On Friday 31st October 2025 at our Trafalgar night meeting the lodge initiated a new Brother into our fraternity.
Some 86 brethren took passage on the evening; additional seats being needed in the lodge room before the meeting started. The lodge being opened in the first degree by the Worshipful Master W.Bro. Les Leek. Whilst the Tyler was preparing the candidate for his initiation, the WM continued with the lodge business, including the following declarations, Bro. Paul Tuckley as Master-Elect for the ensuing year, W.Bro. Tom Kennedy as Treasurer and W.Bro. Tom Fisher as Guest Tyler.
The initiate, Mr Gareth Owen, being suitably prepared for the ceremony, was lead into the lodge room with the initial part of the ceremony being conducted by the WM, just prior to the obligation of the candidate, the WM handed the gavel to a Past Master to undertake the remainder of the ceremony in a exemplary manner, the candidate was invested with his apron by the Senior Warden and prior to the candidate leaving the lodge room, Bro. Mark Evans delivered the 1st degree working tools for the first time in open lodge in a fine manner. Our new made Brother, retired to restore himself to his comforts. The gavel was passed back to the WM and the remainder of the lodge reports were concluded. On re-entry to the lodge Bro. Gareth Owen, received the Initiates Charge by W.Bro David Crump in a fine manner, he was also presented with a White Ensign scroll containing the initiates charge. The candidate took his seat in the lodge, all other items of business now being concluded, the WM closed the lodge.
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 festive board being to its usual high standard at White Ensign but also including the theme of remembering Lord Nelson at Trafalgar. The customary raffle also being held.
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. W.Bro. Ian Fothergill paid tribute to all those who have served and those who did not in his well-known manner. The candidate replied to his toast, given by W.Bro. Glyn Cardy.
The Masonic Shore Patrol were diligent in extracting the fines to a total of £223.50 The alms collection raised a further £770.00, the raffle raised £607 and the auction of 2 items conducted by W.Bro Ian Fothergill raised another £305.00. The total for the Trafalgar night being £1905.50
The evening being concluded by the initiates chain.
