The Preceptory and Priory of Brisbane at Largs
The
founding and formation of the new Preceptory & Priory of Brisbane at Largs
took place on Saturday 20th February 2010, within the premises of Lodge 173
Largs.
The ceremony was carried out by the Most Em.Rev. Gand Master David AC Niven
GCT most ably assisted by the Officers of the Great Priory of Scotland.
A very large turn-out of fratres from all over Scotland filled the hall to
capacity with literally standing room only and the 195 fratres saw an
excellent founding ceremony followed by the Installation of the new
Preceptor and his Officers.
After the ceremony the fratres sat down to a well earned dinner.
Installation of District Grand Prior January
2010
The
Installation of Ayrshire's newest District Grand Prior, Rt.Em.Fr. John M
Turner took place on Saturday 30th January in the Walker Hall, Troon.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of fratres from within and
outwith Ayrshire. The Installation was carried out by the Most Eminent &
Reverent Grand Master David AC Niven GCT and Grand Officers of the Great
Priory of Scotland. A large and distinguished list of Grand Officers
accompanied the Grand Master as well as 7 District Grand Priors from the
sister districts.
An excellent dinner followed enjoyed by all of the 135 fratres who sat down
to the meal (doubly enjoyed by some!)
Presentation to Alzheimer’s (Scotland) group at
Irvine
The
Imm. Past District Grand Prior Rt Em Fr Peter C. Watson accompanied by Ven
Fr Iain Tremble presented a cheque to the Alzheimer (Scotland) branch who
meet daily at Irvine Central Hospital this will enable the group to help
fund some visits and activities within Ayrshire.
Presentation to Hollybush House
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. John M. Turner accompanied by the Past
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson presented a cheque to
Hollybush House to enable them to purchase equipment for the use of the ex
servicemen and women who are resident within Hollybush House. This cheque
from the Grand Almoner's fund was presented to the Past District Grand Prior
on the completion of his five year commission to be presented, in turn, to a
charity of his choice.
Presentation to Daldorch House School
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. John M. Turner accompanied by Imm. Past
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson presented a cheque to the
School Principal Shona Pinkerton, who stated that the school gives 24 hour
care to its residential pupils who are mainly autistic with ages from 5 to
21 years which helps to develop skills for independent living through
National Care Standards this enables the pupils to prepare for the
challenges that may be before them with measures in place to minimise the
impact of autism.
Presentation of Sport Equipment
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied by V. Em. Fr.
John M. Turner and Ven. Fr. George Young presented outdoor sports equipment
to the children of Haysholm Special Needs School in Irvine. This was funded
from the District Grand Prior's Charity Fund. The Head of the school Carol
Ramsay thanked the members of the District for their kindness and for the
presentation of the sports equipment on behalf of the children of Haysholm
Special Needs School.
Presentation of a Cheque to the Ayr Hospital
Radio.
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied by District
Grand Secretary V. Em. Fr. John M. Turner presented a cheque to the Ayr
Hospital Radio to help with their funds in running the Voluntary Hospital
Radio Station, which many of the fratres of the District Grand Priory of
Ayrshire have had the opportunity to listen to when within the various
hospital departments as a patient. District Grand Prior Peter also made
history as the first District Grand Prior to broadcast live on air to the
various hospital wards, informing them what our order was all about, and
wishing all of the patients seasonal greetings.
Cheque presentation to the “MOUNTIES”
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied by the District
Grand Secretary V. Em. Fr. John M. Turner presented a cheque to the Mounties
Young Adults Group to help and assist with their expenses in organising
various events with all of the members of the Mounties group during the
year.
Presentation of cheque to Gardening Leave
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson , accompanied by V. Em. Fr.
James H. H. Edgar, visited Gardening Leave and presented a cheque to it
founder and Chief Executive Anna Baker Cresswell. This is a charity for ex
servicemen and women who are afflicted by combat stress. The charity helps
service veterans to come to terms with life outwith the service environment
with gardening and associated therapeutic projects. This being the first
such gardening organisation in the United Kingdom to work with and assist
service veterans, the charity receives no funding from any government
department or otherwise and solely relies in charitable funding and support
from public donations.
