Page 6 - Triangle Spring 2013Issue 13

Irwin Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners – Centenary Celebrations

On Monday 17th September 2012 the Irwin not until 1909 that meetings became stable The Provincial Grand Master greatly
Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners No. 119 and continuous, resulting in the approval by surprised Keith Surry, the lodge Treasurer,
celebrated its Centenary in glorious style Grand Lodge to issue a Centenary Warrant by announcing his promotion to Provincial
accompanied by over 70 brethren including in recognition of 100 years of uninterrupted RAMGR and investing him with a collaret;
the Provincial Grand Master David Brian existence to 2009. the honour conferred was not rejected!
Nelson and the Provincial Officers of the Distinguished brethren were received into the The meeting concluded with an extensive and
year; the lodge was further honoured by the lodge with much pomp and the Provincial lively five course banquet where brethren were
presence of R.W.Bro. H Keith Emmerson, the Grand Master occupied the Chair to receive entertained by speeches from the Provincial
Assistant Grand Master. the Assistant Grand Master who then took Grand Master, the R.W. Assistant Grand
Also in attendance were:- over and directed the proceedings after having Master and a most amusing visitors response
John Morgan-Deputy Provincial Grand firstly addressed the brethren. by David James the Provincial Grand Master
Master, Ryan Williams-Deputy Grand The meeting agenda included a short history for Monmouthshire.
Director of Ceremonies, Angus Hannagan of the lodge from W.Bro. Bob Newman, the All brethren attending the banquet were
-Deputy Grand Secretary, Paul W Tarrant - reading and presentation of the Centenary presented with a comprehensive bound copy
Grand Secretary Designate, David I James - Warrant by the Deputy Grand Secretary and of the Lodge history.
Provincial Grand Master for Monmouthshire the dedication of a lodge banner - which The lodge is very grateful for the kind and
and Roger Blake - Deputy Provincial Grand had been gifted to the lodge by W.Bro. John generous contribution made by Gerry Chilcott
Master of Gloucestershire & Herefordshire, Bathe-Taylor PCN - by the Provincial Grand who undertook all the printing.
plus a veritable host of other distinguished Master. An evening to remember.
visitors. The Assistant Grand Master commented ...Neil Hawes PCN, Pr.RAMGR
Irwin is the oldest RAM lodge in Somerset amusingly on the fact that it had only taken Scribe, Irwin Lodge.
and one of the oldest in the Country, having 139 years for the lodge to acquire one! Top picture shows, left to right: Keith
been Warranted on 13 April 1873, some 139 This was followed by another delightful Emmerson, John Muskett-WC, the Banner
th
years ago. Its chequered early history caused oration from Vernon Harding, Provincial Bearer, David Nelson & John Morgan.
it to suffer breaks in continuity and it was Grand Chaplain. More happy pictures can be seen below.

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