Alan is Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge’s new WM
 
15th February 2016
 
The Palace, St Annes Masonic Hall, was the scene of new WM Alan Davies’ installation into the chair of Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge No 880, which was performed in regal fashion by his predecessor and installing master Abdul Benashour.
Alan Davis takes on the starring role from Abdul Benashour.
Representing the PGM as the lodge’s principal guest was Graham Bailey PGStdB who was accompanied by an impressive array of Grand officers which included Walter Porter, Charles McNab and John Forster as well as many notable Provincial officers.
Abdul, after ably despatching the early business of the lodge welcomed Graham and the procession of distinguished guests to Semper Fidelis Lodge. Graham with very good grace and humour declined the offer of the lodge gavel saying that he was there to enjoy himself.
Abdul next announced the main item on the agenda; that of installing Alan as the newest WM of Semper Fidelis which was first consecrated in 1929 and records in its annals many worthy brethren who have over the years held high office both in Mark and Craft.
A welcome to the masters’ circuit comes from Bob Boal, Jimmy Rogers
and Glenn O’Brien to Alan Davis.
Abdul invited Glenn O’Brien the WM of Imperial Mark Lodge No 1276 to act as ISW, Jimmy Rogers WM of Cleveleys Mark Lodge No 1176 as IJW and Bob Boal WM of Wyre Mark No 754 to act as IIG.
Graham Bailey congratulates Alan on becoming WM of Semper Fidelis.
The very experienced lodge DC Bill Swindlehurst presented Alan to Abdul for the benefit of installation at his hands, and the evening’s work commenced apace.
 
The installing master quickly got into his stride and his successor was well and truly and faultlessly installed into the chair in what was later described by John Forster as a “super ceremony”.
All that glitters – Alan is congratulated on becoming WM by the Grand officers.
Following the return of the lodge brethren, Terry Stevens-Lewing, later to be appointed JD of the lodge, gave an impressive presentation of the WT’s. Paul Friberg gave an equally impressive explanation of the Keystone Jewel.
John Forster gave the Address to the WM and, after their appointment, Tony Farrar addressed the new lodge wardens David Kenworthy and Ken Turner. John Ogden gave the Address to the Overseers.
David Kenworthy keeps his table in order.
Finally Graham Bailey gave the Address to the Brethren and following Abdul’s announcement, accompanied by the customary huge smile marking the conclusion of his work, Graham brought the PGM’s greetings and congratulations to Alan as the new WM and to his predecessor and to the brethren wishing the lodge every success for the future.
Abdul presented Graham with three cheques which added up to Semper Fidelis’ lodge number of 880 and comprised £580 bound for West Lancashire Mark Charity, £150 for Diabetes UK and £150 for local charity Street Life. Graham expressed his thanks on behalf of the eventual recipients.
There seems to be a lot of empty glasses on this table.
At a splendid festive board Graham brought his own personal greetings to the lodge, thanking the WM and the brethren for the warm way in which he and the other eminent guests had been welcomed.
He wished Alan good health and a happy year in office remarking that Alan had previously been in the chair six times in different Masonic Degrees but that his was his first time in Mark. He also said he had heard that Alan was well regarded for his work within the South Fylde Group and had served in various offices.
 
On a personal note he said he was aware that Alan favoured BMW motor cycles and that he was a keen freshwater as well as sea fisherman and that he was intending to sail in a dinghy with another lodge worthy, Mike Casey.
Ken Turner plays host to David Randerson and Stuart Thornber.
Graham singled out several officers who had taken part in the evening’s ceremony for their exemplary work and he made mention of the efforts that John Forster, as the PGM’s special representative, made on behalf of the group and the Province.
He also congratulated Mike Casey, Tony Farrar and John Worsley on their forthcoming promotions later this year.
The team relax at the top table after a job well done.
Graham also brought the attention of the brethren to two guests present who hold high office in other Masonic Degrees - David Randerson who is Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals in the Royal Arch and his colleague Stuart Thornber PAGSoj also in the Royal Arch.
 
Graham made mention of Royal Ark Mariners and its close association with Mark Masonry and urged brethren not already members of that degree to consider joining. He spoke too about the special event which is to be hosted by Adoniram Mark Lodge at Leyland on 16 March when a demonstration of a 1975 ceremony is to be staged by the Somerset Ancient Mark Masons.
Smiles (well mostly) from the top table
Abdul next gave the toast to the WM wishing him every success during his year in the chair. He charted Alan’s Masonic career in Craft and Chapter and humorously confided the secret of how Alan had acquired a BMW motor bike unknown to his wife.
 
Thanking Abdul, Alan paid tribute to the many people who had supported him in Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge both on the evening and during his membership of the lodge.
He presented Graham with a floral arrangement as thanks to his wife for allowing him to attend the ceremony at St Annes.
Article and Photographs Courtesy of Bob Boal