Lodge Tarbolton (Kilwinning) St James No 135

		The Lodge held it's annual Honorary Members degree on 2 Dec 2011. Bro. Stewart Cruickshank PM Lodge Ayr St Paul No.204 took the chair and led a team from various Lodges throughout the Province as well as from 3 Sister Provinces. Two candidates received the Mark master degree at their hands in a relaxed but very satisfactory manner.
	At the Regular meeting on 21 Oct 2011, a second degree was conferred by Worshipful Senior Warden Bro. Ian Davidson and his conferring team. This was also the occasion of the Annual Visitation by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ayrshire. Substitute Provincial Grand Master Bro. Samuel Peden headed a Deputation of 11 Brethren from PGLA in to the Lodge The SPGM read his report which was full of praise for the workings, administration and finances of the Lodge. Acting PGWSW Bro. William Grant spoke on donations by the Lodge to Masonic and Non Masonic charities. Acting PGWJW Bro. John O'Neill spoke on the degree work and praised all who took part in the night's degree and the other workings of degrees both in and out of the Province. A clear minute was granted. The SPGM also took time to present Bro. Matthew Parker Train PM with a Jubilee Diploma for fifty years service. The SPGM spoke on the service given by Bro. Train not only to Lodge St James but to the PGLA. Bro. Train thanked the Lodge and PGLA in his own inimitable and humorous fashion.
	On Friday 18 February 2011, Lodge St John Catrine No.497 visited Tarbolton to confer the Fellowcraft Degree. 82 Brethren signed the attendance book and witnessed Right Worshipful Master Brother Alex Tanner work an excellent rendering of the degree. Following on from the meeting a pleasant evening was had by all in the company of our Brethren from 497.
	RWM Bro. William Lindsay held a Mark Degree on Friday 3 December 2010 which, as his last meeting as RWM, he handed over to the Honorary Members of the Lodge. Two candidates were advanced to that rank by Bro. Stewart Cruickshank PM Lodge Ayr St Paul No.204, who headed the Deputation. He was assisted by Bro. Gordon Heggie PM Lodge Tollcross No.1194, Bro. Jim Smillie Lodge Coila St Andrew No.1334, Bro. Ronnie McCormack PM Lodge St Barchan No.156, Bro. Jim Sturgeon PM Lodge St James Newton-upon-Ayr No.125, Bro. Robert Kerr Lodge Coila St Andrew No.1334, Bro. David Dick RWM Lodge the Bonnie Doon No.565, Bro. Jim Bell PM Lodge Prestwick No.1060, Bro. John Hay PM Lodge Coila St Andrew No.1334, Bro. Bobby Watt PM Lodge St Barchan No.156, Bro. Adam Cunningham PM Lodge St Andrew No.126, Bro Jim Cameron PM Lodge Tollcross No.1194, Bro John Coats Lodge Troon Navigation No.86 and Bro. Tam Fergusson also of Lodge Troon Navigation No.86.
The RWM welcomed PGLA in to the Lodge on 15 Oct 10 on the occasion of the Annual Visit. SPGM Bro. Drew Rankine headed the Deputation. The RWM also welcomed Brethren from The District Grand Lodge of Palliser in Canada, representing the Grand Lodge of Alberta Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. This Deputation was headed by the District Deputy Grand Master RW Bro. Ken Montgomery accompanied by our own RWPGM Bro. Archie Chalmers. Following a FC Degree the Lodge was awarded a clear minute. Bro montgomery spoke on his visit and his family research. At the close of the meeting he was given a tour of the Lodge museum and a brief history of the Lodge which included mention of his Montgomerie connections in the local area.

On 24 Sep 2010 RWM Bro. William Lindsay welcomed over 90 Brethren in to the Lodge. A visit was paid by the RWPGM Bro. Archibald Chalmers who was delighted top present a framed photograph of the MWGMM Bro. Charles Ian Robert Wolrige Gordon of Esslemont to mark his appreciation of the hospitality shown by the Lodge on the occasion of his visit to Ayrshire on 22 May. As well as the EA Degree being conferred on two candidates by DM Bro. James Davidson, the RWM was delighted to receive a Deputation of Brethren from the Danish Constitution, headed by an Honorary Member of 135, Bro. Peder Nielson PM Lodge Phoenix no. 817.

The PGL Indoor Bowling Competition was held on Sunday 8 February 2009 at Prestwick Indoor. The competition is sponsored by Bro. Archibald Patrick of Lodge 1060 and Bro. Gordon Middleton of Lodge 314. The results are as follows Runners up: Lodge Tarbolton (Kil) St. James 135. Bro. Alex Stevenson, Bro. Danny Christie, Bro. John Rae and Bro. Jim Scott. Winners: Lodge Tarbolton (Kil) St. James 135. Bro. Billy Duffy, Bro.Neil Christie, Bro. Peter Brown and Bro. Joe McGinley.

Approximately 90 Brethren attended the competition and all enjoyed the days bowling, and filled roll with Tea or Coffee at the start of the day followed by a good Lunch.

On Friday 6 February 2009 Lodge Coila St Andrew No.1334 paid a visit to 135 to confer the second degree. After an excellent ceremonial, the RWM Bro. Duncan Fenwick conferred Honorary Membership on RWM Bro. Jim Smillie. RWM Bro. Jim stated that it was a great honour to receive this. He was overwhelmed by this gesture and promised to support Lodge St James to the best of his ability. The Brethren then adjourned to the Masonic Club for a Harmony meal.