Double at Ormskirk Priory RAM 1019
 
Valentine’s Day in Ormskirk might not sound very romantic, and if you were there for Ormskirk Priory RAM No1019 February meeting it wasn’t.   Members and visitors turned up at the Masonic Hall on Thursday 14th for a double elevation.    The numbers were less than for the Christmas meeting of the Lodge, which had also hosted a Provincial team visit.     Never the less, the Worshipful Commander and his team did a great job of the elevations. 
The lodge was opened in due form and once the minutes had been approved it was time to ballot for Bro’s Tom Hughes and Ed Harrison, (both members of Freshfield Mark Lodge No 1007).   With the ballot proving positive the Commander Bro Cliff Boynton began the elevation ceremony.   Once the candidates being tested by the Deacons, Bro Derek Gaskell and Bro Bill Nolan, it was then down to the Guardian Bro Alan Burgess to announce the Candidates.  With it being a double elevation the candidates were escorted round the lodge by both deacons.   The Commander Bro Cliff Boynton and his wardens, SW, Bro Ivan Hicks and JW, Bro Peter Smith did a fine job with of the elevation.
WBro David Rawcliffe Prov. RAMGR did the explanation of the signs with the assistance of WBro Maurice Evans Prov RAMGR.  The Tools were then presented by WBro John Rawcliffe Prov RAMGR.  Both these presentation were first rate.     Bros Hughes and Harrison were then welcomed into the Lodge by the Worshipful Commander and afterwards they took their seats in the Lodge.
It was then time to elect a Worshipful Commander for the following year and Bro Ivan Hicks was duly elected Commander elect.     Now there is always a major contest for the position of Treasurer in every lodge and out the one name put forward, WBro Graham Radford, Prov. RAMGR emerged the winner and held onto the job, but it was close thing.    During the risings there was a Grand Lodge Certificate to be presented to Bro Neil Cooper who had been Elevated at the December meeting.   WBro Maurice Evans PGSD the PGM’s Special Representative did the presentation to Neil in a very enlightening and enjoyable manner.    Then the meeting was closed and it was time for a fine dinner.  We wish Tom and Ed a long and happy association with Ormskirk Priory RAM.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell