Imperial Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.1276
Installation Meeting Friday 3rd December. Poulton-le-Fylde Masonic Hall
A great evening ahead, off we set up the ramp on to the M60, (no blockage), then it was the M61 again no traffic,  a few lane restrictions on the M55 and pretty soon arrived in Poulton which seemed very busy, parked up in the same exact bay as my last visit, put in the reasonable amount requested for parking all day and as it was quite early as usual I set off to have a look round the square in this fabulous ancient small town.
The Lodge Entrance
St Chad’s
Get on board
The Altar
Lots of Beautiful Windows
Even more surprises were in store it was the Towns Christmas Fayre and Market which included a tour of the town by Santa, brilliant, lots of stalls selling everything you could imagine, homemade items including very tasty cakes, I think they call it “Artisian” now. Some great rides had been set up for children of all ages, Christmas trees, coloured lights were all around and the local shops were buzzing including my personal favourite “The Pork Shop” was doing a roaring trade, I couldn’t resist and bought some pies and a couple of sausage rolls for going back to Urmston later. (it’s a good job it’s not round the corner from my house).
Complete with Tree
Festive Board is Ready
Checking the Lodge Room.
SW’s Chair
JW’s Chair
Anyway, back to the meeting, the hall was nice and warm and very welcoming, tables were made up in fine style ready for the Festive Board, it looked splendid. Before too long members and guests alike began to arrive bringing  their welcoming greetings all parts of the Province.
WM’s Chair
Dave and Arthur
Act. Prov DC
WM Elect I’m Ready
 
 
View from WM’s Chair  
Through SW Wicket
The meeting was opened on time at 5pm and once the usual items of business had been dealt with following the knocks on the door our R.W. PGM W.Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers, the gavel was offered by the WM which on this occasion Keith said he would be pleased to accept for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Team to everyone present. Special mention was given to one member of our provincial team who has been absent for several months following a quite serious accident at home, W.Bro. Arthur Robinson who is the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, this was greeted with loud applause by all present. Great to see you Arthur. The PGM with a glint in his eye said he was pleased to hand back the gavel as he knew the WM was really looking forward to carrying out the Installation Ceremony.
ADC Ready for Action
Always a Smile
Lets Practice
Hard Working Treasurer
The W.M. Bro. Chris Sage carried out the Installation of the Master Elect Bro. Charles Roger Stansfield assisted by the IPM, W.Bro. Clive Gitsham, the D.C. W.Bro. Roland Alderton and other members of the Lodge. Once the new WM was seated in the Chair of Adoniram the Keystone Jewel was presented and explained by W.Bro. Tom Sloan, the Working Tools were presented and explained by W.Bro. Andrew Stansfield, Address to the Wardens by (here he is again) W.Bro. Clive Gitsham, address to the Overseers by W .Bro. David Winder Prov S.W. and one of the highlights I always look forward to is the Address to all present which is given by the PGM Keith, I always find it quite moving.  
New WM and Chains
Bob McGown and the PGM
NEW WM and All
New WM IPM and New Treasurer
Promotion for Clive
Three merry Masons
On completion of the Ceremony the newly Installed WM Bro. Roger Stansfield was pleased to offer Keith two cheques on behalf of the members, one for the West Lanc’s Mark Charity to the value of £500 and one for the Hall Development Fund to the value of £200, he said what an outstanding amount it was and that both would be well received and used wisely, both were received with loud acclaim.
Festive Board in Full Swing
He’s not even had a Drink
Cheers All Round
d
The PGM then asked for W. Bro. Clive Gitsham to be presented to him on the floor of the Lodge where he was congratulated on reaching his 50 years as a Mark Master Mason and what is a really rare event he said he was delighted in giving him a field Promotion to that of Past Provincial Grand Inspector of Works, Clive said for once he was speechless, I think his expression said it all.
The Warrant
A great meeting was coming to an end, and it was time for the PGM to retire accompanied by the Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, a short time later when the W.M. had closed the meeting the usual photo session was completed, liquid refreshments were obtained, and everyone took up their allotted seats at the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served to all by the very friendly and efficient staff, traditional Toasts and Responses were enjoyed by everyone present. At the evenings conclusion the newly Installed W.M. Charles Roger Stansfield was very pleased to present Keith with, no not flowers on this occasion but a lovely bottle of Bombay Gin, which was well received.
View from the Lodge
Exec and Special Rep
PGM & Clive Gitsham
Installing WM
Stay Safe. Get in Touch with your Family, Friends and members of your Lodge who you haven’t seen for a while.  Are they well, are they alone, Christmas is coming, Give them a Call, TX, E Mail even a quick note/card.
Chains Are Here
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173.               
Happy Christmas to All