Page 1 ‘North Island’ contingent on tour The annual visit of Lodge of Seafarers (and guests) to Newport, IOW, saw a crew of thirteen Glos Masons being hosted by the brethren of Albany Lodge at their installation. Masonry has been active on the Isle of Wight since the mid-1700s. Between 1795 and 1828, no less than sixty regiments were quartered on the island and half had regimental lodges. Albany was a “Modern” lodge, formed in 1801 under the Atholl Warrant and variously numbered 200, 249 and 176, before settling for the current No 151 in 1863. The lodge met in various pubs around Newport before the hall (left) was built in 1848; a fact which seemingly escaped the attention of the Secretary in the minute book of the day. Right, Bro Paul ‘Soapy’ Watson, (demonstrating a jaunty list to port), who originally hailed from Bristol, was on Rum Bosun duty for the festive board, dressed in HMS Victory uniform. Seafarers overseas . . . . . to Isle of Wight!