Tuscan Mark Installation 2018
 
T’was the week before Christmas and in the basement of Hope Street the Mark Masons did meet their new worshipful master to greet.  While it was a bleak mid winter outside Liverpool Masonic Hall on the 17th December it was all comfort and joy for the members and visitors to Tuscan Mark Lodge, No1099 Installation Meeting inside. 
Like all good festive gatherings there was fun and a little bit of villainy and a little bit of drink.   The Worshipful Master, WBro Sandy Kean Prov GStB opened the lodge and got through the general business of the lodge.  This had included the balloting for a joining member Bro Gil Smith.  With the ballot proving successful Bro Smith was admitted into the Lodge.   It was now time to admit the representative of the RW Provincial Grand Master, WBro John Bicknell, PGJD; Prov Grand Sec who was accompanied by WBro Mike Winterbottom PGSD the PGM’s Special Representative and other grand offices.
They entered with a fanfare and flourish, (well a virtual one).  After the greetings and salutations WBro Kean asked WBro Tom McLaughlin, P.Prov.GSO to remain in the chair of Senior Warden.  WBro Peter McIntyre P.ProvG.Stwd took the Junior Wardens Chair and WBro Bernard Ashley; PProv.GJD remained in the position of Inner Guard.  The Master elect Bro Alan Bresnan was presented to the WM by lodge DC, WBro Tony Kennedy, P.Prov GJW.
The Worshipful Master, WBro Sandy Kean then performed a fine Installation ceremony, which was enjoyed by all those who attended.     And the gifts kept on coming with an equally fine presentation of the Keystone Jewel done by WBro Derek Horrocks, PGSD, (Derek is one of the PGM’s Special Reps.).    The Worshipful Master then installed his officers for the new season, which included the included the confirmation of WBro Steve McNee as Royal Ark Mariner Ambassador.
It was now up to WBro Tony Kennedy to do the address to the Worshipful Master, which was done maintaining the high standard that had been set by WBro Sandy Kean.   The Wardens present, was the address given by WBro Colin Svenson, PAGDC; while WBro Tom McLaughlin unwrapped the address to the overseers.     Finally it was the turn of WBro John Bicknell to give a cracker of an address to the brethren which was of the highest standard and was the icing on the cake to a very enjoyable ceremony. 
At the conclusion of the ceremony WBro John Bicknell was again on his feet to bring the congratulations of the PGM to the new Worshipful Master, Bro Alan Bresnan on taking the chair.  He also congratulated the Installing Master, WBro Sandy Kean on the ceremony.   With Christmas being a time of giving, the New Master Bro Alan Bresnan presented two charity cheques to WBro Bicknell who eagerly opened them and thanked the Lodge on their generosity.   With the Installation meeting closed it was time to move to the festive board, via the bar of course. 
The ADC WBro Tony Collier; PProv GJD took charge of the festivities in the dining room, and scampered around like Buttons in Cinderella.   Now there are those who complain about my jokes, but not even I would not use some of the ones that were going around the dining table that night.  All clean of course but corny was an understatement!   In response to the toast Grand Offices, WBro Bicknell gave his own congratulations to the Worshipful Master and thanked the IPM for a fine installation ceremony.   John then went on to do the provincial notices, which included the Liverpool Associations Social evening to be held on 26th January at Hope Street and the PGM’s desire to see more Mark Masons join the Royal Ark Mariner degree.   After which John also explained the benefits of Lodges using the gift aid envelopes for charity giving. 
At the conclusion of WBro Bicknell response as is traditional with Tuscan Lodge there were the obligatory giant party poppers.  I mentioned villainy earlier, well if you could have seen the amount of confetti in the room after the poppers, then you would understand.  Before the night ended the Worshipful Master wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  We also would like to join WBro Bicknell in wishing Tuscan Mark Lodge and their new Master many candidates and a successful year.
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell