A busy year ahead for Bob at Wilbraham
 
Wilbraham Lodge 0523 held its installation ceremony on Thursday 13th April with VW Bro Derek Horrocks representing the RW PGM. Derek is a regular, and welcome, visitor to Wilbraham and is usually accompanied by another old friend to the Lodge, VW bro Eric Hughes.
Eric and Derek, eager for the fun to begin, waiting patiently and quietly
The lodge was opened by the WM, Ian Rowan and, with domestic business despatched quickly and efficiently, Ian entered into the ceremony of installing his successor, Bro Robert Lloyd Williams. On this occasions Ian was supported by W Bros Ian Berks and Neil Pedder in occupying the Senior and Junior Wardens chairs. Additional support was offered by W Bro Alan Lowe, Brian Boothroyd and Stephen McNee with explanations and addresses given smoothly and with sincerity. Indeed, W Bro Brian was very busy on the night as he is the Lodge DC and ensured nothing went wrong (that was publicly identified, anyway ).
Brian, like a coiled spring!
Once officers were appointed and the addresses completed, Derek passed on the best wishes of the RW PGM adding his own high praise upon the standard of the ceremony he witnessed this evening. The IPM then presented two cheques to Derek with one being for West Lancs Charity Fund and another to support the upkeep of the Widnes Masonic Hall.
IPM and WM looking relaxed (after the ceremony)
Before the meeting closed, there was a proposal for two new candidates to be Advanced in October, and unbeknown to the WM, a third is to be proposed for December. A busy year ahead!
 
There then followed the customary festive board, and unlike comments at the last meeting, nothing was said during the meal as everybody was tucking into an excellent meal of braised steak. A short raffle ensued after the meal, with a surprise prize on offer. This was won by the donor who promptly had it re-drawn, in fear of taking it back home to his wife! The second draw saw the WM being successful (was that a fiddle? Certainly not). The WM declined to open the gift and will raffle it next time around, despite the tirade of questions on what it might be. Festivities over, all made their cheery goodbyes having enjoyed an excellent night in good company.
A few of the visiting Brethren
A busy year ahead for Bob? It will be but, knowing Bob, he will solicit the support of lodge members who will willingly give their time and effort in ensuring Bob has a memorable year.
 
Photographs and words by Stephen McNee