West Lancashire Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.65
Installation Meeting Weds 3rd November 2021. Liverpool Masonic Hall
 
Set off in high spirits for the Team Visit to this very old and well-respected Mark Lodge, founded in 1864, all seemed well, however, the ramp on to the M60 was back to normal, jammed solid, slowly made it along the Smart motorway, (not) to the M62, all the 50 / 60 mph signs which were in place for months have been removed. What a pleasant surprise all was going well until I reached the start of the normal roads into Liverpool, 35 minutes to get to Hope Street, next problem, where to park, not had much trouble before but in the words of the old song, “Those Were the Days My Friend”
View towards the Front Door
The Lodge is nearly ready
The SW’s Chair
Once inside soon chilled out, went into the Artists bar which is situated at the front of the building and had a nice cup of coffee, members and visitors were slowly arriving including the Provincial Tyler, W.Bro. Ernie Gavan who transports all the items needed around the Province for the Team Visits along with our PGM, R.W. Bro. Keith Beardmore. The Lodge Secretary W.Bro. Richard Wilson PGJD arrived early having had an accident on his way into the building he’d tripped and sustained a nasty gash to the bridge of the nose, amazingly he soldiered on after being attended to by a first aider, they don’t build them like him anymore.
The Lodge opened on time and dealt with its usual business items before the PGM entered accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers, all were well received and after being offered the gavel the PGM said he would be delighted on this special occasion to accept it for a short time so that he could introduce the members of the Team to everyone.
View through the Wicket
The WM’s Chair
View from the WM’s Chair
Memorial
Memorial Inscription
The S.W. W.Bro. Jack Poller PPrGSD was presented and then Installed into the chair of Adoniram in fine style by the outgoing W.M. Bro.William J Skinner PPrGSD, the D.C. W.Bro. John Roberts PPrGStdB and officers of the Lodge who put their heart and soul into the Ceremony. Once the W.M. had settled himself into his new office the PGM rose and gave him his personal congratulations along with the Installing Master and the DC, he wished them and all the members of the Lodge a healthy and happy year ahead with perhaps a few Candidates.
No he’s just resting his eyes
It’s Practise Time
Bill No Nerves Skinner!
The W.M. thanked Keith for his good wishes and was pleased to present him with three cheques which totalled £500, the PGM said this was truly an amazing amount which would be well received and put to good use by those in need. The address to the WM was given by W.Bro. Skinner, address to the Wardens by the AsstPGM W.Bro. Giles Berkley, address to the Overseers by W.Bro. Eric Hart and finally the one I always look forward to, the address to all the Brethren was delivered in fine style by our PGM.
Oops I’ve Lost Someone
This Sword is Heavy
What A Star Secretary Richard Wilson
W.Bro. Giles Berkley Asst PGM had great pleasure in presenting a Mark Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. Robert Beeton  then it was time for the PGM to retire from the Lodge along with the Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, after a short wait for the meeting to come to its conclusion there was the usual photo session before everyone made their way to the dining room for the Festive Board.
Keeping the Lodge in Order
A Grand Collection
Giles Keith & Eric
A first-class meal was served up by the excellent and friendly staff and I personally enjoyed some very pleasant conversations with three members of the Lodge one of whom was the S.W. Bro. Brian O’Hare. The Toasts and Responses followed the meal and were well received, on checking my watch I was amazed to see just how time had flown by. Everyone said their goodbyes with genuine handshakes of friendship before setting off into the chilled night air.
The New WM and IPM
The New WM and IPM
PGM & W.M. Jack Polle
 I made the mistake of thinking ah well it can’t be as bad getting out of Liverpool as it was coming in, 25 minutes later only just made it to the M62, where was it coming from and going to?  !!  That was only the beginning of the nightmare journey home after about ten minutes I could see nothing but red taillights as far as could be seen in the distance, signs started to appear stating three lanes closed leaving just one open!! Nothing was moving, an hour later we had travelled about four miles, I thought this must be a major incident, 10 car crash, road collapse, Aliens landed, horses in the carriageway,  you would never guess what was causing this chaos, they keep going on about save the environment, fuel waste, exhaust gasses etc, the reason when finally getting to the blockage, two vans and five men using hand strimmer’s to trim the grass which was short already at the edge of the hard shoulder, oh apology not the hard shoulder we no longer have these safety areas.
Giles & Keith
Festive Board Enjoyment
Arrived home gone twelve o’clock, got a small Laphroaig, sat in a comfy chair to reflect on the evening, the meeting itself was a joy along with all the Brethren I had met, I think it may be worth trying a train on the next visit.
Always with a Smile
Our Acting Grand Steward
Where am I
Here’s looking forward to the next meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, take care of each other and stay safe.
Ernie with the Tylers Toast
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173