At a meeting of the Old Palmerians’ Lodge No 5632 Bro Anthony was raised to the degree of a Master Mason.
The ceremony was carried out at the Cross Keys Masonic Centre in Grays, Essex, a very comfortable and refurbished venue, dedicated in April 2013. Twelve brethren and guests from St Laurence Lodge attended this meeting, which they enjoyed immensely.
The Master and Officers of the Old Palmerians’ Lodge carried out the third degree ceremony in a most excellent manner. W Bro Alan Gardner conducted the first part of the ceremony including the Obligation and W Bro Mike Batt delivered the Exhortation and Charge. They were assisted by brethren from St Laurence Lodge and W Bro Keith Bleasdale, Bro Fraser Betts, W Bro Len West and W Bro Lawrie Morrisson gave the Traditional History, Working Tools, delivered the Walking Charge and acted as Junior Warden respectively.
After a superb meeting the brethren dined in perfect harmony, enjoying an excellent meal and the company of their brethren. A very kind toast to the visitors was proposed by W Bro Mike Batt, the Secretary of the Old Palmerians’ Lodge, and a response was given by W Bro David West from St Laurence Lodge.
The combined meeting was such a success that it was hoped by all that another such venture would take place in the future. However, it seems that the fortunes of the Old Palmerians’ Lodge may improve following a change in their recruitment criteria. They already have a candidate lined up and may be too busy with their own work in the future to help us out again. We wish them well.
Masters of St Laurence and Old Palmerian’s Lodges with Bro Anthony. 
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Brethren Carrying out the Ritual (from left to right).
Bro Fraser Betts (Working Tools), W Bro Len West (Walking Charge),
Bro Anthony, W Bro Alan Gardner (the Obligation),
W Bro Keith Bleasdale (Traditional History). 
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Brethren of St Laurence and Old Palmerians’ Lodges.
