14th December Ormskirk Priory Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No1019 |
|
| A festive light display around Ormskirk market welcomed the members of Ormskirk Priory RAM, when they made their way to Masonic Hall for their 14th December meeting. | |
 |
|
Maurice Evans & Geoff Gill |
|
| This meeting is the one that puts Merry into Merry Christmas. There was not only the traditional Christmas meal and Carol singing to look forward to, but there was also an elevation to carry out. There was however a couple of negatives for the night with the Lodge Commander, WBro Bill Nolan in hospital in Spain! | |
 |
|
Ian Pye with Maurice & Geoff
|
|
| A couple of substitutes also had to be used for the ceremony. At short notice WBro Geoff Gill, IPC, took the Commander’s Chair for the meeting. After a successfully ballot; the candidate Bro Andrew Cunningham was for and duly admitted under the guidance of the acting Senior Deacon, WBro Derek Gaskell another last-minute replacement. | |
 |
|
Adam Woods with Maurice and Geoff |
|
| WBro Gill carried out a splendid ceremony which also included the signs. Then it was then the turn of WBros, John and David Rawcliffe. John gave an excellent explanation of the tools and David, (again at short notice), gave an equally first-class explanation of the steps. WBro Maurice Evans, the PGM’s Special Rep for the area welcomed Bro Andrew Cunningham to the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. | |
 |
|
Andrew Cunningham and Geoff |
|
| It was a pleasing meeting for the Lodge Guardian, Bro Stuart Cunningham who is Andrew’s Dad. During the risings WBro Maurice Evans presented Grand Lodge certificates to Bros Ian Pye and Adam Woods. With the Lodge closed in due form; it was time to dine. | |
 |
|
Maurice; Andrew Geoff; Fred and Stuart Cunningham (Andrew's Dad) |
|
| The atmosphere at the festive board great and it helped that this year we had an organist to accompany the Carol singing. It is tradition within Ormskirk Priory RAM, that the money raised from the collection plate and from the raffle at the Christmas meeting is donated to a local charity and this year was no exception. We wish Bro Andrew Cunningham a long and happy association with the RAM degree. | |
 |
|
John and David Rawcliffe |
|
| Ormskirk Priory Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, No1019, would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and happy and healthy 2024. | |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell. |
