bod
Member
UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Feb 8, 2005 14:29:50 GMT
I guess this question apllies more to those who attend 'dining lodges' as are common in UGLE as it relates to dining fees, and visitors.
As a general rule when I invite someone to my lodge I will pay for their meal without expecting reciprocation, especially so if it is their first time or I have been their guest. I have no problem if my guest feels that they want to pay, and I always offer to pay my way when I am visiting, and am happy to.
Is there an accepted protocol for visiting with regard to the dining fees?
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Post by Mikepm on Feb 8, 2005 14:46:42 GMT
If i invite guest/s then i pay, but they always offer to pay, and my answer is, 'you can buy me a drink in the bar' I know staffs is being raised in April...i think, and if i can make it then i will pay, as he will have invited maybe 4/5 guests and can't be expected to pay for all, unless he has won the Lotto!!!!
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Post by KansasPM on Feb 8, 2005 15:27:54 GMT
We're easy. We always have a meal before our bimonthly meetings, prepared by a couple of members' Widows who we pay to cook and wash up. All Brothers, including visitors, eat for free. Unfortunately, the older the cooks get, the worse the food gets. No alcohol ia allowed in Blue Lodges in the States, though, so no toasting or anything like that.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Feb 8, 2005 16:30:31 GMT
Mike, I will look forward to seeing you in April .However 4/5 guests may be an underestimation ,I think i have invited at least Ten to Twelve.
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Post by offramp on Feb 8, 2005 19:11:42 GMT
If I am someone's only guest then I offer to pay. He will say he won't hear of it and I'll say something like, "then I'll buy yours when you come to my Lodge."
If he has two guests or more then I stick my feet down and earnestly request that I pay - unless, as someone said - I think he is most unseasonably flush.
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 9, 2005 0:42:39 GMT
It varies. In most places the inviter pays for his guests, they will usually invite him to their own Lodges. This was fine when dining fees were low but these days it is more common to "stand one's own corner" and pay, and this was always the case in the Sussex Lodges I belonged to and attended and is becoming more so in London.
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Feb 9, 2005 5:43:54 GMT
In Scotland, the incidence of hunger (as opposed to thirst) among the Brethren following their labours, is satisfied by what is known as a purvey (to rhyme with "curvy"), which equates to sandwiches or meat pies or other viands, as well as tea or coffee, and the materials relevant thereunto. Although it rather excessively dignifies them to be referred to as "dining fees" (and usually stretches the definition of dinner, too), the costs incurred in the provision of such victuals are recovered by means of a contribution levied upon the Bethren of the host lodge, of the strength of two or three pounds.
And while hosts are free to purchase drink for their guests, it's very common just to invite people along on a free-and-easy basis - if they're free that night and in the area, drop in to watch the Degree and stay for the Harmony. We may like our ritual, but we don't stand on ceremony.
Thirst is, however, vanquished by resort to the expedient of swally (to rhyme with "palais"), a deluge of at times Noachian abundance, and usually settled on an individual basis. All visitors are generally offered the hospitality of, if not a seat at, the top table; and a drink, or indeed several, from the Master's bottle.
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