so than Pippo, our frenzied, friend from Florence. (Try saying that with the "falsers" out!) He maintains Florence is a more beautiful city than Bologna and if correct, it must be on our agenda to visit next time. Perhaps the footie might give some an excuse for an early visit? Anyway, Pippo - nice t-shirt! We hope your surgery was a success and you will be back to your crazy self (Giuliano’s words), when we next meet.
It seems the first half was not up to much, but by half time, Scotland had a 17-10 lead and were looking good. Flower of Scotland was getting big licks, as spirits were getting high, although somehow Nifty and JP’s, always seemed to be running low! The stone floor was beginning to show signs of coastal erosion, so frequent were Jamie’s trips to the bar, as Pippo produced eight wooden spoons for the use of the vanquished, whoever they were to be? If you think Scottish football fans can get excitable in front of a TV, you should see this boy! Ammazza!
Alas, the game is now confined to the history books, which is quite handy really, because it enabled me to look up the internet, to find out what the final score was. It seems despite having a good lead, Scotland managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, losing 23-20 to a last minute drop goal. No change there, then! Ah, well, it was the least we could do to repay the hospitality, eh?
Anyway, now with a couple of hours to spare, the brethren were left at liberty to stay to watch more rugger, do more sightseeing, or perhaps some shopping. Knowing we were later to join up with wives and families for dinner, discretion took over from valour, as Jimmy, Oggie and Nifty sought refuge from the Guinness. Nobody suspected they would be the ones to head for the shops, but perhaps it had to do with the fact they got to go on the trip in the first place. Meantime, the other Jimmy took up the offer of a further tour of the cosmopolitan sights and sounds of Bologna, accompanied by the delightful Silvana and Isabella. Brave girls! Jamie, being made of sterner stuff, kept at it with the rest of the Italian brethren who wouldn’t/couldn’t leave their seats, for these lesser diversions.
Actually, two others also hit the shops in a bid to win some brownie points –sorry, no names (and no hair). They soon bagged a bargain, or two for the wife, at the market, having had some success at the haggling, much to their surprise. Emboldened by this, Jimmy tried his hand in a sports shop, aided by the adroit financial skills of Lachie. Well, before long they had soon driven the price 20% higher and Jimmy was only saved from blowing all the spending money by the timely intervention of a bemused manageress. By this time every shop on the Via Independenzia was starting to reopen, in the hope Scotland’s answer to the Chuckle Brothers, might come in.
Following this embarassment, Lachie decided to demonstrate the ancient skill of how to make one’s money go further in an Italian bar. "What will you have?" asked the barman. "I’ll have a whisky, thank you!" said the kilted one. "That’ll be four Euros," said the barman. "But, you asked what I was wanting," said Lachie, "I thought you were offering to buy me one!" The barman, somewhat nonplussed said, "well, okay but drink it up, leave and don’t come back!" Quickly, the dram was devoured and Lachie left with a wee smirk, on his face. Fifteen minutes later he was back at the same bar. "Watch this!" and in he went. The barman enquired with a frown "oh, no, what do you want?" "I’ll have a whisky, thank you!," said the big fellow. "That’ll be four Euros, this time!" he was told again. Likewise, he replied, in similar manner to the first instance, "but you asked me what I was wanting, so you have to buy it!" Fuming, the poor barman told Lachie, to get out and never come back again. Half an hour later, back went Lachie, boldly going up to the same barman. "Listen, my Scottish friend, I thought I told you never to come back to my bar!" With a puzzled look on his face, Lachie says "but, but, I’ve never been here before! Surely you must be mistaken!" Rather doubtfully the barman replies "well, if that’s the case you must have a double then!?" Lachie, quick as a flash, "okay – make it a whisky, thanks!" Another true story, honestly!
The various parties managed to rendezvous back at the Celtic Druid on time, along with a few more of our hosts, who had brought along wives and daughters, to join us for a meal in a typical Italian restaurant, the Trattoria da Danio, on the Via San Felice. If memory serves right, it was Giuliano, who started off the choral singing as way made our way along the porticos, with a flawless version of the Skye Boat Song. Not only were the words perfect, but he also is a braw singer and sang his own harmonies, too. Not to be outdone Oggie and JP were soon in good voice, drawing admiring glances from passers by? Or, perhaps it was more to do with bewilderment at the kilted bodies and Scotland songs, when the rugby had taken place 250 miles away!
Along the way, Giuliano pointed out another interesting land mark, a statue of Ugo Bassi. Educated in Bologna, he was a popular catholic priest and freemason who took part in the Italian independence movement, though he refused to bear any weaponry. Captured in 1849, he was executed by the Austrians who were in power at this time. His statue is adorned with a large square and compasses at its base, readily accessible to anyone with intentions good, or bad. Would such a statue even be tolerated back home and if so, remain free from abuse, or interference?
