Thursday 30th January 2025 and a busy night at old York in Cleckheaton. Was the attraction the presence of the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W.Bro. G. Gary Parker, was it because it was Installation, was it because there was a candidate to Elevate or, was it the fact it was a Burns night with haggis and a world champion Piper to entertain? Who knows.
In any event a great night. Gary was offered the gavel but politely declined despite being told it was tradition at Old York that at his first visit as A.Prov.G.M. he should indeed take the gavel and run the whole evening. Not sure this is the truth but, maybe a vain hope by the W.C.N. that Gary just might take it. Garys main reason for declining was he didn’t want to take away the opportunity for all the hard work the Lodge had put in to make it a success and, in any case his ritual was not really the same as that of Old York. No real reason however as any regular visitor to Old York will tell you their ritual is not the same at any meeting anyway!
First was the Elevation and Bro. Duncan Craig McIntosh was Elevated in fine style and took his place in the Lodge. Next was Installation with W.Bro. Keith Watson being Installed as W.C.N, again in fine style. Once the Lodge was closed the Brethren retired and were piped out of the Lodge by newly Elevated Craig who is a former World Champion piper. His skills didn’t stop there as he also addressed the haggis after piping it into the dining room.
Festive board was scotch broth, Haggis neeps and tatties with kale and a pepper corn sauce. Apparently, this is the way a lot of Scots enjoy haggis and not like others who pour whiskey over it. This I am told is a waste of good whiskey……There was whiskey to be had with plenty on the tables to go round with the newly installed W.C.N. the provider.
Good things were said at the Festive board with Gary bringing news from the Province regards the progress that is being made with increasing numbers in both Mark and RAM and, the forthcoming visit to Portal RAM No.127 which will be an escorted visit with the Provincial Grand Master present to see Old York bring the travelling Porphyry stone to Barnsley on Wednesday 26th February 2025. This is likely to be a popular event so if you intend to go, please book in ASAP with Portal RAM.
Plenty of fun and banter from both Bro. John Clough who gave the toast to the visitors thanking them for their company and regular support of the Flagship Lodge. W.Bro. Billy Light responded saying it was always a great night at Old York and, he and all the visitors always looked forward to coming. Closing he confirmed yes, it was indeed the Flagship Lodge but only of course in Cleckheaton!
Andrew Johnson
Communications Manager