Queensway Lodge of Mark Master Masons
 
Prescot Masonic Hall, High Street, Prescot.
 
An Advancement Ceremony. Friday 4th May 2018
 
Nice pleasant day, sun shining (yes that yellow thing in the sky) and a great evening to look forward to at Prescot Masonic Hall, set off early as usual, still no sign of the old Opel it was hiding in its garage, straight up the on ramp, easy traffic on to the M62, Jnc 6 and before I knew I was there, 3.30, now I know I like to be early but, it doesn’t start until 6pm!!
A Little Gem
Prescot Masonic Hall Entrance
The Cosy Bar
I drove in to the car park across the road where I have parked before, went to the pay station and read it over and over again, 2 hours maximum stay and no return, could I see the paragraph in the middle clearly stating free after 5pm, no. I went to the hall, nobody in site to ask, in the end I phoned the Prov Secretary to ask first is the meeting was still on and what’s happened to the car park, he said he hoped it was still on as he was just about to set off and the information received said it was still free after 5pm. Ah well off I went to read it once again, now I know I’ve been ill but there it was in 4” letters right in the middle of the huge sign, no charge after 5pm, you didn’t really expect any of my trips to be perfect.
The Friendly brother Behind the Bar
The Anti Room
The Dining Room Awaits
Stood in the nice warm sunshine and eventually a chap appeared from inside the hall and opened up, the first room you enter is the cosy bar with plenty of welcome seating, turn right and you find yourself in a wide corridor, to the left is the well presented Lodge Room and straight ahead another room with plenty of seats and tables for Regalia cases, carry straight on and you walk into the dining which was set up in excellent style for the Festive Board.
Small Garden Area
View Through the SW’s Wicket
View of Lodge from WM’s Chair
Soon members and visitors began to arrive all with a smile and genuine handshakes of happy to see you, for those who wished there was coffee and tea or a longer drink from the bar, served up by a member of the Lodge.
Steve “I’m sure it goes together this way”
The Prov DC looks on “I’m Saying nothing”
Now it takes two
The Prov Tyler W.Bro. Ernest Gavan came in with a big grin on his face as his vehicle was parked right outside the door of the hall, when asked how he managed it he said “I just phone up and request a parking spot as I carry all the Prov equipment for Team Visits and if there is any hesitation on the other end of the phone, I say “ oh and by the way I also bring the Boss”, now for some reason that always seems to get me a good space.
The Warrant of the Lodge
Two Happy Mark Masons
Eric Hart and PGM always ready to chat
When enough members of the Team had arrived the Prov DC W.Bro. Dave Emmerson got them together for the usual practise session which adds so much to these special meetings when the PGM is in attendance.
The Lodge opened on time at 6pm, now for those who do not belong to this special Mark Degree just let me mention how much it is enjoyed by those of us who are members and to give you an incite of how things are done with no complaints, no grumbling, let me say a few words as to the officers of the Lodge for the evening, the WM RW Bro. Walter Balmer PGJO is quite ill, the chair of Adoniram was taken up by the Lodge DC W.Bro. Ken Acton, the JW was on this occasion W.Bro. Richard Wilson PGStdB a visitor from West Lancs Lodge No.65 and the SD’s office was covered by the Lodge Secretary W.Bro. DAVID Richards PGStdB, the result was seamless, the Ritual perfect.
Ernie Prov Tyler “Do I Just Press This”
Ian and Giles “I tell you it was this big”
We are friends never mind the fish
Quite a few usual housekeeping items were dealt with which included the election of the WM for the ensuing year, Bro. John Askew (SW) was nominated un opposed, likewise the Treasurer W.Bro. RICHARD Humphreys PPrGJD was nominated un opposed, (even though he had just put up the Lodge dues) and the existing Auditors were once again re-instated.
The Lodge Junior Overseer
W.Bro.Richard Wilson (Acting JW)
Three members of the Lodge
Now it was time for the RW PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore to enter the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand  and Provincial Grand Officers to enter, he was offered the Gavel by the WM which is his right of course and on this occasion he said he would accept it for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Prov Team and other distinguished officers to everyone at the meeting but he did say (wiping his brow) that he would be sure to vacate the chair in good time before the Advancement ceremony began.
W.Bro. Ken Acton (Acting WM)
The WM and the New Mark Mason Bro. John Atkinson
Two Asst PGM’s, WM, PGM and the newest Mark Mason
Bro. John Kenneth Atkinson a member of Old Priory Lodge No.6362 was duly advanced in fine style into the Honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason, we are used to surprises in this degree but this one for me was very pleasant as W.Bro. Dave Emmerson PGJD the Prov DC was happy to assist the Acting WM by taking the chair of Adoniram for part of the Ceremony and you know what they say “if Dave doesn’t know the Ritual then nobody does” it was a ceremony which I and everyone present will remember for a long time.
The Meeting Group Photo
Just out for some fresh air or maybe not look at their hands
Ernie in Casual Mode
The working tools of the Degree were presented and explained by the SW Bro. Askew (in excellent style), the PGM congratulated the new Mark Mason and all the officers who had taken part in the ceremony, the WM was pleased to present Keith with a cheque for the West Lancs Mark Charities which was gratefully received. Now the PGM handed over to his Special Representative VW Bro. Eric Drinkwater PGJO who read out the details of a letter which is now presented to all new members as an introduction to the Mark Degree in West Lancashire including the special price for his meal at the Provincial Meeting on the 1st May next year, his introduction wouldn’t have been complete without also passing him that little blue book, “Mark Ritual” No.1.   It was now time for the PGM, members of the Prov Team and other distinguished officers to retire, (no not to rush off to the bar because they patiently wait outside to re-enter on the Lodge on closing for a short photo session to the record the evening for posterity) once that was completed it was time to get some liquid refreshment and share plenty of stories from around the Province before taking up their seats at the Festive Board.
The Prov DC announces the Festive Board
Festive Board in Full Swing
An excellent meal was served up by the very pleasant and efficient staff, the usual Toasts and excellent responses followed, “Wot No” Joke from the PGM !! instead he gave some comparisons from times gone bye to present day (I can’t lie I was already on my way home under strict instruction from her who must be obeyed due to my recent illness, info from my good friend Ernie).
PGM and WM Toast
The PGM and his two Asst PGM’s.
I enjoyed every minute of the meeting as I’m sure everyone else who attended did, here’s to our next merry meeting, to see friends I know and those I have yet to meet, to note the next visit of the PGM and his Team will be at Leyland Masonic Hall for a Re Dedication Ceremony (not seen very often) at The Walton Lodge of Installed Mark Masters on Tuesday 26th May at 6pm, interested?, contact VW W.Bro. Rod Bennison PGJO the Lodge Secretary on 01772 622806 or E Mail. bennisonrod@gmail.com
W.Bro.Richard Wilson, Special Rep and Giles
The Main Man behind the scenes
Oh, nearly forgot drove all the way home, no disasters, didn’t get lost, no motorways closed, it was a first
Mark Well in this The Happy and Friendly Degree
Austin N Fletcher. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173
 
Not forgetting if you’re not yet a member of the wonderful and colourful Degree of Royal Ark Mariners now is the time to consider joining us, just ask one of your friends in your own Mark Lodge to tell you all about it, many of whom are members and will probably have a form in their inside pocket!