Globe Trotting Cambell Lodge of Instruction No. 1415

In May of this year 10 members and wives, went on the annual visit to Spain, on this occasion to Bilbao,
this being the 6th visit in the past five years. We were joined by brethren with their wives and children
from Emulation Lodge No. 16 from Madrid, Fidelitas Lodge No. 5 from Barcelona and Semper
Fidelis Lodge 150 from Santander, in total over forty of us congregated to Bilbao.

The temple facilities were provided by Tolerancia Lodge No. 16, a Scottish Rite Lodge,
members of Semper Fidelis arranged the Temple to English Constitution layout.

Members of the Emulation Lodge occupied the principle offices and demonstrated the First Degree
in English and to strict Emulation standard, members of Campbell delivered Emulation Lectures.

Although on this visit we held only one Masonic meeting and a small number of us took part in the
Ceremony, the majority of us went to enjoy the customary Spanish and this being Bilbao also the
Basque hospitality and we were not disappointed.

On the eve of our arrival we were treated to a sumptuous reception dinner at the hotel and were
entertained by Basque folklore dancers, I must add a very acrobatic display, the following days
we had dinner at an exclusive gentlemen’s club, a lunch at a typical Basque restaurant where cider
was freely available on tap from a barrel and on several occasions we enjoyed the Basque style Tapas
which has no resemblance to the Spanish Tapas.

But the highlight of the trip was a visit to a privately owned castle called Castillo de Concejuelo high
on the hills of the Basque region. It is owned by a non Mason, but his childhood friend is member
of Fidelitas Lodge in Barcelona at whose special request we were invited to the castle. What we
saw there was breathtaking to say the least. There housed in 3 huge hangars was a private collection
on some 200 exquisite cars ranging from the earliest cars to Lamborghini Countach, but the crème
of the collection was over 40 Rolls Royce cars starting from a 1899 model to a 1990 Silver Spur
as well as 1914 Silver Ghost Alpine Eagle. We were informed that every model of Rolls Royce
made is on show, however the owner stopped buying further Rollers when the marquee was
sold to BMW. What an expensive hobby to have.

After regaining our breath we were treated to a very good lunch and some French Champagne
(not Cava) and fine wine, all as the guests of the owner. In return to his hospitality, as a combined
gift from the Lodges, we presented him a Sherry decanter with six glasses and to show that the
English were there, the Campbell LOI presented six Firing Glass, all appropriately engraved
complete with the Square and Compass to mark the occasion.

We still talk about the trip and are facing the problem as to what we can offer when our
Spanish brethren pay us a visit, all suggestions are welcome.

Campbell’s other expeditions in the last six years were to Belfast, lodging in army barracks, to
Edinburgh and Rosslyn Chapel and to Cape Town South Africa with a stay at Kruger National
Safari Park. Our overseas trips resulted in forming a Brotherly bond and friendship
with our continental brethren.

The result of our social activities, whether trips abroad or social gatherings, the Campbell LOI is
thriving, apart from preparing Lodge Officers it has become a sort of an academy of learning the
Emulation ritual and in the last 6 years produced 4 holders of the coveted Emulation
Lodge of Improvement Silver Matchbox for perfect Ceremonies.

Our aim is to continue with the present tried and tested approach and hope that we
can improve on it. Campbell LOI meets every Wednesdays at 7.00 at Great Queen street.
For further information contact the Secretary, Leon Shears on 020 8896 7410