Lawrence Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
Installation Meeting. Weds 20th November 2024
The Masonic Hall, Cunliffe St, Chorley
 
Here we go again, a Team visit to look forward to, it’s not raining for a change but it’s still grey and freezing, had to de-ice the car and wipe the snow off. The weather hadn’t made much difference to the M60 on ramp, still blocked as usual, where is everyone going!
Not a bad trip to Chorley the land of roundabouts, has anybody ever counted just how many there are, Tom Tom says at the roundabout take the first exit, at the roundabout take the second exit, at the next roundabout take the third exit and so it goes until you find yourself in a nice looking street with individual shops (not the usual supermarkets) on either side which I always find pleasing. Manage to get a great parking spot on Cunliffe St and in two minutes was inside the welcoming hall, and offered a warm cup of coffee, I always enjoy attending meetings here it looks like it is really being looked after, which is a credit to everyone concerned with its upkeep.
The meeting commenced on time at 6pm, a minutes silence was given by all for two recently departed Brothers and following several housekeeping items had been dealt with the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Keith Alan Beardmore GMRAC entered the Lodge accompanied by Grand and Acting Prov Grand Officers. The W.C. Bro. Melvin John Bradley welcomed our PGM on behalf of all present and offered him with the Sceptre which on this occasion he said he would accept for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Team to all present.
Once this was done and a duly constituted Assembly of Installed Commanders was opened Bro. Ralph Heyes was Installed in fine style by WC Melvin Bradley assisted by D.C. W.Bro. Vic Norris and other members of the Lodge, on completion all the members re-entered and had much pleasure in saluting their newly Installed W.C.
Our Dep PGM W.Bro. Giles Berkley PGJD. Then gave the address to the W.M. and all present before our PGM gave his personal greetings to the newly Installed WC who in turn was pleased to present two cheques one for the WLMC £147.50 and one in support of Chorley Masonic Hall, Keith was delighted to receive them which he said were both worthy causes and would be well received.  
Next came a surprise, the presentation of three, yes three Mark Grand Lodge Certificates, our PGM was pleased on this occasion to pass the honour on to the DPGM who in turn was happy to offer the opportunity for what is always a special event to one of our Asst PGM’s, W.Bro. Mike Pinckard P.G.Stwd, once his shock had subsided he did an excellent job for which everyone present gave loud applause. Before the PGM and the Team retired from the meeting the W.C. gave special thanks to Mike for his presentation.
On closing everybody made their way back into the Temple for the usual photographs to record the occasion, then it was off to the dining room to get their glasses charged before taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. A First-Class meal was served up by the very friendly and efficient Hall Staff, a real credit all concerned. I was sat with some very pleasant Brethren and together we had some great conversation, and when that happens the time just flies by, before I knew it, we began the Toasts and Responses.
Following the National Anthem to the King unfortunately I had to retire which was disappointing but I’m sure everyone enjoyed the rest of the evening, I certainly enjoyed every minute of my time at Lawrence Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, special Thanks to Bro. Brian Flynn, Scribe for all his hard work in organising the meeting.
 
Report and photos courtesy of W Bro. A.N Fletcher RAMGR