The Provincial Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother David Charles Purdie, who was on his 3rd evening out this week, travelled up to Crediton recently to join the brethren of the Unity Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners 783 recently at their Installation. On this occasion he was accompanied by Right Worshipful Brother Peter Balsom, Past Provincial Grand Master and Worshipful Brother Christopher Elliott, the Provincial Grand Secretary. It was also an opportunity for the Provincial secretariat to meet up and enjoy a evening together, with Worshipful Brothers Robert Palmer and Jon Webber, the Deputy and Assistant Provincial Grand Secretaries, also being present.
The Worshipful Commander, Worshipful Brother Brett Varker, who is also the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, opened the lodge and after welcoming “His Boss” and preferring the sceptre of the lodge, he presented the Provincial Grand Master with a cheque for £500 as a donation to the Devon Mark Charity Association.
The main event of the evening was to witness the installation ceremony of the new Commander. Worshipful Brother Varker and his team undertook their duties immaculately, and installed Worshipful Brother Graham Rowland in fine form as the new Commander of the Unity Lodge. He went on to install his sons, Brothers John Musty and Nick Chapman, and the rest of his officers for the year.
The next item of business was for a presentation of a Grand Lodge certificate to the lodges most recent Elevatee, Brother Melvin Sergeant, who stated he was already enjoying this wonderful order.
Following the meeting 34 brethren joined the new Commander at the festive board, which was filled with the usual humour and happiness that is always present at the meetings.
