Royal Oak Lodge No 5919 held its annual installation meeting, at which Ronnie Coles returned to the helm after last serving as WM in 2009. His return to the chair of King Solomon was warmly received by the brethren and marked a welcome moment of continuity and experience within the lodge.
The evening required some quick adjustments as the outgoing WM, Martin Poole, was unable to attend due to illness, the lodge had to make last minute changes to the planned proceedings. Thanks to the commitment and preparation of the installing officers and the wider membership, the ceremony still ran smoothly and with dignity.
IPM Andy Greenlees opened the lodge and conducted the business up to the third degree. At that point, director of ceremonies, Alex Tomlinson, entered the lodge room to announce that John Robbie Porter, representative of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, requested admission.
The presence of grand officer John Robbie Porter added formality and significance to the occasion and the ceremony that followed reflected the lodge’s teamwork, tradition and pride. With the formalities complete, Alex Tomlinson then took on his second role of the evening as installing master. Installing officers took their positions and Arthur Cartain presented master elect Ronnie Coles in a confident and well delivered manner.
Ronnie was installed into the chair of King Solomon and the master’s tools were presented by Gordon Hinchliffe. The address to the master was delivered by Arthur Cartain and the third degree tools were presented by Stuart Brown. The second degree tools were presented by Derek Ginger and the first degree tools were presented by Derrick Gibson. Andy Walch gave the address to the wardens and John Davis gave the address to the deacons with John Robbie Porter delivering the address to the brethren of the lodge.
On completion of the installation ceremony, the grand officers retired from the lodge to attend to duties in Mable’s room and await the festive board. Ronnie, now in his rightful place, requested the senior warden to close the lodge.
An excellent roast beef dinner was served at the festive board, where the usual toasts were given and speeches made. On a special note, and as far as the lodge is aware, for the first time a toast was offered to the absent outgoing WM. This was made possible by a thoughtful gesture from John Robbie Porter, who telephoned Martin Poole during the toasts so that the assembled brethren could collectively wish him well.
John Darrell then sang the Master’s Song with genuine warmth, giving the moment the dignity it deserved. The generosity of the gathered brethren who supported the raffle was overwhelming, raising £385 for good causes along with £86 from the almoner’s collection plate.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a clear sense of pride in the lodge for the way the ceremony and festive board had been conducted. The installation of Ronnie Coles marked not only a return to familiar leadership, but also a reminder of the strength and unity within Royal Oak Lodge. With renewed enthusiasm and the continued support of its officers and brethren, the lodge now looks forward to a successful year ahead, building on its traditions while embracing the opportunities that lie before it.
