Cleveleys Mark Lodge Installation Honoured by the Prov. G. Secretary |
21st September 2016 |
| From the moment I found out John Bicknell was representing the RtWProvGM at the Installation meeting of Cleveleys Mark Lodge, and that Tony Blundell was doing the ceremony, I decided to travel all of the 5 minutes walk from my home to be there! |
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John Bicknell, New WM Bob Walker & IPM Jimmy Rogers |
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Chain gang - Howard Emmett & Giles Berkley |
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Provincial Wardens Alan Foster & Alan Fairhurst |
| WM Jimmy Rogers very graciously allowed IPM Tony Blundell to perform the ceremony, as Tony had only done the short version when installing Jimmy a year ago. A typically generous gesture from Jimmy, which Tony will never forget. I have to say, this was one of the very best Installation ceremonies I have ever had the honour of witnessing - Tony had clearly worked long and hard to achieve such perfection, guided by DC Greg Grove and ADC Tony Hough. |
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What a grand attendance! |
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Special Rep John Forster & Craft AsstPrGM Harry Cox |
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The Provincial Wardens surround Brian Gregson |
| This is a very strong Mark Lodge, and all the ritual was superbly delivered. The address to the WM was given by our very hard-working Special Representative for this area, John Forster, in his usual perfect manner, that to the Wardens by Alan Foster ProvGSW, to the Overseers by Alan Fairhurst Prov.GJW, both brilliantly delivered, and of course the Principal guest John Bicknell delivered the address to the Brethren with his own special delivery. The support of a whole galaxy of Grand Officers proved the high regard in which Jimmy Rogers is held around the Province, who all remember the wonderful work he did as the Provincial shop-keeper, and he is still the presenter of King Solomon's Temple all around the country, with Jeff Smith. |
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Come on Intruders & Cowans! Jim Barnes will win.... |
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Great to see Joe O'Brien back in Lodge |
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Glenn O'Brien, Paul Smedley & Terry Murtagh |
| After dinner, Jim Barnes naturally won the computer tablet thingy, because he was the only one of us who could work it! Well done Jim. John Bicknell congratulated the WM after dinner, along with the officers, IPM and of course the Installing Master Tony Blundell, who did such a good job that he is being kicked out of the Lodge for the forthcoming year.... but only as far as the Tyler's room thankfully! John also mentioned the bling on show - the two Acting Grand Officers, Howard Emmett and Giles Berkley, both wearing their chains proudly. he also thanked all the other Grand Officers, and especially John Forster, our Special Rep for all his hard work. John went on to thank the Provincial Wardens, Alan Foster & Alan Fairhurst, and ProvAGDC Brian Gregson. Greg Grove, the Lodge DC was promoted to PProv GJW in May, and John congratulated him on his promotion. |
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Bob Bennett & John Lee |
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Steve Clarke, Tony Blundell & Steve Hagan (next WM!) |
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Tony and Jimmy surround the new WM |
| Our Provincial Grand Secretary then went on to mention the health awareness evenings covering Diabetes, Stroke, Prostate and Alzheimer - details all over the Province, and also on this website. |
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Provincial Tyler Ernie Gavan argued with a car boot! |
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Provincial Grand Secretary entertains the crowd! |
| He also mentioned May 3rd 2017, Provincial Grand Lodge at Southport, at which all Mark Master Masons are welcome, and the children's party on December 11th at Leyland, free of charge for children, who will be entertained and fed! W Bro Bicknell then thanked the Lodge for the charity donation and went on to encourage membership of the wonderful Royal Ark Mariner Degree. |
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John Bicknell in full flow |
| In his turn, Tony Blundell proposed the toast to the new WM, Bob Walker who has according to my notes, been married for 44 years, has 2 children, and once lived in Florida, but thankfully came back. Bob responded by thanking all the officers who took part in the ceremony, especially Tony Blundell, who received loud applause at this point. The WM said how much he is looking forward to seeing SW Steve Hagan going into the Chair next year, and thanked all his guests for coming along. |
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Jim Barnes won the tablet! |
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Glenn O'Brien has 2 candidates for the RAM Degree |
| The Lodge secretary John Whitley deserves special mention for organising everything so well. |
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DC Greg Grove not at all worried about the WM |
| To finish this perfect evening, Tony Blundell even did the Tylers Toast!! |
| Words & pictures by Giles |