District Christmas Treat
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson and District Grand
Secretary V. Em. Fr. John M. Turner, visited the Sick children’s ward at
Crosshouse Hospital to present sweets and toys to the children. The Ward
Sister thanked the members of the District for this very kind donation, and
for thinking of the children at this time of the year, all sweets and toys
will be disbursed over the festive season to the children.
Remembrance Sunday
The
District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson accompanied the Venerable
Preceptor of Springvale Preceptory Ven Fr Stuart Walker and Em.Fr. Alex
McAllister in laying a wreath at Saltcoats Cenotaph in remembrance and
respect to the fallen of the two Great Wars and continuing to this present
day - “ At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember
them”
District Grand Priory of Ayrshire Golf
Competition.
The inaugural DGPA golf competition took place at Brunston Castle Golf Club
on Sunday June 14th when 14 fraters battled in brilliant sunshine to be the
first to have their name engraved on the Watson Golf Trophy. The cream came
to the top when 7 handicapper Tom Dunlop of Ayr Preceptory returned a
remarkable score of just 3 over par to win the competition by a wide margin.
He was duly presented with the Trophy and winner’s prize by the District
Grand Prior, Peter C Watson. In 2nd place was Andrew Kirkland of Catrine &
Sorn closely followed by Eddie Lawless of Cunningham Preceptory, 4th went to
Doug Hollingworth. Nearest the pin prize at the 10th hole was won by
newcomer Callum Harrison, soon to become a member of Springvale. A most
enjoyable day was had by all and the sum of £185 was raised for the District
Centenary Fund.
District Fishing Competition
On Sunday 7th June the District Grand
Priory of Ayrshire held it’s Annual Fly Fishing Competition held this year
at Burns Fishery, Tarbolton. Thirteen fratres and two “friends” took part.
Conditions were not ideal with a good blow across the fishery and fishing
was slow. When the fish did come, they came hard and fought hard as Fratre
Davie Kirk will verify, losing two excellent fish when they headed for the
island’s weed.
In all 29 fish were landed totalling 68lbs 7oz
1st
Fr. Robert McCrea Garnock Vale
5 fish 12lbs 7oz
2nd
Ven Prec John Porter Garnock Vale
5 fish 12lbs 2oz
3rd
Ven Fr William Dykes Catrine & Sorn
4 fish 10lbs 2oz
Heaviest fish Fr Joe Pettigrew
Moira Union
3lbs 2oz
Best visitor Michael Shirkey
2 fish 6lbs 3oz
Our thanks to District Grand Prior Peter Watson for sponsoring the trophies
and Fr Tam Stewart of Moira Union for sponsoring the heaviest fish, also to
all the fratres who brought raffle prizes and to Burns Fishery for the
terrific lunch.
Ven Fr William Dykes (Fishing Organiser)
The MacKean Trophy
Below is an excerpt taken from the
Minute Book in 1933
“At the Annual Muster of the District Grand
Priory of Ayrshire held in Largs on the 28th Jan 1933 the District Grand
Prior V. Emt. Fr.Major Norman M MacKean G.C.T. intimated his intention to
present a Trophy for Bowling. It was to be designed by Fr. D. M. Brown,
District Grand Treasurer, and would serve a double purpose as the Offertory
would be collected therein. Likewise it would always be brought to the
Annual Muster. There would be no entrance fee and no badges, the purpose
being to cement good feeling among the Preceptories”
MacKean Bowling Competition 16th May 2009
Once again on Saturday 16th May the Fratres of the Preceptories of Ayrshire
made the annual pilgrimage to Springside Bowling Club to compete in the 76th
Annual Bowling Competition for the MacKean Trophy and for the right to
display the MacKean Trophy in their Preceptory.
After Honorary Vice President Joe Wallace welcomed the Fraters to Springside
and handed the green over to D.G.P. Peter, who replied in suitable manner,
our banner was raised and it was game on.
