Twenty-two brethren and wives, from as far as Lancashire, Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, London and Kent, met at Gatwick on Sunday 7th May 2006, to fly to Antigua. The party included two Right Worshipful Brethren, Derek Hugh, District Grand Master for the S&E Caribbean and Provincial Grand Master for Kent, RWBro Roland Wade with his wife Pat. VWBro Brian Vickers, Past Deputy PGM for London was also in the party as indeed were Bros Ralph Craig, John Knight and Eric Williams. This year the itinerary included Antigua, St. Thomas US Virgin Islands, Tortola British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Bardados and St Lucia. The purpose of the trip was to consecrate a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge and two Mark Lodges as well as attending the Annual District Meeting.

Sunday commenced with a BBQ and steel band at Shirley Heights in Antigua. It was crowded with more revellers arriving as dusk fell. On Monday the party travelled to St Thomas. On Tuesday the Charlotte Amalie Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners was consecrated, with twenty Founders – RWBro Roland Wade Installed the first Commander and gave the Address. On Wednesday, travel to Tortola was by ferry where, the Tortola Lodge of MMMs No.1874 was consecrated with thirty-eight Founders.

A two-day rest in Antigua provided opportunities to visit the exclusive Jumby Bay Island, whilst others visited Nelson’s Dockyard. We then travelled to Dominica, a very beautiful country still very green and tropical. The next day, the Dominica Lodge of MMMs No. 1873 was Consecrated with 26 Founders. Some then travelled to Barbados for a special Mark meeting. Two rest days provided the opportunity for relaxing and sight seeing.

On the Saturday, the Annual District Meeting took place at St. Lucia with members from as far as Trinidad, Guyana, Barbados, St Kitts, Antigua, Monserratt, as well as UK brethren in attendance. The District now comprises 22 Lodges with more planned for next year. Our Provincial Grand Master RWBro Roland Wade had a very busy ‘holiday’ being involved in all the Consecrations. The trip was certainly a busy two weeks, but most enjoyable and great fun. We are looking forward to next years trip, now being planned.

WBro Ralph Craig

Ed45, p14