Aeon Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No. 1312. Wellington Park, Leyland
 
Thursday 6th December 2018
 
Central Lancashire Mark Festival Meeting.
 
Yes I still say it, another great Mark Meeting to look forward to today, I poked my head outside, it was cold and raining and I thought I’m going to have trouble with you know who, got my case pressed the button for the garage, sorry I meant the cars house, stepped outside and the Old Opel had that look of are you kidding do you really want me to go out in this. It was now 3.05 pm, I slipped inside and kept my fingers crossed, turned the key and it fired into life at which point I gave a sigh of relief. Off we set to you know where the wonderful M60 “Smart Motorway” Bah Humbug, well it is December, climbed up the on ramp, eventually made it over to the outside lane and began the crawl, I didn’t even get into 3rd gear until we had cleared the turning for the M62 and were approaching the M61 turn off. Now we could get moving, it was by now pouring down along with a strong wind and I’m sure as a form of protest the washers on my side stopped squirting!! Ah well never mind I’m used to it by now, I must learn some choice phrases in German.
Not quite heel to heel
SW Wicket
We need a picture of that

This chair suits the Prov DC
Like This
Not many hold ups and arrived safe and sound at Wellington Park, received a welcoming greeting from the Prov DC  W. Bro. Dave Emmerson who was at the door getting some fresh air, (well that’s what he told me), climbed the stairs, shook the rain off before making my way to the Lodge room to find it all in good order and already set up for the meeting. Members and visitors alike soon began to arrive, lots of genuine happy to see you handshakes, greetings and chat from all over the Province. It was really good to see that not only the PGM was in attendance but also his Dep PGM and his two Asst PGM’s, it just goes to show how important these Festival Meetings are, you can never tell what they are going to be about but one thing which for sure is that they are full of fun and if you haven’t made it to one of them so far when the next one comes along make a note in your diary and make a special effort to get along and see it for yourself.
That’s Better
The Secretary
I’m Taking Notes
Concentration
It’s here somewhere
The meeting was opened on time by the WM Bro. G. McKay at 6pm and before I could blink it went into Festival Mode, the DC W.Bro. Jim Hustler PPrSGD was placed in the WM’s chair and became the Quiz Master for this one off Final of “Who wants to be a Builder”, seats and tables were brought in for the teams, one consisting of Craft Masons the other made up of Mark Masons, following on from some early argie bargie between them lots of questions were put to them in turn including such as “What is a corkscrew” and “where did they receive it”, “name the two advertisements hung at the door of the chamber”, much laughter from all present and to tell the truth I can’t remember who actually won (I think it could have been the Craft) unfortunately I couldn’t photograph proceedings for posterity as the Lodge wasn’t called off, never mind I’m sure you can use your own imagination. This being a special meeting once the WM had been placed back in his chair and greetings and thanks had been conveyed from the PGM RW Bro. Keith Beardmore for all the members of the Lodge who had taken part, he retired accompanied by members of the Provincial Team and Distinguished Grand and Acting Grand officers. On closing the usual photo shoot took place which of course included members of the Quiz Team before everyone made their way down stairs for some liquid refreshments and to take up their seats at the Festive Board.
Hold it like this
Prov SW I must make this call
Attention
Now He’s Laughing
Asst PGM
An excellent meal was served up by the friendly efficient staff including my salad (still on a diet), I must admit I did have a couple of the mince pies, they will be my downfall.  Following on from the meal the usual Toasts and responses were given, all of which were on this occasion light hearted, the Asst PGM Giles Berkley PGStwd had some great humour and the other Asst PGM Ian Nairn PGJO was stand up comedian quality and yes our PGM joined in with a joke (a new joke) in his response which was very funny, yes very funny.
Friends
A Collection of DC’s
PGM with His Own Team & WM
WM with His Festival Team
WM with Acting Grand Officers
All too soon as usual it was over, we all said our goodbyes and stepped out into the cold night air at least it had stopped raining, no need for Tom or Garmin I think I know my way home from here and by now there will be no traffic, wrong, I joined the M62 went past Botany Bay round the bend and there it was three lanes stopped in front of me, it looked like the old coke advert with the tail lights of a line of wagons as far as I could see in the distance!!  Well we all sat there and engines began to be turned off, I phoned home and said I could be a while yet thinking that this was probably an understatement, but hey a Christmas Miracle happened within 15 minutes we began to move, further down the road they had coned off a lane complete with warnings but it looked like four of five cars had decided to continue down the closed lane and whoops they had crashed into each other.
PGM gives a Toast to WM
PGM & His Dep PGM
Two Asst PGM’s
Ready for a Nice Meal
W.Bro Mills & Prov Tyler
I pressed on and was soon passing under the bus stop on the bridge, fork right under the tunnel, over the high level with the view over the twinkling lights of the Trafford Centre just waiting for you all to take along your wives, partners, children and friends for some Christmas shopping, did I hear you say Bah Humbug..
Mark Masonry may not change your life, but it certainly changed mine.
Festive Board
 
Prov Shop
Here’s to the next Mark Meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, not a member of the colourful Royal Ark Mariners yet, why not make it a New Year’s Resolution to go a long and join at a hall near you and probably where you meet with your Mark Mason friends.
Two Merry Mark Masons
Prov SW & DC’s
  Mike & John

Ernie Our Prov Tyler
Here’s to a Happy Healthy Year to You and Yours,
Mark Well
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173