The brethren of the Metham Lodge of Mark Master Masons 96 excelled in their duties in performing a slightly specialised version of the Advancement Ceremony.

Their first candidate, Brother Nick Thomas, entered the lodge in the usual form, and was accompanied by the second candidate was also admitted at the same time. The second candidate, named Busby, is a Veterans Support Dog, and has been a lifeline for Nick for some time. Both were being escorted by Brother Sean Clench, who was on his first outing as the Senior Deacon, and undertook his duties in an excellent manner throughout.

Busby was present for the whole ceremony, and moved around the lodge room in the same way as all of his predecessors had done before him. Brother Nick assisted by answering his questions for him, and Busby was an integral part of the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony, Nick and Busby were both welcomed into the Lodge and this fine degree by the Worshipful Master, Worshipful Brother Sam Moulding, and Worshipful Brother Garry Kitchen, the Provincial Grand Senior Warden.

At the end of the meeting, both made their way into the refectory to join the brethren for an excellent festive board, although Busby's appetite was small than some others.