On 17th September 2016 the members of Lodge Bega Remembrance installed their 26th Worshipful Master, W Bro Russell Cochrane, this being his 4th installation in 3 separate Lodges over time. The installation ceremony was preceded by a brief but important ceremony of the handover of the District Jewel from the retiring DGIW, VW Bro Neil Dawson to VW Bro Bernie Alcock, the incoming DGIW for 2016-2018.

Some 30 Brethren witnessed the installation ceremony carried out by the outgoing Master W Bro Ray Spencer whoc was assisted by the Grand Director of Ceremonies for the evening, VW Bro Tom Peadon. The Grand Master's repesentative for the evening was RW Kevin Mulcahy, PJGW. It was an excellent night which was enhanced largely by the efforts of a friend of Russell's who provided beautiful music for the ceremony. There is no doubt that our ceremonies are just not the same without good music.

The representative presenting the new WM with his Installed Master's certificate.

The Grand Delegation with officers from Moruya, Cooma, Bombala, Pambula and Bega.

The new DGIW Bernie Alcock presenting W Bro Ray Spencer with his PastMaster's jewel. Both the DGIW and the Representative made reference to Ray's hard work during his past 3 years in the chair. He reformed the Lodge which was in dire straits and with the help of the few exisiting members managed to attract some new members and now the Lodge is on a sound footing for the future.

30 Brethren who attended the ceremony.

The buffet festive board

The banquet

Last but not least, the travelling gavel which was presented to the Worshipful Master by RW Bro Allan Brown of Lodge Eurobodalla Daylight on behalf of their new Master W Bro Bryan Davis who was unable to attend. This gavel continues to be a symbol of fraternal bond between the Lodges of District 49 despite the fact that it now has 2 DGIW's and is presented by the holder to the next Master to be installed.