Ormskirk Priory Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. No. 1019
 
The Masonic Hall, Park Road, Ormskirk.  Thursday 13th December 2018
 
Another great meeting to look forward to, this time it’s a Team visit to a Royal Ark Mariners Meeting, set off at 2.30 pm which is even earlier than normal due to the massive influx on the roads of “Christmas Shoppers”, went up the ramp on to the M60, traffic was moving even if it was only about 10 MPH, never mind I always said this “Smart Motorway” would work..Ha Ha.. Crept along and finally made it on to the M62, then it was the M6, M58, before taking the A570 all the way to Ormskirk. Now the old Opel for some reason was behaving, maybe it was after the treats I made about the washers on my side refusing to work, I did feel as though it was having a good laugh because even after spending about an hour trying to get the jets going up the screen no they still seemed to squirt underneath the bonnet, ah well never mind.
John Waring
Lodge Room
Lodge Room

SW Chair
WM's Chair
I pulled into the Morrison’s car park as I did last time forgetting that you can only park for 3 hours, I thought oh dash, or words to that effect, anyway I made my way across to the Hall thinking I’ll move it later, on arrival I noticed several spots were empty behind the Hall, emm I thought now if I move quick (me move quick with this heel) and if I’m lucky I might just get in one of those lovely spaces. Off I set, back again to the car who by now had fallen asleep, I soon woke him up and drove across like Lewis Hamilton, made it, I always have to have plenty of space on either side so the Opel doesn’t get any door dings, isn’t it funny that you can go into a car park with hardly any cars in, park right at the other side and when you come back the car parks still empty but someone has parked next to you.
WM's Chair
JW Chair
   Prov SW & His Dads Picture
The Secrets
Lets Practise
I must apologise for the late arrival of this report but I have had several visits to hospital and doctors this week and a further X Ray in the morning, but not to worry everything will be ok.
Preparing the Sword
The Happy Bar Staff
The Jewel Cabinet
Display Case
Lodge Tree
The Hall isn’t the easiest to find unless you have been before, all you have to do is look out for is O’Briens Tea Rooms and you’ve cracked it, walk past it to the left, turn right at the next road and the entrance is there on your right. Once inside straight ahead is the Tea Room which is used for the Lodge Festive Boards, climb a flight of stairs you will find a welcoming bar, turn left and you’re in a snug room with some great artefacts on display, there is also a dressing room attached and if you head straight forward from the stairs you enter the very well maintained, good sized and pleasant Lodge room.
Festive Board Awaits
Festive Board Awaits
Wonderful Cakes from O’Briens
The meeting commenced on time at 6pm, quite a few items from the summons were dealt with including a ballot for a joining member, then it was time for the RW PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore RAMGR to enter accompanied by Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers, the was greeted by the WC Bro. Clifford Boynton who offered the Gavel which on this occasion Keith said he would accept for a short only as he was aware that the WC and his officers were really looking forward to carrying out the ceremony of Elevation. Once the members of the team and other distinguished officers had been introduced to all present the Gavel was quickly handed back, whew.
More Wonderful Cakes from O’Briens
The DC’s on Parade
New Grand RAM, PGM & Dep PGM
Group Shot
Bro. Neil Cooper was Elevated in fine style in a ceremony which I am sure he will long remember, On completion the PGM Keith was pleased to congratulate the WC Clifford  and his officers for the excellent display of the ritual making special mention of W.Bro. Rawcliffe’s presentations. The WC on behalf of all the Lodge members then offered the PGM an envelope which contained a magnificent cheque in the sum of £1019 for the Charities which Keith thanked him for and said it was an outstanding amount and would be well received by all who would benefit.
WM his Wardens & New Member
PGM & New Member
New Member PGM WM & Dep PGM
PGM’s Special REP New Member & WM
The Administration
Following the Ceremony of Elevation the PGM retired from the Lodge accompanied by members of his team and on closing the meeting time was taken for the usual photo shoot before everyone made their way down stairs to be greeted by Santa offering some warm mulled wine which was delicious, some well earned liquid refreshment was then obtained from the well stocked bar before taking up the allotted places at the Festive Board tables which looked absolutely wonderful set out in true Christmas style. An absolutely First class meal was served up by the very friendly and efficient members of the catering team, the PGM made comment that he must put this meeting on his calendar for next year as he enjoyed it so much.
Ernie
Santa and delicious Punch
Well Stocked Bar
Please Take My List As Well
Bye Santa
The usual Toasts and responses were given including an excellent one from the Dep PGM W.Bro. Geoffrey Lee, the PGM responded with as is usual a speech which is always interesting and did mention that we should all try to recruit new members for the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, we waited with baited breath and eventually the joke arrived, this time it was about a New York Taxi driver and a Vicar and yes it was funny and further more It was a new one. What a great night everyone present had witnessed, I had to leave just before the end, it was quite chilly outside but the warm feeling was still with me, I climbed into the old Opel it fired up, started talking to Snoopy and Garmin of we set, only got lost once in Ormskirk which wasn’t bad for me, got back to the M62 eventually then on to the M60 before being sent down the M602 yet again instead of letting me get down the last few miles to home, I think they must landing Aliens in that area every night or is that just the lights from the Trafford Centre.
Festive Board in Full Swing
PGM Toasts the WC
Special Rep PGM & Dep PGM
Three merry Masons
  Two Merry Masons
Good Friends
I Made A Picture 
Preparing for Toasts
The Dep PGM in Full Flow  
Here’s to the next meeting Mark or RAM it doesn’t matter which I will be happy to meet old friends and the new friends I haven’t yet met, Wishing Everyone and Their Families A Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year, Mark Well, and on closing Thanks to Mike for all the effort and hours he puts in to keeping our Web Site Alive, which is one of the Best in the Country. (Don’t believe me just have a look round at some others)
Regards  Austin N Fletcher. G Stwd
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood.  No. 1173.