Dr Robert Duncan Smith Advanced into Cleveleys Mark Lodge No 1176
 
Wednesday 21st November 2018
 
On a chilly November evening, a goodly number of Mark Men assembled at Cleveleys Masonic Hall for the much anticipated advancement of Duncan Smith. The Lodge was opened at 6.30pm prompt by Bro Daren Gardner WM and the agenda proceeded with until , following a report  WBro Tony Farrar , Provincial AGDC entered and announced that the RW Provincial Grand Master , Bro Keith Alan Beardmore stood without and demanded admission. Our RW PGM was escorted into the Lodge along with WBro Giles Berkley PGStwd APrGM and introduced to Bro Gardner who welcomed them warmly. The PGM then said that this was a totally unplanned visit. He and Giles had just been passing, saw a light on and decided to investigate (Pull the other one. Its got bells on!).
PGM Greets Duncan
We then witnessed a fine ceremony of advancement by Bro Gardner, ably assisted by Bro Bob Stafford as Senior Deacon and Mike Thistlethwaite presented the Working Tools. Bro Smith was welcomed to our order by our RWPM whose wish was that his association with us would be a long and happy one.
PGM, WM Daren Gardner, Duncan Smith and Giles Berkley AsstPGM
We then retired to the bar (Where else?) and then to the Festive Board where our RWPGM and our Assistant took their leave having dined previously. A most enjoyable meal ensued with good food and even better company and, after coffee, Duncans proposer and good friend WBro Harry Cox PGSD rose to propose the toast to his health. For those who are unfamiliar with the man, Harry explained that Duncan is a member of Broadwater Lodge and Hesketh Chapter. He is also a member of Quingenti Lodge as a Past Provincial Steward, served as WM of that Lodge and later as DC for a number of years. He served the North Fylde Group of Lodges & Chapters for some fourteen years as secretary, vice chairman and, ultimately Chairman, and is now an APrGPs in the Royal Arch. A most distinguished mason indeed.
 
 
Duncan responded by thanking Harry for his kind words and explaining that it had always been his intention to become a MMM as soon as time and circumstances permitted and he felt that now was the time. He looked forward to taking an active part in Lodge affairs in due time, and thanked all present for their attendance and support, especially Bro David Kenworthy WM of Semper Fidelis Mark No 880, Bro David Britton WM of Wyre Mark No 754, and Bro Brian Ogden WM of Fylde Mark No 296. Brian was making the most of his last night as WM as he installs his successor tomorrow!
 
 
The Tylers Toast closed the evening and was given, very quietly and hurredly by WBro Ernie Gavan. Ernie was a touch under the weather and losing his voice. As a consequence, his wife had instructed him to be home early as, not being used to him being so quiet, she dident want to miss a minute of it !!!!.
Words and pictures by Howard Emmett