Ridgmont Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.1539
Horwich Masonic Hall, Ridgmont House, Horwich
Installation Meeting Friday 19th May 2017
 
Lovely sunny afternoon and a meeting to look forward to at a Hall which I haven’t visited before, left my travelling companions Snoopy and Garmin in the garage along with my old Opel, off we go in to the wild blue yonder in my wife’s car (again) with its very posh built in sat nav.
Building outside
The road in
Square & Compass above the entrance
I put the coordinates in and it seemed to understand them with no problem, arrived at the usually backed up on ramp to find it clear, used my usual tactic of getting across to the outside lane which if you’re lucky gets you over the high level bridge and on past the Worsley turn off in only 50 minutes, (a ten minute journey).
Steve
SW Wicket
Lodge View
WM’s Chair
Before too long I was travelling past the Macron Stadium home to Bolton Wanderers, a few more turns and then it started turn right, turn left, turn right I thought here we go, single track roads, high hedges, humps I got that sudden sinking feeling that I would finish up in some farmers paddock or slurry patch but no, as Private Frazier used to say “I always had faith in you Capt Mainwaring” I came out of the country on to a main road alongside The Jolly Crofters PH.
No it’s a Lift
Freeze
Dining Room
Ah I thought sorted I will make it before dark, I was of course wrong the fun was just beginning, I drove up and down what turned out to be Chorley Old Road, the Italian Sat Nav kept telling me “You Have Arrived” but exactly where?, all I could see were walls and bushes, then I spotted it a clue, a small 3’ by 2’ green sign, yes green hidden in the hedge, “Ridgmont House” , I turned round yet again pulled into a side road and  walked back to see if there were any directions on the sign, negative just a road mentioned which I had seen about four times, Higher Barn.
Grand Piano inside the entrance
Monks Picture
Before too long I was on my way confident I was heading towards the hall, what a glorious surprise I got, a stunning set of well manicured gardens, trees and flowers all along the road leading to a large car park at the rear of the hall.
 
If you haven’t had the pleasure of a visit to Ridgmont House put it on your to do list, you won’t be disappointed, I collected my case and made my way to the front of the large white building down a little pathway, the birds were singing and the sun was shining, it was one of those “all is well with the world moments” 
Waiting to Practise
The first person I met around the front was W.Bro.Dave Emmerson the Provincial DC whom we all agree is the best in the country, we both stood and looked at this amazing building complete with its Square and Compass high above main entrance. Once inside there is a good sized reception area complete with a Grand Piano and railed balcony up above on the first floor, lots of paintings and treasured artefacts adorn the walls, this leads to a lounge with a well stocked bar, the whole building is light and airy due to the many windows on all sides.
One of the many clocks
Left foot first  
Up a spiral staircase turn right and you find a small annex complete with paintings of past masters, (some of which are quite scary) turn again and you’re in the Temple, sat in there alone and with a furrowed brow was W. Bro. Stephen Walls working on the seating plan and making sure he had plenty of officers to escort the PGM into the meeting.
The Bar
Before long as members of the Prov Team arrived it was time to be put through their paces by our beloved Sgt Major, sorry I meant to say the Prov DC, once he was happy it was time for a coffee until the meeting commenced.
Paintings of Past Master and beyond
On time at 6pm the Lodge door closed and the meeting commenced, once the housekeeping had been dealt with it was time for the PGM RW Bro Keith Alan Beardmore to enter the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, as is usual the gavel was offered to the PGM who on this occasion said he would be delighted to accept it for a short period so that he may introduce members of the Provincial Team, adding that he would be sure to hand it back in good time for the Installation Ceremony.
Prov DC’s
Ever Ready Ernie & Prov. Tyler
WM & IPM
W.M. Bro. Richard Leather assisted by members of his Lodge then Installed Bro. Peter Beamish Master Elect  into the chair of Adoniram, following this the Lodge officers for the ensuing year were presented and invested and the Keystone Jewel was presented and explained by W. Bro. Jack Ward.
PGM with WM & IPM
   PGM with WM, IPM & Asst PGM
On conclusion of the Ceremony the PGM wished Bro.Beamish a happy healthy year in his new office as WM, he also gave his congratulations to the Installing Master W.Bro. Leather and his officers for all their hard work on producing a first-class ceremony.  The WM then had great pleasure in presenting the PGM with three cheques, £100 for Kids Get Together, £100 for the Hall Co and £300 to the West Lancs Mark Charities, all of which were thankfully received.
Group Picture
Drinks Time
It is worth noting that the Lodge has seventeen Master Mason members most of which were present, this means the years ahead look very bright for Ridgmont Lodge, present also were two of the original Founders, W.Bro.Roy Turner and W.Bro.Barry Atkinson now that doesn’t happen every day.
Sunset over Horwich
Happy Diners
Following on from the First Rising it was time for the PGM to retire from the Lodge accompanied by the Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers, all returned following the Lodge being ended for a quick photo shoot before making their way down stairs to get some liquid refreshments.
PGM & WM Toast
The Festive Board followed upstairs in the really pleasant dining room which again was really bright and airy due to having windows on all sides which afforded some great views, an excellent meal followed served up in fine style by the attentative staff. Lots of happy chat, stories from all over the province, plenty of laughter and a genuine feeling of well being.
PGM & Asst PGM
The usual Toasts and speeches were well received before all too soon it was coming to an end, the last Team Visit for the 2016/17 Provincial Officers, for most it had gone by in a flash so remember if your chance comes along to join the Prov Team grab it with both hands and enjoy every minute, on closing the W.M. Peter presented Keith with a beautiful plant, his favourite I believe Lilies.
WM & IPM
Out into the cool clear night air, what a lovely place to hold Lodge meetings here’s to my next visit, now then I thought, I’m sure it will be a lot easier to get home and it was, I always know when I’ve not got far to go when I reach the over head bridge with the bus stop on it. M61. Do you know where it is?? 
PGM presented with Plant
Have a great summer break, here’s to our next Merry Mark Master Masons Meeting, the Happy Degree and don’t forget if you’re not already a member of the colourful Royal Ark Mariner Degree, check it out, set sail and join the rainbow.

 
Mark Well
Austin N Fletcher. PPrGJO
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173

 
Answers re Bridge with Bus Stop on the M61 on the back of a £10 note, submit to the webmaster!