Chorlton Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. No. 394.  Urmston Masonic Hall, Urmston, Manchester
 
It Must Be Good Look Who’s Joined Us Now..  Weds December 5th, 2018
 
Well this evening was supposed to be a normal Ceremony of Elevation, the Candidate was a really nice chap, a member of Eccles Mark Lodge, Bro. William Walker, the Lodge was opened in due form at 4.30 pm, the minutes from the last meeting were read and approved and I rose to give the warning knocks on the door when I heard a loud noise coming from outside the building, now l do know that Urmston Masonic Hall has a ghost, why,  because I have seen him and I thought oh, oh, what’s he up to now.
Next there was that sound we hear around this time of the year a kind of “Jingle Bells”, I took a look through the spy hole and was astounded to see a man dressed in Red, now how did he get passed me!! yes you’ve guessed it, Santa, St Nicholas, the door opened and the Guardian said we have a slight problem, another Candidate who the WM has decided after a quick call to our PGM Keith must be elevated immediately due to the fact that he is extremely busy at this time of the year and will only probably be able to attend again next December, oh and here is the Form all filled in, proposed and Seconded, can you explain to the Candidate Bill that there will be a short delay, which I did.
 
Just as strange was the fact that time seemed to stand still and then before I knew it the warning light was flashing over the doors to tell me that they were ready to start the Ceremony for Bill, I gave the knocks and explained to the Guardian that a Candidate was at the door, who had done his time in the quarries and wished to be admitted, the door was closed, the report was given and before too long the Wardens appeared to take charge, in he went the doors closed and that was that.
 
I did spend some time looking outside in the car park but couldn’t see a sledge or reindeer, never mind strange things are always happening here at Urmston.  
 
I know this is the Magical Time of the year and if one of the members hadn’t passed me the photograph showing the W.C. Bro Sylvester During with the PGM’s Special Representative Graham Bailey RAMGR, Bro. Gareth Jones RAMGR and Bro. David Durling the South Eastern Group Chairman (Craft) all of whom said yes it did happen I wouldn’t have believed it, but how you can you doubt it now.
 
All you members of our wonderful Happy Mark Degree, why not come and join us in the colourful Royal Ark Mariners, after all if it’s good enough for Santa surely it’s good enough for us all.
I have heard that an envelope was left with several application forms in; I believe they are for his Elves.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. RAMGR.