Just in time for Brian
 
Little did the members of Prince Setanta Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 1446 know when they assembled at Poulton le Fylde Masonic Hall, that theirs would be the last Masonic meeting at this venue for the current season.
Giles Berkley, Brian Snaith, Frank Kennedy and John Forster
Eleven intrepid members of the lodge assembled to install Brian Snaith as worshipful commander, with Frank Kennedy ready to perform a fine ceremony for his successor into the chair.
 
The lodge was honoured by the presence of Assistant Provincial Grand Master Giles Berkley and John Forster, the Provincial Grand Master’s special representative for the Fylde. Giles had been thoughtful enough to bring some cleansers for hands and furniture to ward off any chance of Corona Virus raising its ugly head. John was pleased to offer his services as installing senior warden. Bill Swindlehurst of Leyland Lodge No 1002 kindly acted as installing junior warden.
Stuart Sager, Stephen Wadsworth, Giles Berkley, Glenn O’ Brien, Brian Snaith,
Frank Kennedy, Tony Cross, Barry Hage, Bill Swindlehurst and Andrew Stansfield
Brian was presented for installation by the director of ceremonies, Tony Cross, and recited his obligation. The past commanders then assisted Frank with the installation ceremony in the time honoured way. Frank then presented the Volume of the Sacred Law, the warrant of the lodge and the book of constitutions along with the bye laws to Brian, with an explanation of their importance to the running of the lodge. He finished the ceremony by delivering the address to the worshipful commander.
 
Giles Berkley then conveyed the congratulations and good wishes of the Provincial Grand Master, Keith Beardmore, adding that Keith extended his best regards to all the members of the lodge in these difficult times. Giles continued by announcing that his colleague assistant Provincial grand master, Ian Douglas Nairn would be stepping down in May and that an announcement concerning the identity of his successor would be made in a few days’ time.
 
John Forster advised the brethren that several communications were expected concerning the possible rearrangement of the forthcoming Provincial Grand Lodge meeting in Southport and that it was best for the brethren to keep checking up by use of the Provincial website.
Brain Snaith with Frank Kennedy
From the start it had been agreed to conduct a short meeting to enable all of the brethren to return to the safety of their own homes. The acting secretary, Glenn O’ Brien, advised that he had no further business, so the lodge was closed in peace and harmony.
 
The brethren had no idea as they left the Masonic hall that this would prove to be the last meeting of any kind for the current season. However, despite the circumstances, not a cough could be heard as Hall Chairman Stuart Sager closed the door behind them.
Words and pictures by Glenn O'Brien