As I said in my Devine Service report The Lord is guid tae his ane and such
was the case to day, the weather was kind with just a spit or two of rain.
The Trophy this year was contested by eight Preceptories with Springvale and
Loudoun Castle not being represented but I would like to thank Fr John
Stevens and Ven Fr Alex McAllister of Springvale and Ven Preceptor John
Smith of Loudoun Castle for making the effort to turn up and on behalf of
DGP Peter and myself I wish to thank all who turned up, but a special thanks
to the Fraters who at very short notice stood in to make up some teams.
The big topic of discussion this year was the defection of Davie Ramsay from
Garnock Vale back to Moira Union. When asked to comment George Hood refused
to say if it was voluntary or was he shoved. At the completion of the
sections it was “A” Catrine & Sorn and “B” Garnock Vale to contest the
final.
Garnock Vale rink – G Hood, J Steven, J Porter and Skip T Dalzeil..
Catrine & Sorn rink- J Hodge, J Steele, J Dobbie and Skip R Allan.
After two ends Garnock Vale were ahead and held their nerve and went on to
become the 2009 MacKean winners. DGP Peter congratulated both rinks on a
splendid final and presented the section “A” winners shield to Catrine &
Sorn. It was very apt this year that Venerable Preceptor John Porter was a
playing member of the winning rink, Skip Tom Dalzeil was presented with
Section B winner’s shield, winner’s pennant (thanks Mrs. C) and Bowling
figures along with the MacKean Trophy.
DGP Peter had donated a bottle of “Swing Whisky” and thanks to V Fr Willie
Kyle for selling the tickets and raising a £160 for the D.G.Priors Charity
Fund, the winning ticket going to V Fr Frank Frew of Catrine & Sorn. .
Pilgrims fare, what can one say, an excellent meal.
A big thanks to V. Fr. Alex McAllister for selling the raffle tickets - the
star prize being a Bottle of Haig’s Dimple thanks to V.Fr Jim Dobie which
was won by V.Fr D Murray thanks to all Preceptories and individuals for the
donation of prizes, the sum of £207 being collected for the D.G.Prior
Charity Fund.
DGP Peter brought the day to end by handing the green back to Honorary Vice
President Joe Wallace and thanking him for the hospitality of Springside. As
this was is his last duty as DGP at the MacKean competition he handed the
District Banner for safe keeping to DGP designate John Turner. Thanks to all
who made it a most enjoyable day, thanks to the ladies and bar staff for
excellent service, also thanks to V Emt Fr Jim for his organisation and
raffle.
DGP Peter concluded by wishing everyone a safe journey home.
V Emt Fr J HH Edgar P. P. (Bowling Organiser)
Church Service 10th May 2009 - The Old High Kirk
Kilmarnock
It is a true and old Ayrshire adage that “The Lord is guid tae his
ane” and to-night once again it was proven true as the fratres of Ayrshire
were blessed once again with a lovely spring Sunday evening for their annual
divine service in the The Old High Kirk Kilmarnock. This was District Grand
Prior Peter’s last divine service as our District Grand Prior after having
given five years of devoted service to our glorious order and it was the
last service to be conducted by the Rev. William Hall as he is due to retire
later in the year and it was very fitting that the Fratres of Ayrshire
mustered to show appreciation to District Grand Prior Peter and the Rev.
Hall. District Grand Prior Peter was supported by Past District Grand Priors
Right Eminent Fratre John Draper P.P.KCT., Right Eminent Fratre Robert Smith
P.P. KCT and Commissioned Officers and Fratres of the District Grand Priory
of Ayrshire and it was their pleasure to welcome The
Most
Eminent and Reverend Grand Master David A. C. Niven P.P. GCT., Rt Emt Fratre
James R Hodge P.P. KCT., Grand Seneschal, R Emt Fratre Gavin Wardrobe, P.P.
GCT, Grand Constable and Rt Emt Fratre Charles Archibald P.P.KCT.
