Ridgmont Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.1539
Horwich Masonic Hall, Ridgmont House, Chorley Old Road, Horwich BL6 6RF
Installation Meeting Friday 16th May 2025
 
Well here we go into the wild blue yonder, well actually it’s off to the last Team Visit for this season, you know what comes next the famous on ramp for the M60, up we go now that was quite easy, I spoke too soon as I then joined the que to get over the high level bridge across the ship can, memory takes me back as a young boy 60 years ago to standing on the edge of the bridge before the two halves were joined together, what a site that was.   Anyway, back to the visit, up the M60 to junction 6, right at the roundabout then several smaller roads before arriving at a small sign for Ridgmont Hall, now this was a small track between some lovely trees and grassed area’s before arriving at the magnificent site of the Grade 2 listed building, Ridgmont House.
Parked up then had a mooch round as usual, it really is a lovely spot and even though I have been there a couple of times before it is just as spectacular on this visit, you can just imagine it as an ideal location for weddings, with the Bride arriving in a horse drawn carriage.
A lot of Brethren had arrived already and were buzzing around, lots of smiles and genuine handshakes of welcome that we all share in this the Mark Degree. The room used for dressing is on the ground floor then it’s upstairs to the delightful and well-equipped Lodge room. The meeting commenced on time and after several items of housekeeping our PGM. R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. entered accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was welcomed by the W.M. on behalf of all present and offered the Gavel, which he said he would accept for a short time so as to introduce the members of the team to everyone present. As soon as possible he handed the gavel back saying  with a twinkle in his eyes that “he didn’t want to deprive the W.M. from getting on with the Ceremony as he knew he was really looking forward to it” 
A first-class Installation was carried out by W.Bro. Clive E Butterworth assisted by several officers of the Lodge; the new Master Bro. John Michael Greenhalgh looked very pleased to have taken up the Chair of Adoniram. The Working Tools were presented and explained, the Keystone Jewel and Charity Jewel were likewise presented by W.Bro. Derek English, the address to the new W.M was given by W.Bro. Richard Leather PPrGJW. The address to the Wardens was given by the Provincial S.W. this was followed by the Provincial J.W. who gave the address to the Overseers then it was the one I always look forward to the address to all given by our very own P.G.M. Keith.
It was now time to congratulate the newly Installed Master, he was wished good health for his year in office and that the Lodge would enjoy the year ahead with maybe a couple of new Candidates. At this point usually a cheque for the Charities is handed over but, on this occasion, the W.M. John seemed quite embarrassed to inform Keith that the Treasurer couldn’t find the Cheque Book!!  He did say however that one would be arriving shortly in the post. (phew)
The PGM and Team now retired from the meeting and on closing everyone returned for the usual pictures to be taken to mark the occasion, then it was downstairs to the dining room for the Festive Board.
An excellent meal was served up by the very friendly and efficient hall staff, this was followed by the usual Toasts and very interesting and warm responses, then all too soon it was all over, another great meeting. Everyone said their goodbyes with the genuine handshakes we share in this the “Magic of the Mark,” then it was time for everyone to head home to all parts of the Province and looking forward to the next meeting to see old friends and those we have yet to meet.
Not a member of the colourful Royal Ark Mariner Degree yet just have a chat with the Ambassador in your lodge or the Secretary who will point you in the right direction to the very friendly and very interesting degree.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon, have a great summer with family and friends, Mark Well.
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro. Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. FSE. 1173