Adoniram Lodge of Mark Master Masons.   Installation Meeting.
 
The Masonic Suite, Wellington Park, Leyland.  Tuesday 21st November 2018.  11am
 
Nice early morning trip today to the largest Mark Lodge in the Province for not just an Installation Meeting but a very special Installation Meeting, it will all come clear later. Not too much trouble getting the old Opel and his usual travelling companions Tom and Garmin out of their heated garage as it was a pleasant morning high clouds and no rain in sight. Off we set 9.30 am with one extra passenger today my nephew Norton, he is relatively new to our Degree but he loves it just like the rest of us, up the ramp on to the Smart motorway M60, we were travelling at 10 mph all the way over the high level bridge at Barton past the Trafford Centre in the outside lane as I have mentioned before so as not to get blocked in by traffic going on to the M62, arrived at the M61 and whoosh off we went back up to my usual travelling speed 70 well as you know it’s more like 80. (Opel prefers that speed so he can get back to his garage quicker, what I have to put with)
WM & Prov DC before the meeting
WM & Prov DC before the meeting
New WM on left
In no time at all I was coming off and arriving at that weird roundabout where you have to turn right but left at the same time, I always wonder which office bound genius designed it, anyway in minutes we turned into the car park at Wellington Park, the front area was full of very expensive vehicles, I drove round the back, not a vehicle in site, well I guess this where me and the poor Old Opel are supposed to park, never mind one of these days when the Lottery comes up.... mind you I think you have to be in it to win it.    
Prov DC & Dep Prov DC
Anti Room
 Anti Room
Lots of happy voices coming from the lounge bar area where members were relaxing with a coffee, I went upstairs to find the lodge room all in order with our Provincial DC Dave Emmerson overseeing everything as usual and chatting to the WM John Bicknell PGJD Provincial Grand Secretary, together they were checking all the detailed procedure needed for the meeting.
Kieran & Austin Friends for Life.
Group with New WM
Lodge Room Holding Fast
Before too long the time arrived for the Lodge to open, everyone gathered and found seats in the lodge room, the WM took his seat of office and off we went, the usual greetings, salutations were given to the PGM, his Deputy and Assistant PGM’s before several items were dealt with including a vote for a number of joining members which of course proved in favour, before the actual Ceremony commenced the outgoing WM John was pleased to present the PGM with a cheque for the West Lancs Mark Charities in the amazing sum of £500 which will of course be gratefully received and put to a worthy cause.
PGM & WM
IPM & WM
It was now time for the Installation of the WM for the ensuing year, now this is where I said earlier that this was a “Special Installation” the incoming Master was none other than W.Bro. Jim Mylan PGJD who in case you are not aware is in his 90’s, now how many of us has seen a Brother on his way to getting a card from the Queen installed in the chair of Adoniram, not many I bet, this happens in the Mark because it is a unique Degree which we are all proud to belong to.
Giles & Austin
Ernie always working
Festive Board
W. Bro. John Bicknell PGJD did a wonderful job as the Installing Master which included the presentation of the Working Tools, he was suitably congratulated on his work by the RW PGM W. Bro. Keith Beardmore along with the Lodge DC Dave Emmerson PGSD whose work was impeccable as always, Jim knows just what an honour it is to be chosen as the Master for Adoniram Lodge and to follow the many Illustrious names which can be found on the Past Masters List. The officers for the ensuing were presented and appointed, the address to the WM was given by the IPM John Bicknell, address to the Wardens by W. Bro. Giles Berkeley Asst PGM, address to the Overseers by VW. Bro. Ian Nairn Asst PGM and the address to the Brethren was given by the PGM RW Bro Keith Beardmore. This excellent ceremony came to a close and the Brethren held station whilst a few photos were taken to record this special meeting.
Festive Board
PGM Toasts  WM
Dep PGM Toasts PGM
Everyone made their way downstairs for a chat and some liquid refreshment before taking up the allotted seats reserved for them in the dining room, worthy of mention at this point is the wonderful organisation for the meeting and dining which is done by W. Bro. Colin Mills PGStdB, who is the not only the Lodge Secretary but also the ProvDGSec, everything sorted just as it should be.
 
An excellent lunch was served by the very pleasant and efficient staff, the usual Toasts and Responses were given including one to the new WM and a very gentle and warm response was given by Jim the Master of Adoniram Lodge for the ensuing year.
Two Asst PGM’s
All Smiles
WM & IPM Toast
Out into the warming glimmer of sun to travel to all parts of the Province, another great meeting to remember, I was especially pleased to meet up with Kieran Mullen who travelled all the way from Ulverston, we hardly see each other but since we were part of a Team a few years ago we are like Brothers and are always really pleased to see each other, I must get him a ticket for the Etihad one of these days. Fired the old Opel up and off we went, no hold ups whatsoever and before I knew it we were going under the bridge with bus stop on, fork right on to the M60 over the high level bridge, past the Trafford Centre and bingo home again, pressed the button slid into the garage where I’m sure I heard you know who sigh.
Arthur in charge of the Festive Board
Ernie Tylers Toast All Done
Always Smiling
Here’s to the next meeting to see old friends and as I always say those friends I have yet to meet, not a member of the beautiful and colourful Royal Ark Mariner Degree why not add it to your new year’s resolution list to come and join us.
Mark Well
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173