Representing sister districts were Rt Emt Fratre John Taylor, Past District
Grand Prior of Dumfries & Galloway, Rt Emt Fratre Alan R H Watson, District
Grand Prior of Fife and Kinross, Rt Emt Fratre Tom Anderson, District Grand
Prior of Forth Valley, Rt Emt Fratre James M Pettigrew, District Grand Prior
of Strathclyde, and Rt Emt Fratre Gordon Carris, District Grand Prior of
South East Scotland. Members representing Sister Orders were Bro Archie
Chambers, Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire
and Most Excellent Companion Gordon Booth, Deputy Grand Superintendent of
the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ayrshire.
After all were seated The Rev. William Hall wished all a very warm welcome
after which he invited all to worship. The readings were by Ven Preceptor
Scott Singleton of Cunningham & Ven. Preceptor Alex Richmond of Muirkirk.
Once again we were blessed by the singing voice of Sheila Carswell. Ayrshire
is unique in that we are blessed by the
attendance of Sheila and I am sure she will have attended more services than
many Fraters and long may she continue.
At close of service, as the church hall is under repairs, the Fratres and
families enjoyed an Al Fresco Pilgrims fare so ably laid on by the Ladies of
the Guild. DGP Peter closed the evening by presenting a bouquet of flowers
to Sheila and to thank the Rev Hall and mark his retirement he was presented
with a decanter and glasses engraved with the insignia of the District Grand
Priory of Ayrshire. A donation was uplifted and presented to the Ladies of
the Guild as a thank you for their hard work.
DGP Peter thanked all who had travelled from near and far to join in worship
with the members of the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire and wished all a
safe journey home. He congratulated the Grand Master on his Installation and
Enthronement and wished him a most enjoyable and successful term in office.
V. Emt Fr J HH Edgar P.P. DG Prelate
Annual District Quiz Night
On Wednesday 6th May 2009 the Annual District Quiz Night was held
within the Social Club of Lodge Irvine St Andrew No. 149
This was also the occasion of the regular Muster of Cunningham Preceptory ,
a large number of fratres from within the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire
took part in a most successful and entertaining evening.
The
Quiz Master Ven. Fr. Ray Parker diligently ran the general knowledge quiz,
the evening was a complete success with a substantial sum of money raised
towards the District Centenary Fund. The winning team from Cunningham won
the District Quiz Shield for the first time after a tie-breaker with last
year's winners Catrine & Sorn, and were presented with the shield and an
individual prize from the District Grand Prior Rt. Em. Fr. Peter C. Watson.
The team with the most unusual name came from Muirkirk who won with the
amusing title of “Three frogs and a toad ”
The District Grand Prior Peter thanked all who had attended and had so
sportingly taken part, and to all who had helped in some way towards making
the quiz night a success. This being his last official evening running the
quiz he hoped that the District Grand Prior designate John Turner would have
as much fun and delight as he has had over the last five years organising
and running this annual event. He then wished all a safe journey home.
Enthronement of New Grand Master
The enthronement of the new grand master Most Em and Rev Grand Master David
A.C. Niven GCT. took place within Freemasons Hall, George Street, Edinburgh
on Saturday 2nd May. This ceremony is unique in the world only being carried
out in Scotland and was attended by Grand Masters and representatives of
Great Priories from all over
the
world. Also in attendance were senior Grand Officers and representatives
from sister Orders within Scottish freemasonry. We in Ayrshire were
represented by the District Grand Prior Peter C. Watson and Grand Seneschal
Rt Em Fr James R. Hodge KCT. Also in attendance were our four Grand Officers
V. Em. Fr James H.H. Edgar, Grand Bearer of Vex. Belli, V. Em Fr David Park,
Grand Steward, V. Em. Fr John Turner, Asst. Grand Secretary, and V. Em. Fr
J. Ross Campbell, Deputy Grand Mareschal, accompanied by the members of
Grand Masters Guard of Honour Ven Fr Reid Allan and Ven Fr Dennis Morton and
fratres from within the District Grand Priory of Ayrshire. The day was an
outstanding success and we in Ayrshire would like to congratulate the Grand
Master and all Grand Officers in their new offices.
