Wilbraham Welcomes a New Commander |
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5 March 2025 |
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| Signs of spring were definitely in the air as members and visitors gathered for the installation meeting of Wilbraham Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners, the premier RAM lodge in Widnes! | |
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WBro David Berrington, Wilbraham’s new Commander |
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| Once the lodge had been opened and the administrative business dispensed with, the Worshipful Commander WBro Alan Haslam proceeded to install his successor Bro David Berrington in an exemplary fashion, as well as delivering the address to the Worshipful Commander in a flawless manner, a true tour de force of ritual. | |
| After the conclusion of the installation ceremony the principal guest, WBro Mike Pinckard AsstProvGM, brought the greetings of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, congratulating everyone involved in the ceremony and wishing the new Commander good health for a busy year ahead. | |
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WBro Mike Pinckard AsstProv.G.M. with the new Worshipful Commander
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| Following the close of the meeting the attendees retired to an excellent festive board typical of Widnes Masonic Hall, including Yorkshire puddings that had to be seen to be believed! | |
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| Steve McNee ProvRAMGR D. Spec. Rep. Eric Drinkwater RAMGR PGM’s Special Representative, | |
Mike Pinckard Asst. Prov.G.M. and WBro David Berrington
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| In responding to the toast to the health of the Provincial Officers, WBro Mike emphasised the need to keep recruitment at the forefront of our efforts in both the Royal Ark Mariners and the Mark, pointing out that 50% of Mark Men in the Province were not yet Royal Ark Mariners! | |
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The Assistant Provincial Grand Master holding forth
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| In proposing the toast to the new Commander, the IPC WBro Alan Haslam remarked on the long friendship that he shared with WBro Berrington, extending back to their days ‘on the circuit’ as Masters of Craft lodges in Widnes. In responding WBro Dave Berrington thanked everyone involved in the ceremony most sincerely and also those brethren who had taken office, expressing confidence that the year ahead would be an active one. Finally, the Warder WBro Alan Lowe brought the proceedings to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving everyone to reflect on another super evening of Royal Ark masonry. | |
| Words and pictures courtesy of John Askew |
