Ormskirk Priory R.A.M Lodge No1019
 
Ormskirk Priory R.A.M Lodge, No1019 held their December meeting at Ormskirk Masonic Hall on Thursday 9th. This meeting is normally very well attended because it is regarded as the Lodge’s Christmas meeting. However, the shadow of Covid hung over the meeting and so there were several members missing. Or, it might have been the several days of persistent rain that was more like a universal deluge that kept them away.
David and John Rawcliffe
Among those who did attend was WBro Maurice Evans, the Provincial Grand Master’s Special Representative. This was a slightly different meeting than the one he had attended earlier in the week when he was at Mark Masons Hall to receive his promotion to Grand Rank from the Grand Master. Many congratulations to Maurice on this well-deserved promotion. The Commander, WBro Derek Gaskell weighed anchor at 6.00 p.m. and welcomed all the members and visitors and the meeting got under way. When it came to investing the officers who were absent at the Installation this included the I.P.C., WBro Ivan Hicks who had been taken ill on the night of the Installation and had finished up in hospital. WBro Gaskell also thanked WBro Cliff Boynton for taken care of Ivan on the night and who also missed the installation. With the officers invested it was time for the ballot for a new member and if approved to Elevate WBro Tony Prior.
Someone said that it had stopped raining
Unfortunately, Tony had test positive for Covid in the morning and so was unable to attend. Nevertheless the ballot took place and was in favour. Bro Neil Cooper volunteered to act as the candidate to allow an enactment of an Elevation to take place. With Bro Alan Burgess the Senior Deacon taking charge of the candidate the enactment ceremony took place and went well. It did turn out to be the WBro John Rawcliffe, R.A.M.G.R show. The lodge SW, WBro Geoff Gill, Prov R.A.M.G.R, was not in attendance; due to the effects of ‘Long Covid’ and so WBro John Rawcliffe was acting as SW. WBro Rawcliffe had also volunteered to do the explanation of the tools which he did and then he did the explanation of the steps, both in faultless fashion.
Maurice Evans and Derek Gaskel
Special Rep, Maurice Evans, RAMGR
A Masonic Raffle
The Lodge DC, WBro David Rawcliffe, Prov R.A.M.G.R, did the explanation of the signs. When the lodge was closed it was time for the festive board. At the Christmas meeting WBro Fred Hargreaves, R.A.M.G.R, lays out the tables in a very festive fashion.
Ormskirk by night
In normal times there would be carol singing, but to keep within Covid rules this had to be abandoned this year. It was really good to all be back together, but we must all take care, and remember that Covid can put a stop to our meetings at any time. Please keep to the rules and test regularly. From all the members of Ormskirk Priory R.A.M Lodge, No1019; have a good Christmas and a safe, happy and healthy 2022.    

Words by Derek Gaskell, and pictures by John Owen