Imperial Mark Lodge Installation |
| Friday the 2nd of December saw Glenn O'Brien install Ray Smith as WM of Imperial Mark Lodge in the very best of style, at Poulton Masonic Hall. There was a packed Lodge room, with no less than 10 Grand Officers, and both of the Provincial Wardens in attendance, one of whom, Alan Foster ProvGSW, represented the Rt W ProvGM. |
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| WM Raymond Smith, IPM Glenn O'Brien, flanked by the Provincial Wardens |
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Grand support! |
| The ceremony was performed absolutely superbly by Glenn O'Brien, and the working tools given really well by Clive Gitsham. John Forster worked really hard, delivering the address to the WM, and explaining the Keystone and Charity jewels. Alan Fairhurst, ProvGJW addressed the Wardens, and Provincial Organist Shaun Haynes addressed the Overseers, both wonderfully. To round up the addresses, Alan Foster gave a perfect rendition of the address to the brethren, and we soon retired to the festive board, with the ceremony well and truly delivered. |
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Bros Weller and Wadsworth, Sec and Treasurer |
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| Roy Rhodes and Mike Casey |
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Neil Hamilton looks on |
| When he spoke, Alan Foster praised John Forster, the ProvGM's Special Representative for his hard work and guidance throughout the Fylde area, and Peter Weller for his work as Secretary, who was appointed to Grand rank as P G Std B in the summer. Alan also thanked Shaun Haynes for the music. |
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| Barry Shaw, WM of Bispham-with-Norbreck |
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Ken Sykes ADC, helped out as Tyler |
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| Peter Weller, Bob McGown & Ernie Gavan |
| Alan promoted the Christmas Kids Party at Leyland on Dec 11th, which is free for kids, grand-children, and indeed the kids of neighbours! He also reminded us that Provincial Grand Lodge is Weds May 3rd at Southport next year. WMs are expected to attend, or appoint a deputy to attend. Sunday 4th June is the date for the Summer Tea Party at Leyland next year, and Alan mentioned how much the catering has improved under the latest Manageress Shirley. Finally, Alan promoted the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, and urged all present to contact John Forster for information on this wonderful and colourful Degree. |
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8 WMs supported the meeting! |
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| SO Brian Alderson |
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Provincial Organist Shaun Haynes |
| Glenn O'Brien then gave some Masonic history of the new WM Ray Smith, who was advanced into Imperial Mark on 24.4.80 - apparently, he has been busy selling cars ever since, hence his slow rise to the Chair! Glenn thanked everyone who has helped him, especially the DC Roland Alderton, and Secretary Peter Weller for organising the event. He also thanked the 7 other WMs for coming to support. |
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| The Overseers |
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Andrew Dickson here to support again |
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Father and son Roland and Tony Alderton |
| In his response, new WM Ray Smith thanked Glenn for his speech, and his support. Ray joined when the Lodge was held at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool, and not many from those days are still around, but he said he has always loved the Degree, he had had a great day being installed into the Chair of Imperial Mark Lodge, and wished us all a Happy Christmas! |
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| John Forster, Alan Foster & WM Ray Smith |
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Alan entertains after dinner |
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| Words and pictures by Giles Berkley |
