The Fylde Mark Lodge Installation goes brilliantly
 
24th November 2016
 
Fylde Mark installed their new WM on the 24th of November, and what a special meeting this was. The Lodge is one of the most successful, and is honoured by the membership of the Provincial Grand Master, Keith Beardmore, and his Special Representative John Forster, so we were expecting a good show!  The packed Lodge room was treated to a really good display of Mark ritual, with IPM Peter Green standing in for WM Bill Snell, (who was unable to attend) to install new WM Roy Rhodes.
A Grand Design!
Giles congratulates our latest WM
What a wonderful Lodge
Giles Berkley, WM Roy Rhodes & John Forster
Peter Green installed Roy wonderfully!
It was wonderful to see Bernard Hopkinson deliver the working tools, and a young man got up and delivered the address to the WM as a surprise - I could have sworn it was Keith Beardmore, but he denies being there!  Ernie Gavan addressed the Overseers, and Bob McGown addressed the Wardens, with Giles Berkley, the representing Officer, addressing the Brethren.  Giles brought the best wishes of the Prov.GM to the new WM, and the brethren of the Lodge, and the new officers were all pleased to be in their new stations.
7 WMs in attendance
Some serious preparation
Discussing Mark ritual....
Masters All, enjoying the day!
Representing Officer Giles greets new WM Roy Rhodes
The Festive Board had a real buzz about it - this Lodge was here to enjoy itself! Giles mentioned the wonderful return to health of our Rt.W.Prov.GM, to great applause. He also spoke of the colourful RAM Degree and encouraged membership for those who have not yet taken the step. He thanked John Forster for all his efforts as the Prov.GM's Special Representative, and he mentioned organist Peter Brown, who has been ill, and was welcome back!  Ernie Gavan P G Std B and Wally Atcheson Prov G Swd.B (he carries the sword for the ProvGM!) were congratulated on their appointments, and Giles also congratulated Peter Green for stepping in at short notice to install Roy Rhodes in such fine style.  Masonic Charities were mentioned, especially a new sponsored walk in London on May 6th, which our ProvGM and his sword-bearer Wally Atcheson are taking part in, to benefit the MBF, possibly through the Festival being undertaken by our neighbours in East Lancs.  Please give generously when you see the forms, and we are looking for walkers to volunteer!
Howard Emmett, Terry West & John Forster
Secretary Ricky Clarke with new SD Craig Scott
Bob Bennett helps Peter Green with the raffle
And John Forster is the first recipient!
Colin Goodwin collects his prize
The Christmas Party at Leyland is on December the 11th, with a new children's entertainer, free meals for the kids, and if you have been good all year, and learned your ritual, Father Christmas!! Giles also mentioned the wonderful Mark website, run by the amazingly efficient webmaster Mike Beesley, and the Mark Ball next October, which will be advertised in the new year.
Peter Green proposed the toast to new WM Roy Rhodes, who responded by promising he will visit the other Mark Lodges in the area, as altogether 7 Masters were there in support, including himself!  He thanked Peter Green again and informed us that there are candidates on the horizon, so the Lodge will be busy!  April will be a Ladies to dine.
Craig Scott happy with his prize
Peter Green toasts the new WM
WM Roy Rhodes with his DC Wally Atcheson
Looks like Keith Beardmore, but it couldn't have been - I'm sure he wasn't there!
The meeting closed with Mike Brown, WM of Wyre Mark Lodge responding to the JW, another M Brown...., thanking the Lodge for a wonderful night on behalf of the visitors.  If only the Prov.GM had been there, he may well have enjoyed himself!
Words and pictures by Giles Berkley, representing the Prov.GM,
who was definitely not there - see the pictures!