Having cleared the streets of Bologna, we arrived at the eating house, Trattoria Da Danio, which was already busy with local diners. One of these places you immediately get a good feeling about as soon as you enter, the interior, while pleasant and interesting, did not strike one as particularly grand. However, the substance of this place is its food and here one finds "the real thing." Our first course was Lasagne alla Bolognese (Lasagne Bolognese Style) and pure delicious, followed by Crescentine con affettato misto e formaggio (Crescentine with mixed salami anche cheese), then a dessert of Zuppa Inglese (typical bolognese sponge cake, with cream, chocolate, oh, and sweet liquor), all washed down with a little Sangiovese. If you have trouble saying the names, Nifty will soon have them rolling off your tongue!
Perhaps it was the presence of the ladies, or the day’s earlier activities, (or, the giraffe’s carafes of wine?) but one could sense a genuine bond of friendship develope with our Italian brothers. It might have been tempting for them to stick to their own company, after all, none of us had any Italian worth a jot, but on the contrary, without being patronising, everyone seemed so genuinely happy to have us for company. Freemasonry may sometimes be focussed on our meetings, but here one could find the true meaning of brotherly love.
Giuliano, made a fine speech in our honour and Lachie, well, Lachie tried. Quite what he said remains unknown, but it must have been the same joke as Jimmy’s, judging by the laughter. We were hoping Giuliano, or Jacopo might translate back into English for us, but they had to ask us for an explanation, but only Jamie figured he knew what it was about, which meant we were all stumped. Photos were taken, hands shaken and pledges made to meet again, before all too soon it was time to hit the road home. A day which will live long in the memory of eight men from "Loch Fyne."
Laden with a few bags of left over "crescentine," - why waste the habits of a lifetime, Jimmy? - the journey back to the villa was over in a jiffy, thanks to the mind boggling skills of Jacopo, at the wheel. Not that anyone would have noticed if the other wing mirror had been whipped off, too! It was then time for bed, after Giuliano’s wine collection was further depleted and a few calls made to loved ones at home. Some seemed intent on hogging the loo, (perhaps just checking the plumbing, Lachie?) while others, dropping with exhaustion had little time for mere detail e.g. removing the wooden spoon from one’s stocking before nodding off, or even just removing one’s stockings!
The cock was just thinking of crowing, when Jimmy began to stir and helpfully waken the others prepare for the day ahead. Well, actually to remove the sgian dubh wooden spoon from his still in situ stockings and get the kilt tidied away. This slight intrusion was not much appreciated by Lachie and even less so, by Jamie, still well into his beauty sleep, however Oggie was soon back in the galley. brewin’ up and Nifty, wakened by the earthquake of JPs snoring, was eagerly scoffing the breaky, salvaged from the previous night’s dinner, along with a refreshing cuppa, or three.
Once everyone was pulled together, Jimmy, Lachie and Jamie, once again evaded the security gate and made for the open spaces of Paderno, though the crazed barking of a poodle, hastily sent them scurrying back from the fields, onto the road. Taking the lead from joggers and cyclists racing by, they headed for more strenuous exercise, aiming towards base camp, Monte Paderno. Along the way, a wee white fiesta, with a puzzled looking Giuliano, pulled up beside them to enquire "how did you manage to get out?!" Maybe it’s in the genes, who knows?
Anyway, onwards they proceeded, enjoying the rich banter of the previous day’s events. Stopping for a comfort break, Jamie was soon wakened from his slumbers, when warned of an approaching police motorbike and only narrowly avoided an international incident. Soon Sherpa McCallum was scaling the dizzy heights of the mountain, well, it seemed like a mountain and not wishing to chicken out, Lachie and Jamie were not long, jogging up past him. It was about here, Jamie’s iron lung gave out, but after some oxygen, the hardy trio soon ascended to the peak.
Meantime, back at the villa, our various new found friends were arriving, again bringing along wives and some of their children, to enhance the afternoon. A large collection of meats for the barbecue was sitting in preparation, along with bread and wines, some of which should have carried a government warning due to the potency. It wasn’t long till flames were leaping from the barbie and Giuliano was getting the peenie on (the cooking type, not masonic). The three mountaineers arrived back, just in time to uncork the wine and stand back, while Jacopo, the "Galloping Gourmet" and main chef for the day, waited for the coals to ready, ably assisted by Nico "Ramsey."

"At the next regular meeting of Lodge Loch Fyne, No. 754, on Thursday 3rd April, 2008, WSW, Bro., Lachlan Wood gave a very full and at times, amusing report, on the visit of eight brethren of this lodge, to Lodge Spazio-Tempo, N.11 and Lodge Pericle Maruzzi, N.3 di Bologna, in March, 2008. He then presented various gifts which had been received, before conveying fraternal greetings from all the various lodges present at the meeting.
RWM, John W MacKinnon, said he was delighted to hear the weekend had been a great success and hoped we would be able to receive a visit from the Italian brethren, to repay the fine hospitality received!"
And a few final words of thanks; to our own Lodge, Provincial, Regionale and Grand Lodges for support, the mutual fraternity of eight travelling brethren which could not be bettered, but most especially to our hosts, Giuliano, Jacopo, Nerio and all the brethren, wives, families and friends who made our visit so enjoyable!
Italy, Emilia Romagna, Bologna, you can be proud of each one!
Saluti fraterni!
"Il Mosca"
(If your name has been missed out, mistaken, or spelled it incorrectly, please forgive me and accept our apologies!)

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