Nailsea Lodge of RAM No 1548

It was a great start to the new Year for the Lodge. With the Provincial Grand Master and his team of officers in attendance, Commander Phil Thorne and his team elevate Bro Richard Burlinson into the degree. PGM, R.W.Bro Phil Voisey congratulated the candidate and all those who took part in the ceremony. Also present this evening was the Deputy PGM, W.Bro Tony Guthrie and two Past Provincial Grand Masters, R.W.Bros David Nelson and John Morgan, who are also past Commanders of the Lodge.
The meeting was very well attended and the festive board afterwards up to the usual high Nailsea standard.

In the photo left to right, John Morgan, Phil Voisey, Commander - Phil Thorn, Richard Burlinson, Tony Guthrie and David Nelson.

Brother Mike Morrish’s first Ceremony as Worshipful Commander was indeed a busy one. The Lodge room was full to capacity with many members and guests including the Provincial Grand Master for Somerset, John Morgan accompanied by W.Brother Philip Voisey Deputy PGM. Also present were three Past Deputy PGMs, in the persons of VWBrothers Patrick Parker & Raymond Guthrie of Somerset & VWBrother Roger Blake of Gloucester & Herefordshire.
The Lodge also welcomed RWBro. C.A.Stuart Hadler, Craft Provincial Grand Master for Somerset & R.E.Kt. Barry D. Burridge, Provincial Prior, KT. What a night for the new Commander!
A ballot was held for a proposed Honorary Member W. Brother M. Thatcher which was unanimously approved by the Brethren. Brother Michael John Price, a member of Eldon Mark Lodge was balloted for Elevation into Nailsea RAM, subsequently approved & Elevated by the Commander & his Officers with as perfect a ceremony that all present had ever experienced. Incidentally Brother Michael had had only 8 hours-notice that he was the Candidate for this evening.
There next followed the Presentation of the Travelling Ark by the Worshipful Commander & 14 brethren of Thackeray Lodge, who requested the brethren of Nailsea to in turn take it to Bath to continue its two year journey around the Province.
A Grand Lodge Certificate was next presented to Brother David Peters by RWBrother John Morgan, who also had the great pleasure together with VWBrother Roger Blake to present a 50 Years in Royal Ark Masonry Certificate & lapel badge to W. Brother Peter Cornall, a wonderful achievement & one that many present would not have witnessed before.
This very busy & satisfying evening concluded with a splendid Festive Board, where the evening’s activities were happily discussed over a drink or so!
…copy/pics…Pat Morrisey.

At the January meeting of Nailsea Royal Ark Mariners Brother ‘Chips’ Rafferty became our newest member.
Chips as he is known to all, was conducted round the Lodge by Senior Deacon, Martin Slocombe. The ceremony was conducted by the Commander, Sam Glenn ably assisted by his Wardens, Mike Morrish and Lindsay Wilkins. W.Bro Geoff Nash communicated the secrets and Bro Grahame Bodman explained the working tools. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro John Morgan welcomed Chips into Royal Ark Masonry in the Province of Somerset.
Photo Left to right. Mike Morrish - Senior Warden, Commander - Sam Glenn, Candidate - “Chips” Rafferty and Lindsay Wilkins - Junior Warden.

Commander Dave Bush made an excellent job installing his successor Mark Golding in the Chair of the Lodge. It was great to see Bro Sam Glenn appointed Senior Warden after his considerable health problems this year and Bro Mike Morrish was appointed Junior Warden. The Lodge was also honoured with the presence of John Morgan the PGM and Past Commander of the Lodge and the Deputy PGM Philip Voisey. W.Bro Tony Guthrie Provincial ADC accompanied the PGM.