Return Visit to Lodge Vuk Karadžić in Serbia

Kokan — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:54:12 +0000

In 2010, Ballards Lodge became only the second Lodge in UGLE to twin with a Lodge form another jurisdiction (Old England was the first and is also a Surrey Lodge). In March 2010, over 20 Brethren from Serbia, led by the Grand Master of Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia, MWBro Petar Kostic and the WM of Lodge Vuk Karadzic No. 5, WBro Miroslav Cipranić, attended the Installation meeting of Ballards Lodge. Their hosts in Surrey included the Provincial Grand Master RWBro Eric Stuart-Bamford, three Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Provincial Grand Secretary and a number of Brethren from other Lodges. All in all, over 120 guests.

In June 2012, we are planning a return visit and you are welcome to join us.

What Can You Expect?

The reason we selected to go back in June this year is that it coincides with the installation of the new Grand Master of Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia, WBro Ranko Vujačić, many years a member of Highgate Lodge No. 1366. This will ensure that the whole weekend will be packed with Masonic and non-Masonic activities, with many opportunities for new contacts with masons from around Europe, as well as a chance to see Belgrade and its surroundings.

Itinerary

Here are the highlights of what is on offer (with some guidance):

Day	Activity	Cost
Friday, 1 June	ARRIVAL by your choice of airline (see list below). Transfer to the hotel is organised.	Complimentary
	19:00 Meeting of Lodge Vuk Karadzic No. 5 RGLS (twinned with Ballards No. 5091 UGLE).	N/A
	21:00 White table dinner followed by a concert.	€25 (£21)
Saturday, 2 June	12:00 Organised sightseeing tour and lunch for non-Masons.	Complimentary
	13:30 Installation of Grand Master of Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia (Brethren)	N/A
	21:00 Gala dinner (white table)	€50 (£42)
Sunday, 3 June	10:00 Wine Routes of Vojvodina sightseeing tour with wine tasting and lunch	€40 (£34)
	21:00 Meeting of Lodge Saint John No. 21 (English speaking, Emulation Ritual)	€20 (£17)
Monday, 4 June	DEPARTURE. Transfer from the hotel is organised.	Complimentary

Weather

Belgrade can get very hot in June, so you should definitely bring very light clothing. Most places are air-conditioned, though, so transfers between locations are likely to be the only real problem.

Accommodation

A preferential rate has been arranged at the Hotel Continental, Belgrade, next door to where the Grand Lodge meeting will be held. A single room with breakfast is €80 and a double is €100. These rates are not publicly available. If you would like to take advantage of them, please specify so when contacting Ballards Lodge.

Language

Most people in Serbia speak English to varying degrees of proficiency. Similarly, most restaurants will have menus in English, but you may have to request one.

Currency

The official currency is Serbian Dinar and the rate of exchange is approximately 120 dinars to £1. While Euros may occasionally be received by bars and restaurants, it is very easy to obtain local currency. All cash machines will take international cards (though your bank may apply charges) and there are numerous currency exchange outlets all around the city.

Food & Drink

Serbian cuisine is very diverse, with oriental, Hungarian and western influences merging with local specialties to provide some unique combinations. The portions are typically quite generous, so don’t be confused by prices that are quite low in comparison to UK (350g fillet steak is usually about £10). Beers are limited to a vast array of local and international lagers. You will also find excellent local wines, thought they are priced accordingly. The one thing you shouldn’t leave without is a taste of “rakija” (pronounce RA-ki-yuh) – a strong spirit produced of every fruit grown in the country. Especially recommended are quince, apricot and pear.

Moving About

Although the itinerary is fairly condensed, you may still find yourself going somewhere on your own. The simplest thing to do is to catch a taxi, which should get you from most places to most other places in the wider central Belgrade for under £5. However, be mindful of “pirates”. You can tell official taxis (over 7500 of them in Belgrade) by the inclusion of TX in their number plates.

What Now?

If you are interested, you should look at the flight options. Two airlines fly non-stop to Belgrade: JAT (flying out of Heathrow) and WizzAir (flying out of Luton), with other options including Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines, which would have short stopovers.

Once you’ve made up your mind, please send an email to serbia@ballardslodge.org.uk for further details.

Opening the Virtual Doors

Kokan — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:40:56 +0000

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