Prescot Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners. Installation Meeting
Thursday 13th November  2025. at 6 pm
Prescot Masonic Hall, High Street, Prescot
 
Another great meeting to look forward to, it looks quite straightforward on the map, but are any journeys like that anymore? Here we go M60 on ramp was so/so for a change but once we actually made it into lane one, as usual tail lights as far as could be seen. Crept along till arriving at the M62 turn off, I’m guessing it will take the same amount of time to actually get to Prescot as these first few high speed (not) motorway miles over the high-level bridge.
Never mind we have the meeting to look forward to, simple directions from M62 take Junction  6 on to the A57, a further few miles and the sign said Welcome to Prescot, well this is where the fun began, up and down the Main Street, looking this way and that way, no obvious Masonic Hall. Eventually dumped the car and started walking, asked a local walking his dog, he said ere lads it’s just round corner down a ginnel, and so it was.
The Hall is just like Dr Who’s Tardis, outside nothing special but once inside it opens out into a very pleasant lounge area with comfy seats and a well-stocked bar, passing through there is a similar area. Next you pass the doors of the Lodge Room, before continuing to a small room used for robing. Everything looks clean, really smart and well maintained, a real joy in fact.
All the members of the Lodge greeted us with a smile and the genuine handshakes of friendship we all use, lots of chat and memories old and new from all parts of the Province, our PGM Keith always joins in which catches some by surprise because as we know our leader has a genuine heart and is happy to chat with anyone a genuine person now this doesn’t happen in some parts of the Country/Provinces.
The meeting commenced on time at 6 pm, following some housekeeping items it was time for the Team to enter lead in of course by the PGM, he was welcomed by the Worship Commander on behalf of all present and offered the Sceptre, he thanked the W.C. but said on this occasion he declined it saying there was much to do and was sure the members were eager to continue with the Ceremony.
Once the usual questions had been asked and answered, all below the rank of an Installed Worshipful Commander were asked to retire for a short period, the Installation of Bro. Thomas Grimes continued at a pace and in as fine a style as you will see  by W. Bro. Jorge Perez, who also gave the address to the new W.C.  The Working Tools were presented and explained by Bro. Raymond Parr who on the night was presented with his Grand Lodge Certificate by the V.W. Bro Giles Berkley DPGM.
 
All the members and guests who were outside the Lodge entered and gave their personal salutations to the newly Installed Worship Commander, our own Provincial Grand Master R.W Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C then congratulated the new W.C. Bro. Thomas Grimes and wished him and all the members a healthy and happy year ahead, the W.C. was pleased to present a cheque to the value of £250 for the WLMCF which Keith said a magnificent amount and would be well received and put to good use by the needy, he also made comments on how well the ceremony had been conducted by all and especially by W.Bro. Jorge Perez.
 
Keith then had much pleasure in giving a Field Promotion to W.Bro. Dave Richards which received loud acclaim from all present.
 
My favourite address to all was given by our PGM, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve heard it  I find it is always a delight, and the words said with such genuine feeling. That was it the meeting concluded and everyone made their way back to the Lodge Room for the usual photographs to mark the occasion, then it was off to charge glasses before taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.
An excellent meal was served by the very efficient and friendly Hall staff, I notice the Chef a really nice guy keeping an eye on proceedings, the usual Toasts and some excellent responses followed. A large raffle for the Charities was taken and sadly once again another meeting was over. Everyone gathered to say their goodbyes with a smile and once again with our genuine handshake of friendship we all share, then it was off into the dark, cold night at least our hearts were warm from a meeting to remember. Special Thanks to Roger the Scribe and Les the Treasurer for the help and communications. Here’s looking forward to the next one.
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro. Austin N Fletcher. RAMGR