Prince Setanta Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. No.1446.
 
Masonic Hall, Poulton-le-Fylde.      Monday 21st March 2016.    Installation Meeting
 
A lovely spring day, bright and clear, blue sky, few fluffy clouds off we go with my two travelling companions Snoopy and Garmin, (Tom has been left at home after taking me round in circles on my last two visits). Set off early as usual, no hold ups even the on ramp was clear that is until I got near to Poulton nearly 15 minutes to clear one set of road works, but overall a great trip. To crown it all once parked up and you approach the old town square you will find any trip to Poulton-le-Fylde Masonic Hall well worth the effort. What a setting with the wonderful old church set behind and a reminder from our past the town stocks are still in place, as it happened it was market day and the square was full of bustling stalls selling just about everything, a great site.
Market Square Now
Market Square Then (1890’s)
The hall entrance which is next to the old “Constabulary Station” has an excellent carved stone facade with a square and compass at its head, once inside there is a snug well appointed lounge area on the left with access to the bar, some fascinating large pictures adorn the walls showing the square and other local places of interest in times gone bye.
Chris Walls Mark/RAM shop.
Setanta Sign
Carry on down the passage from the lounge and you come into the dining room again with access to the well stocked bar.  The Lodge room, changing rooms, storage etc are all to be found up a flight of stairs on the upper level of the building.
Lodge Room Awaits
Now to the business of the evening, the meeting was opened on time by the Worshipful Commander Bro.Peter Weller who immediately offered the sceptre to the RW Prov Grand Master Bro.Keith Beardmore who on this occasion accepted it. The PGM then commenced to introduce the members of his Provincial Team who were in attendance, which always makes them feel like they are part of something really special which of course they are  before returning it to the WC to continue with the ceremony of Installation.
Bro.Glenn O’Brien was duly Installed as Worshipful Commander of Prince Setanta Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners for the ensuing year by Bro.Peter Weller in an excellent ceremony, all the officers were then presented and invested before the address to the new W.Commander was delivered by the now IPWC W.Bro. Peter Weller. Following on from the address to the WC and something which I and probably all others present have never witnessed before was an Exposition of the Royal Ark Mariners Degree delivered with great style by the VW Bro.Michael Clarke PGJO Asst Prov Grand Master, a great piece which I hope to see many more times.
(I believe he readily volunteered to present this new piece when the idea was put to him by the PGM)
 
Entrance.
Prov DC ready for action
On conclusion on the Ceremony the PGM gave his personal good wishes to the new WC and was then delighted to receive not one but three cheques from the Lodge each valued at £250 West Lancs Mark Charity Fund, Streetlife Charity and Poulton-le-Fylde Hall Fund being the beneficiaries, magnificent.
The ceremony being ended all the Brethren made their way to the welcoming dining room and after acquiring suitable refreshments took up their places and enjoyed an excellent meal served up by very pleasant and attentative staff.
PGM always ready to listen
Prov. DC Looking Pretty
Prov. Tyler, Ernie Gavan
Lots of the usual happy banter during the dinner was followed by the usual Toasts and some admirable speeches, the newly Installed WC had much pleasure in presenting the PGM with a bouquet of flowers for his good lady and as always it was all over too soon.
WC Glenn O’Brien with Installing & IPC Peter Weller
PGM & WC Glenn O’Brien
Group Shot
I'm in Front!
All set to Enter the Social Board
The Toast PGM & WC.
Presentation of Flowers to PGM
Dining Room in Action
Goodbyes said to friends old and new off we all went out into the cold night air to make our different journeys home to all parts of the county and beyond, here’s to our next merry meeting.   
This arrived in the webmasters inbox,
Now Steve, you wouldn't be taking the mickey out of the Prov JW, Would You?
Not a member of the beautiful Royal Ark Mariner Degree why not think about it, ask at your own hall or contact the Provincial Office at Leyland who will be more than happy to assist.
 
Here’s to our next merry meeting
W.Bro.Austin N.Fletcher. PGJO
Chorlton RAM No. 394