The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David C. Purdie, visited the Lodge of the West Gate of Mark Master Masons 1180, in Barnstaple, this week for their installation ceremony. He was supported by a strong team of active and past Grand and Provincial Grand Lodge officers.

The Installing Master, Worshipful Brother Dr Alan Howlett was exemplary in the manner in which he installed his successor, Worshipful Brother Michael O'Meara.

What was very poignant about this evening, was that in effect, it was a delayed installation from the previous year, due to the death of the Master Elect's mother in Ireland just 48 hours before the Installation meeting. Thus, as a result, Worshipful Brother Howlett remained in the chair for a further twelve months.

Following the meeting the brethren joined each other at the festive board, where it was a very enjoyable evening, in the true Masonic tradition.