Installation Meeting - 23rd April 2026

Thursday 23rd April 2026 saw Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971 hold its Installation Meeting, combined with the Official Visit and a North East Cornerstones visit – making for a very well attended and memorable evening.

The Lodge was opened and, shortly afterwards, the Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Jim Connolly, processed in the Provincial Team in what was a flawless and extremely well choreographed entrance. A distinguished mixture of 23 Grand Officers, Active Provincial Officers and Past Provincial Officers entered the Lodge, creating an impressive spectacle, including Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Duncan Lilley and Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters W Bros John Harvey and Bill Withers.

At this point the Lodge room was full, with nearly 70 Brethren present in what was a fantastic turnout. As this was also a North East Cornerstones visit, there were many additional visitors in attendance and we thank all those who made the effort to join us for the evening.

A particularly special moment came when five Provincial Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies present delivered a unique five-person salutation to mark the occasion.

The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, V W Bro David Perkis, then took the Chair and addressed the Lodge in what will be his final official visit to the North East Area before retiring as Deputy Provincial Grand Master on 1st July 2026. At the conclusion of his address, he returned the gavel to W Bro David Coleman.

W Bro David then Installed W Bro Les into the Chair in a wonderful display of ritual. David has been exemplary throughout his year in the Chair, leading the Lodge with enthusiasm and strong ritual work – setting a fine example for the junior members of the Lodge.

It was particularly pleasing to see the Light Blues involved throughout the Working Tools. Bro Dave Evans delivered the First Degree Working Tools, Bro Robert Page the Second Degree Working Tools, and Bro Sean Kavanagh the Third Degree Working Tools – all contributing excellently to the ceremony.

We also extend our thanks to the Brethren from Pegasus Forces Lodge and The Royal Air Force Lodge who kindly stood in as Inner Guard and Junior Warden during the Installation, whose support was greatly appreciated. W Bro Michael Rowbory also kindly stood in last minute as SW for the entirety of the meeting.

Following his Installation, Worshipful Master Les appointed and invested those officers present in a smooth and confident display. On this showing, we are undoubtedly in for a very good year with Les at the helm.

The Provincial Team then retired and the Lodge was closed shortly after.

The Festive Board that followed was lively, well attended and full of camaraderie. The Provincial Grand Stewards took charge of the raffle, and the Worshipful Master was delighted to announce that £420 had been raised for Kidney Care UK.

In keeping with our military character, it was suggested as a trial by the now Immediate Past Master, W Bro David Coleman, that military members of the Lodge wear their miniature medals during the Festive Board. This proved to be a very fitting touch and a welcome reminder of the Lodge’s strong military connection.

During the Festive Board, Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Duncan Lilley, on behalf of Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge – his mother Lodge – presented V W Bro David Perkis with a bottle of champagne and the Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge plaque (pictured) to mark his forthcoming retirement. Both Duncan’s presentation and David’s reply were warm and deeply touching.

During the toasts, WM Les gave thanks to W Bro Peter King, whom he has known since the age of 16, for recommending him to the Lodge as a joining member. He also thanked the Provincial Team, Lodge Officers (in particular the IPM W Bro David) and visitors for their support and attendance at the meeting.

Overall, this was a memorable evening and a fitting Installation meeting, enjoyed by all present. We thank everyone who came to visit and support the Lodge.

Our next meeting takes place on Thursday 25th June 2026 and is likely to be a Passing Ceremony. If you would like to receive a copy of the summons when available, feel free to send us a message.

We meet at Farnborough Masonic Centre.