Ye Antient Order of Noble Corks
On the 5th January 2019, Pallant Cork Lodge was Consecrated in the Chichester Masonic Centre, with the original 5 members of Owers Light Lodge, Bros Bob Dixon, Mike Putnam, Tony Palmer, Colin Ballard and Mark Hoare, along with Bro Charlie Doe of Witterings Lodge, being the Founders. This group of six had travelled up to Hertfordshire in August 2018 to be “Enlightened” under the auspices of Radlett Cork Lodge so that on return, they would be able to form a Cork Lodge here in Chichester.
Radlett Cork Lodge, led by their Admiral Bro Chris Radford, conducted the Consecration witnessed by a further 27 of his crew. They Installed Bro Bob Dixon as Pallant Cork Lodge’s First Admiral and he then installed the remaining Founders as his Officer Corp. Once Installed, the Pallant crew then “Enlightened” eleven Bilge rats and welcomed aboard two Corkies from the Itchen Cork Lodge. To say that the evening was a success would be an understatement, as it raised in excess of £587 for local disadvantaged children or children with disabilities who fall outside the major charitable organisations
April 13th 2019 saw Pallant Cork Lodge meet as an independent entity, for the very first time. On this occasion 10 more Bilge rats were “enlightened” and a sum of £550 was approved in the form of financial help for a local family whose youngest child suffers from a very rare form of cancer. The evening raised a further £484 for this type of good cause and this money has been set aside for the next occasion such a need arises.
June 29th 2019 was our next meeting. Again, 8 Bilge Rats were “enlightened” and on this occasion we received into our ship’s company a joining Cork. During the evening, the sum raised for charitable causes was a magnificent £528 and all the members are to be congratulated for their generosity.
August 31st 2019 saw Pallant Cork Lodge meet for the third time under its own flag. The Lodge was opened to the strains of Popeye the Sailor Man (Pallant Version) and on this occasion 25 members were present to “Enlighten” our third tranche of Bilge rats, 6 in all. As usual, they come from all walks of life, although one, pleasingly, was an ex-matelot (even if he was a Stoker P.O.). If there is anyone reading this who feels they can improve the quality of our current ship’s company, then please get in touch. Under our ruminations we discussed our last presentation of £450 for a young lad called Jaxson who had cancer in one eye. Jaxson’s condition necessitated many trips to Moorfields hospital for treatment during which visits to local attractions to raise his spirits were unable to be enjoyed because of the treatment regime. Mum and Dad now just wanted to make his bedroom something special for him and get a couple of visits in to help improve his quality of life. We were delighted that we could assist in a small way. On the night, our Fund raising for the evening, Joining fees, Fines, Raffle and auction raised the magnificent sum of £560 which will be added to our outstanding money from the previous meeting which left everyone trudging over the gangway feeling justly satisfied. The way is now open for another deserving cause to be highlighted and hopefully assisted financially. Many thanks. As usual the Lodge was Closed to the strains of What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor (Pallant version).
Our 5th meeting on the 29th February 2020 saw Admiral Bob Dixon hand over Command to newly promoted Admiral, Colin Ballard, with the normal pomp and ceremony these occasions engender!!! Once again we “enlightened” six more Bilge Rats and a great deal of money was raised, £715 in total, all of which will help local disabled children.
The meeting of the Pallant Cork Lodge, due to be held on the 25th April 2020, was postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. However, keep looking to this page for further information on when our next meeting is scheduled to take place where again we will have another tranche’ of Bilge Rats eager to be “enlightened”? It never ceases to amaze me just how gullible some are after a “dinner time sesh.”
Finally, this is a “FUN” degree, and if you do not have the ability to enjoy yourself with a stupid hat on your head, a drink in your hand and the company of like minded people, this probably is not the degree for you?
On
a very sad note it is my duty to report that one of our founders, and
prime instigator of this fine Pallant Cork Lodge being formed, Bob
Dixon, Past Admiral, has been called to Higher Service in the Grand
Lodge Above on 24th November 2020.
He
will be so sadly missed by all who have had the good fortune to know
him. Rest in Peace dear friend and Brother.
Colin S. Ballard (Admiral)
