Team visit to Leigh RAM
   
The team visit to Leigh Lodge of Royal Ark Mariner No 1322 Installation meeting turned out to be one of the largest visits during this Masonic year with over 20 Provincial team members present for the meeting.
Brethren who were ‘kicked out’ before the Installation took place
The Provincial Grand Master, Peter Connolly was accompanied by Assistant Grand Master, Ian Nairn and Special Representative Ken Alker, together several other Grand Officers and Provincial Grand Officers.
The Provincial Grand Master with his provincial team and other Officers
The Worshipful Commander, Dennis Houghton was very ably installed by Bro Brian Bawden, now the IPC, assisted by the Provincial team. Derek Todd was appointed as Senior Warden and George Statham as Junior Warden.
 
Leigh RAM lodge is pleasant lodge and this was reflected at the festive board where good humour abounded with over 50 members and guests enjoying an excellent meal provided by the new caterers at Leigh Masonic Hall, ‘Mark, with Splendour’.
Ian Nairn, Peter Connolly, Worshipful Commander Dennis Houghton and Ken Alker
Ian Nairn in his speech, wondered what initiative the Provincial Grand Master would come up with next after the excellent Fun Day’s, held in summer, the Christmas Party held at Leyland Masonic Hall and the current initiative of the wonderful donation of Defibrillators to Masonic Halls. 21 have been distributed so far and the attendance at each of the presentations at Cleveleys, Chorley and Pemberton with over 70 members and guests at each and not all from the Mark Degree, a number of senior group officials from the Craft have also taken advantage to learn about the de-fibrillators and their life saving uses. Everyone is waiting with baited breath to see what ‘the boss’ of the mark Province of West Lancashire will come up with next.
 
There is a very convenient arrangement between Leigh RAM lodge and the Mark as the RAM lodge meets on the same night as Leigh Mark Lodge except for the Installation’s in January, with the Royal Ark Mariner meeting preceding the Mark lodge meeting on the third Monday of January, March September and November.
 
Visitors are always made very welcome.
Story and Photographs courtesy of Fred Lomax