Thursday 27th March 2025 and a super night for Caldene. The Commander W.Bro. Martin Grace running his first meeting since being installed in November 2024. On hand to see both an elevation and a joining member was W.Bro. Andrew J. Brown the Dep.Prov.G.M.
Martin welcomed all and opened the meeting. Perhaps more in hope than anything Martin then offered the gavel to Andrew, which was briefly taken, swiftly passed back with the words ‘thank you but, I am here to relax and enjoy myself so not tonight, Josephine!’
A ballot of course proved in favour and Bro. Dave Jones was welcomed into Caldene as a joining member. Then on to the main event which was to elevate Bro. Craig Oates a M.M.M. of Eland Lodge No.493. A great ceremony with Martin leading his team of officers in fine style.
A great and fun festive board with W.Bro. Clive Hawkins proposing the toast to Craig who he had actually proposed into Freemasonry originally. Clive said he was a keen and enthusiastic member of both the Mark and O.S.M. and would bring the same attributes to R.A.M. and to Caldene. Craig thanked Martin and all the Brethren for accepting him into Caldene and he assured us all his commitment to them and to the order.
Welcome Bro. Craig Oates now a Royal Ark Mariner. I am sure you will enjoy our order as much as you enjoy the Mark.
With thanks to
W.Bro. John M. Fitzpatrick