Wilbraham Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. No. 523
Widnes Masonic Hall, Kingsway, Widnes. WA8 7QH. Weds 1st March 2023
Installation Ceremony for Bro. Alan Lowe as Worshipful Commander
 
Set off early as usual, joined the M60 via the usual on ramp, even the traffic lights at the top were on green couldn’t believe it, crept along over the high level, not going fast but for the first time in years didn’t actually stop, M60, M62, A557 until arriving in the car park at the hall, a miracle. I soon realised that I had visited the hall a couple of times before, a really nice building both inside and out.
The Lodge had been set up by the members and looked superb, it didn’t seem long before the meeting started on time at 6pm, several items of housekeeping were dealt with including a ballot for two candidates for Elevation, which if it proved favourable is due to take place at an Emergency Meeting on Wednesday 3rd May, which is great for the Lodge.  
Following these items the R.W. Worshipful PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore R.A.M.G.R. entered the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers, he was Welcomed into the meeting on behalf of all present by the Worshipful Commander Ian Rowan Pr.R.A.M.G.R. and offered the Sceptre, on this occasion he said he would accept it for a short period so that he could introduce the members of the Provincial Team to everyone.
He handed the sceptre back as soon as this was done because he said he knew that the W.C. Ian was eager to carry out the Installation of his friend Alan. The Ceremony was carried out in fine style, before all the officers for the ensuing year were appointed and invested. Our PGM gave his congratulations to the newly Installed Worshipful Commander who in return was pleased to present a cheque to Keith for £300 for the West Lanc’s Charity Fund. The Warrant and Bye Laws were presented by the now Past Commander Ian Rowan Pr.R.A.M.G.R..  
Keith gave an address to all and said that the donation was a very worthy gesture and would be well received and put to good use of the needy. The P.G.M. then retired from the Lodge accompanied by the team and Grand officers and once the meeting was concluded everybody returned for the usual pictures to be taken, before making their way to the dining room, charging their glasses and taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.
The wonderful music accompaniment at this and the other team visits was as usual played by W.Bro. Shaun Haynes.        
Report and Photographs Courtesy of Austin Fletcher RAMGR