Semper Fidelis Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No 880
 
Installation meeting Thursday14th November 2024 at the Masonic Hall, The Esplanade Fleetwood.
Unfortunately, WBro. Ken Alker who was due to represent the RWPGM was caught in traffic on his way to Fleetwood, so the Worshipful Commander Roy Rhodes opened the Lodge in the presence of the assembled members including the Deputy PGM and a number of visitors.
WBro. Stephen Windsor Leach was also present at the meeting and in fine form.
Twentytwo Brethren in total were present.
WBro. Alker arrived and was welcomed into the Lodge and salutations were given under the direction of WBro. Alan Fairhurst the Lodge DC.
The business of the Lodge was worked through up to the Installation.
The Worshipful Commander asked WBro. David Rowbotham to act as SW, WBro. Bill Swindlehurst to act as JW and WBro. Howard Emmett to act as Guardian.
Bro. David Kenworthy, Commander Elect, was presented to the Commander who proceeded to install him in a warm, friendly and sincere manner.
All the Officers present were appointed and invested.
The Exposition was carried out by WBro. Giles Berkley in an excellent manner.
The address to the new Commander was carried out in an excellent manner by WBro. Tom Egan.
WBro. Alker congratulated the new Commander on behalf of the RWPGM and wished the Lodge well for the coming year.
Two cheques were presented to WBro. Alker; one for £250 for the WLMCF and one for £150 for Headway, a Blackpool based charity.
WBro. Giles Berkely then presented a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. Paul Smedley.
The Lodge was closed and all the Brethren retired to the bar and onto the Festive board for sustenance, sparkling wit, conversation and banter!
A fine meal was enjoyed by all present.
WBro. Alker in his response, discussed recruitment of members and the importance of it to keep Lodges thriving as well as a number of other topics.
WBro. Bob Bennett organised a Fleetwood fiddle raffle and raised £130 for Charity!
The Worshipful Commander presented WBro. Alker with a gift of a bottle of whiskey at the end of the evening which was gratefully received!
A very good night was had and enjoyed by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross