Friday 5th December heralded the start of the new Masonic year for the Lodge with the installation of its Worshipful Master for the ensuing year.
There were some 52 brethren of White Ensign lodge and visitors / guests including the 4 Provincial team officers taking passage for the Installation meeting. The lodge was opened in the first degree by the Worshipful Master, W.Bro. Les Leek for the commencement of the lodge business. The Presiding Officer demanded admission and was subsequently processed in, and received the gavel from the WM, likewise the SGW and JGW taking the Wardens pedestals. W.Bro. Ian Fothergill presented a reminiscence from 40 years ago of the lodge consecration. The WM and his Wardens resumed their respective pedestals. The APGM presented Grand Lodge certificates to Bro’s Neil Cramb and Matthew Price.
The Entered Apprentice left the lodge room and the lodge opened in the second degree for the obligation of the Master-Elect Bro. Paul Tuckley, on conclusion the Fellowcrafts left the lodge and it then opened in the third degree. Master Masons who had not been through the Chair then also retired from the lodge and the installation continued. The board of installed master convened and Bro. Paul Tuckley received the benefit of installation from W.Bro. Les Leek into the Master’s Chair.
At various stages the Brethren who had retired from the lodge returned for the proclamation of the new Worshipful Master by a Past Master. The Presiding officer gave his address to the new Worshipful Master. The Worshipful Master invested his officers for the ensuing year. The Provincial Wardens then giving their respective addresses to the lodge Wardens and the Brethren. On conclusion of the ceremony the Presiding Officer, the Provincial team and Grand Officer were processed out of the lodge room and the remaining business being concluded, ‘Cooks to the galley’ was piped by W.Bro. Tom Kennedy and shortly afterwards the lodge was closed.
The assembled brethren then headed down to the bar to receive the customary ‘tot’ of rum and other liquid refreshments before heading into the mess deck for the festive board. The Masonic Shore Patrol were eager to get going and relieve the assembled brethren of their money on any pretence that could be mustered by the Master At Arms. The Masonic Shore Patrol were diligent in extracting the fines to a total of £131.01 The alms collection raised a further £332.00, the raffle raised £278.00; the total for the evening being £741.01
