Before too long the welcoming bar area was alive with happy conversation and laughter, as is usual when Mark Masons get together, happy to see other.   Before we knew it the time had come for the business of the evening the Installation of a new WM, the Lodge was opened on time and commenced with its general business, at the appropriate time W.Bro C.McNab GSD, the PGM’s Special Representative for the South Eastern Group entered the Lodge accompanied by Grand and Acting Provincial Officers. After the usual greetings and salutations the Brethren settled down to a wonderful ceremony which on this occasion was, as remarked later by W.Bro Chris a true team effort in every sense of the word.

Bro.Geoffrey Bowles was Installed in fine style by Russel Hopps (WM) ably assisted by W.Bro Vincent Wren ProvAGDC (AsstDC) and W.Bro Bob Barker PPrGJD, (DC), excellent to see these three Mark Masons working together in such harmony and much appreciated by all present.
On being Installed into the Chair of Adoniram the address to the new WM was given by Vincent Wren, address to the Wardens by W.Bro Nigel Paton, to the Overseers by W.Bro Gareth Jones and to the Brethren in general by W.Bro Chris McNab who also presented the Keystone Jewel.

After the presentation of the Working Tools by Bob Barker,  Chris McNab offered the congratulations on behalf of the PGM and all the Brethren present to Cloisters new WM, the Installation team and all the officers for presenting such a fine ceremony. In reply to the greetings given Geoffrey (WM) also thanked his fellow members and presented the PGM’s representative with a cheque for the Mark Masonic Charities.  Chris McNab was astounded and delighted by the amount given by a what is a relatively small Lodge and asked if he could disclose the amount to those present, it was for £250, a truly generous donation which will be well received and distributed to those in need.

Left: The Lodge awaits

Following the Ceremony some time was spent in good conversation and a few drinks in the Bar/Lounge area before taking up our seats for the Festive Board. A fine meal was served with a nice drop of wine and lots of chat with news from all parts of the Province, the usual toasts being honoured.

The IPM wished the new WM the very best for his time in office and described what an excellent year he had enjoyed and how fast it had past bye, in return the WM thanked everyone for attending and for all the hard work which had taken place by the officers of the Lodge, we also found out what the deep conversation was that he was having with Chris McNab during the meal, it was their love of sailing! I must admit the location Chris chooses for his water born leisure activities are usually in warm exotic parts of the world as oppose to the WM’s which quite often are in what Chris says are tricky waters off the coasts of Scotland. Think I would need lots of a different kind of water to go sailing of the Scottish coast (uisge beatha, the water of life).

Right: Geoffrey Bowles New WM. with Russel Hopps now IPM. (after ceremony)

I guess that’s what makes us all unique individuals, our differences, our outlook on life, our jobs, our families and our hobbies to name but a few, however there is one thing on which we all agree to be a Mark Mason is to belong to the “Happy Friendly Degree” a unique Brotherhood of Men, who are genuinely happy to be in each others company and who will travel miles to attend our meetings, here’s to the next one.