Wilbraham Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.523
Masonic Temple, Kingsway, Widnes. WA87QH
 
Installation Meeting. Thursday 13th April 2016
 
Another Mark Meeting to look forward to tonight, set off early as usual with Snoopy and Garmin, up the on ramp to the M60 no problem, four minutes and everything comes to a full stop as is normal for the past five years, 256 million to change it to a smart motorway which we all know will make no difference whatsoever!! On we go left on to the M62 everything going well, found my way along the A557 nearly there, whoops missed one turning, it’s ok turn right, turn right again and I’ll be back where I should be, well nearly, on Kingsway but on the wrong side, there was the hall passing by!! 
The Lounge
Dinner List
Hall Outside
Another five minutes and I was turning into the large car park, from the outside the Hall is a nice tidy building and it was great to see the Union Jack flying proud above the Square and Compass, a nice touch. Once inside I started snooping around as usual, a well-appointed entrance area with a staircase off to the left complete with chair lift, off to the right was a very well furnished lounge complete with bar, straight ahead was a large dining/function room all set up for tonight’s Social Board. On climbing the stairs there are several rooms on the right for regalia storage, committee meetings and robbing areas, cross the floor and you pass through a door into a really smart Temple which seems to be very clean cut and modern yet retains really nice old panelled lower walls, Lodge Banners and Carved Lodge History Boards.
Sign & Flag
Lodge Room Awaits
Lodge DC Brian Boothroyd
Acting Tyler
Mark Masons started arriving from all over the county and beyond, exchanging their usual and genuine warm greetings “Happy to Meet” and before too long it was time for the Acting Provincial Officers to be put through their paces in preparation for the meeting under the guidance of W.Bro. Dave Emerson the ProvDC.
Always ready for a chat.
Prov DC & Dep DC
New WM & Banners/Sword
New WM /PGM/IPM/Dep PGM/Asst PGM
The Lodge meeting opened on time and after dealing with its general business items the RW Prov Grand Master Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was offered the gavel as is his right by the WM Bro. Alan Dykes and on this special occasion he said he would accept it for a short time.  The PGM now introduced all the Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers to members of the Lodge, which I can tell you makes them feel like they are part something special which of course they are after all this is the Mark Degree.
New WM/PGM/Prov Wardens
PGM & His Special Rep
Group Shot
All the incoming officers of the Lodge for the ensuing year were presented and invested with the jewel of their office, then followed the address to the newly Installed WM which was given by W.Bro. Brian Horrobin, address to the Wardens by the Prov. S.W. Andrew Whittle, address to the Overseers by the Prov. J.W. Tony Cross and of course the address to all was given with warmth and sincerity by the PGM.
Dining Room Awaits
Lets have a drink & a Chat
About to Enter the Social Board
The PGM now congratulated the new WM and wished him a Happy and Healthy Year ahead, the Installing Master W.Bro. Alan Dykes for his excellent work along with the Lodge DC W.Bro. Brian Boothroyd and all the officers who had taken part in the ceremony. The Lodge now continued as per its own summons and following the First Rising it was time for the PGM along with all the Acting Grand Officers to retire from the Lodge. On closing the Meeting and following a photo session everyone gathered in the Lounge to partake in some liquid refreshments before taking their places in the dining room. 
Toast to the New WM / PGM
Flower presentation

A superb meal which included wine was delivered by a very efficient and friendly staff, the usual Toasts and some interesting happy speeches were given all of which were well received, sadly it was that time again for us all to depart to our own homes and firesides but just before the Tyler’s Toast a lovely bouquet of flowers was presented to the PGM for his very understanding and supportive wife June.  
Mark Well.
Austin N. Fletcher. Prov. G.J.O.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Masons Lodge. No.1173.