Mark Grand Ball
 
Saturday the 22nd of October was the occasion of the Mark Grand ball. The Venue was the Marriot Hotel near Preston. The evening started with a Champagne reception. The brethren and guests were then requested to take their places for the entrance of the Rt.W. ProvGM, and what a delight to all to see him accompanied by his wife June getting out into the Province again for the first time.
Keith Beardmore back at the helm, looking well!
Keith thanks Giles & Sandra for their organisation
June Beardmore with daughter Hayley, and her husband Neil
SW Alan Foster and his wife Helen
The guests were then seated whilst the formalities began. In attendance were a host of grand Officers including the DepProvGM Geoffrey Lee and Marion, with Mike Clarke, and Ian Nairn Asst.ProvGMs, with their wives Pat and Judy, all of whom had done a fantastic job of sharing the duties of the PGM during his recuperation.  It was also a great pleasure to have RWBro Peter Connolly P.PGM and his wife Lynne amongst us.  Also present was R.W. Bro. Tony Harrison PGM West Lancs and past Dep PGM of Mark. along with his wife Maureen and friends enjoying a relaxed evening for a change.
JW Alan Fairhurst and his wife Christine
John Sarti, Prov. Charity Steward and Karen
Mike and Dot Winterbottom - they always bring a full table
The Wardens present June with some lovely flowers
It was also nice to see Danny Jones Dept Superintendent West Lancs with his wife Kath in the company of Stanley Oldfield and his wife Marlene. As we all know Danny has undergone surgery and has not been well, it was a noble effort on his part to make the effort to be there. The evening was under the direction of the three D.Cs 
Arthur Robinson, Ken Boon and Steve Walls who did a fantastic job.
Geoff & Marion Lee
Giles & Sandra can relax - everyone has a seat!
The PGM welcomes Ernie Gavan and his lady
Eric Drinkwater and Ian Nairn enjoy a chat
All then were served with a splendid meal by the staff who were so efficient and friendly. Accompanied by the guitarist Neil Rigg (the son-in-law of the PGM!) who played throughout the meal.
Keith greets Maureen & Tony Harrison
Giles draws his mother-in-law's (Barbara) ticket out!
Austin & Linda Fletcher
After the dining the tables were cleared and the PGM on his address to the brethren welcomed the resident group Pyramid who have entertained for many years and what a brilliant sound they had. Keith and his wife June were invited to take the floor for the first dance and the festivities began. In fact, a fabulous night was had by all.
John Waring and Doreen McKeown
Judy, Kate and Ian Nairn
Tegwen Drinkwater and Lynne Connolly
Step off with your left foot!
We all owe a big thank you to Giles Berkley and his wife Sandra, and her mum Barbara for organising a splendid evening, Brethren how often we take things for granted but the efforts put into this type of occasion should not go unnoticed.
Peter & Joanne Hegarty
George & Sheila Skarratts
Stuart Boyd enjoys his special milk!
For those of us who stayed over the hotel rooms were excellent, followed by a big hearty breakfast before departing.
Giles explains to Keith that Sandra and Barbara did all the work!
We danced the night away
Deputy PGM Geoff Lee says goodnight for us all
Can’t wait until next year.
Written by W.Bro George Skarratts W.M of Clarence Mark Lodge.
Photos by Giles Berkley and Austin Fletcher