RAM 1019 Installation
 
Ormskirk Priory Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 1019 held their Installation meeting at Ormskirk Masonic Hall on 13th October. Representing the RW Provincial Grand Master was WBro Maurice Evans, RAMGR. WBro Evans is one of the PGM’s Special Representatives, but this was his first outing representing the PGM since gaining his Grand Honours last year.
Fred Hargreaves
The Commander, WBro Derek Gaskell opened the lodge and then asked the brethren to stand for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth 11. Next up was the general business of the meeting, which included a successful ballot for a new member. Now it was time for the main item on the summons, the installation of WBro Geoff Gill into the Commander’s Chair.
Geoff Gill
When those who were assisting the commander for the installation ceremony were in place it was time for the DC, WBro David Rawcliffe, ProvRAMGR, to present WBro Geoff Gill for installation. WBro Gaskell went through the preamble before asking those below the rank of an installed commander to retire from the lodge. The Commander, WBro Derek Gaskell worked his way through the inner workings and placed WBro Gill into the Commanders Chair.
Maurice Evans; Derek Gaskell; Geoff Gill; David Rawcliffe
With the inner workings complete and the brethren back in the lodge, WBro Geoff Gill was proclaimed Worshipful Commander of Ormskirk Priory Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. WBro Fred Hargreaves presented the Commander with the Keystone Jewel in fine style.
Maurice Evans and Geoff Gill
Then it was time for the Commander to appoint and invest his offices. When all the offices were in place WBro Derek Gaskell gave the address to the Commander. This was followed by a first-class presentation of the Exposition, by WBro Maurice Evans.
Alan Burgess; Maurice; Geoff; Bill Nolan
With the ceremony over WBro Evans again sprang to his feet to deliver the congratulations of the PGM to WBro Geoff Gill on taking on the role of Commander after a 16-year gap. WBro Evans also congratulated WBro Derek Gaskell on doing the ceremony in “Derek’s own inimitable style.” 
After the meeting it was time for a very enjoyable festive board. We wish WBro Geoff Gill and the members of Ormskirk Priory Royal Ark Mariner Lodge a successful season.

Words by Derek Gaskell and Photos by Jason Hengler