Walls End
 
The installation meeting of the prestigious Unity Mark Lodge No 544 attracted some very distinguished members of our order who were present to witness Steve Walls install his successor Stuart Brackstone in fine style. Stuart is the representative of the PGM for the north of the province, or as we like to refer to it, the top of the province.
Stuart Brackstone and Steve Walls
Heading the list of the eminent attendees at Leyland Masonic Hall was our PGM Keith Beardmore who was accompanied by his deputy Geoffrey Lee along with his assistants Ian Nairn and Giles Berkley. Further lustre was added by the presence of Past PGM Peter Connelly and the present Grand Junior Warden Tony Harrison who is a Past Deputy PGM in the order.
Back row: Steve Walls, Alan Fairhurst and Gareth Jones
Front row: Geoffrey Lee, Tony Harrison, Keith Beardmore, Stuart Brackstone,
Ian Nairn, Giles Berkley and Peter Connolly
Unity Lodge was re-dedicated and re-invigorated in 2013 as a lodge for those who have served the office of warden in provincial grand lodge.
Rod Bennison and Stuart Brackstone
Although the ceremony was somewhat foreshortened Steve nonetheless undertook his work with all the panache and authority you would expect from someone whom has served for several years as an Assistant Director of Ceremonies for the province.
Andrew Dickson, David Rotheram, Keith Beardmore and Maurice Evans
The Mark Master Elect could not be presented by the D.C. as that position was actually held by Stuart. Rod Bennison was called into action to present his good friend to the installing master and he later delivered the address to the new Master in a delightful manner.
Some of the representatives from the top of the province
Back row: Russ Greenhow, Dave Sear, Alan Jones and Rowly Saunders
Front row: Brian Davey, Stuart Brackstone and Bill Joughin
Others played their part as Giles addressed the wardens as to their duties with Alan Fairhurst undertaking a similar role in respect of the overseers. Both played their part well and proved a pleasure to listen to. Bringing up the rear was Keith who matched the high standard of those who gone before as he orated the address to the brethren in an excellent manner.
The V.W. brethren
Gareth Jones and Alan Fairhurst were appointed, respectively, senior and junior wardens. The Steward is Ian Clark which means, if due protocols are observed, that he will be installed by Stuart at the next installation meeting.
 
On the day David Rotheram stood down as secretary to be succeeded by Andrew Dickson. David was praised for all he done for the lodge by Stuart and those remarks were reiterated later by Keith at the installation banquet. David’s service to our order has been acknowledged by him receiving the very high rank of acting Grand Senior Deacon.

The installation banquet
Maurice Evans was invested as treasurer having been elected to that post by the members despite giving a notice of motion to raise the fees! He too received praise for his efforts on behalf of the lodge.
 
The installation meal was enjoyed by 50 members and their guests with the usual accompaniment of good craic and plenty of smiles.
Words and pictures by Dave Sear