THE SHARPLES FAMILY TAKE OVER RED ROSE MARK
 
28th November 2016
 
Brian Antony Sharples was very ably installed into the Chair of Adoniram of Red Rose Mark Lodge No 1592 which met at Hindley Masonic Hall in the presence the Provincial Grand Master and his full team of Acting Officers, including Deputy Provincial Grand Master Geoffrey Lee, Asst Provincial Grand Master Ian Nairn and Special Representative for the area, Ken Alker.
Colin Sharples with Brian in the Chair and Uncle Brian
To complete a trio Brian was presented by his Father Colin, who is the Secretary of Red Rose, and his uncle, also named Brian, was present and who is Secretary of Westhoughton Mark Lodge. Somewhat of a family takeover, eh!
The Provincial Grand Master toasts the health of the Installing Master Chris Baxendale
and newly installed Master Brian Sharples
The ceremony could not have bettered, as Installing Master Chris Baxendale delivered an almost flawless installation ceremony ably assisted by the officers of the Lodge. As the Provincial Grand Master said afterwards he must have head his head in the ritual book for weeks to achieve what he did.
The Provincial Grand Master and his senior team the Master in the Chair
Provincial Senior Warden Alan Foster gave the address to the Wardens and Provincial Junior Warden Alan Fairhurst gave the address to the Overseers.
The full team in the Lodge room
The atmosphere in the Lodge was light hearted in many ways but when it came to the business of the Lodge it was carried out in a most efficient way, typical of Red Rose.
'Little and Large' The PGM with the Worshipful Master
The friendliness and light heartedness, which as we know is typical of the Mark Degree, continued at the Festive Board where over 70 brethren enjoyed an excellent meal.
The PGM drinks a toast the many Brethren at the Festive Board
If the Installation meeting is anything to go by, we are sure Brian will have a happy and successful year in the Chair of Red Rose Mark Lodge.
Geoff Catterall – “Now listen to me. I’ll tell you all about the Mark degree”
Article and pictures by Fred Lomax