Wyre Mark Lodge motors on
 
20th January 2016
 
Wyre Mark Lodge No 754 will motor on along the road to another successful year as its newest master Mike Brown’s profession is, as described by his predecessor Bob Boal: “... a purveyor of bespoke quality automobiles”.
Mike Brown (left) takes over as WM from IPM Bob Boal
Mike, who is in fact a director of his own car sales company, was installed with all due ceremony at Fleetwood Masonic Hall.
 
A plethora of Grand and Provincial Grand Officers came to support Stuart Brackstone PGSD who was the lodge’s principal guest as the representative of the PGM. Stuart, who is a Special Representative of the PGM responsible for Barrow to Morecambe groups, also had for company his opposite number John Forster who looks after the Blackpool and Fylde groups.
After Bob as the outgoing WM had seen to the earlier domestic business of the lodge and the “bling bedecked” procession (as Stuart was later to describe his distinguished colleagues) had taken their places they received salutations orchestrated by DC Dennis Smith.
 
Andrew Whittle ProvGSW accepted Bob’s invitation to act as ISW, Glenn O’Brien WM of Imperial Mark Lodge No 1276 the post of IJW and Ernie Gavan ProvGTyler that of IIG and the ceremony got underway.
How many masters does it take to change a light bulb?
(rear) Derek Abbott, Jimmy Rogers, Howard Emmett and Glenn O’Brien,
seated Mike Brown and Barry Shaw
Mike was duly installed as WM according to ancient custom in what proved to be an enjoyable ceremony by the officers of the lodge.
 
Following which, Tom Egan, after a nervous start, quickly recovered and proved his mettle with an exemplary rendition of the working tools of the Degree. Tom and Mike are colleagues in Onward Lodge No 5540 in the Craft.
Lodge chaplain Stephen Leach, who is to receive the very high rank of PGSO at Grand Mark Lodge in June and a re-appointment of Prov Grand Chaplain at Provincial Grand Lodge in May, faultlessly presented Mike with the keystone and charity jewels of Wyre Mark Lodge.
 
John Forster addressed the new WM and, once they were appointed, Andrew Whittle addressed the new wardens Joe O’Brien and David Britton.
The boys in bling pose with Mike Brown at Wyre Mark
Busy lodge DC Dennis Smith also soon to receive a promotion at Provincial Grand Lodge, addressed the Overseers who included in their midst one VWBro Walter Porter PGJO.
 
Walter returned the favour by re-appointing Dennis as lodge DC with a lively quip or two as is his wont.
 
Stuart Brackstone addressed the brethren in time honoured fashion and, after the announcement of the conclusion of the ceremony of installation; he brought the greetings, congratulations and good wishes of the PGM Keith Beardmore to Mike, Bob and the brethren of Wyre Mark Lodge.
Stuart Brackstone congratulates Mike Brown
Mike presented Stuart with two cheques totalling £500, of which £300 is destined for West Lancashire Mark Charities. The other £200 is to be ‘ring fenced’ as Wyre Mark Lodge together with other local Mark lodges plan to assist a local Charity, Poulton and Wyre Railway Society, set up a heritage railway which will eventually greatly benefit the local community.
 
John Forster was in action next and delivered what is fast becoming his party piece by presenting and explaining the intricacies of a Grand Mark Lodge Certificate to the lodge’s newest member David Platt.
 
After Mike and his newly appointed officers closed the lodge the company retired to a sumptuous and fun filled festive board.
Andrew Whittle ProvGSW and ISW and Ernie Gavan Prov Grand Tyler
and IIG share Mike Brown’s special day
Stuart took the opportunity in his after dinner talk to bring his personal greetings to new WM Mike Brown and the members of Wyre Mark Lodge and thanked his many “bling wearing” colleagues who included Colin Moxey and Prov Grand Secretary John Bicknell for their support at Fleetwood.
 
Stuart also congratulated the members of Wyre Mark who were to receive Provincial and Grand honours and encouraged the members of the lodge to go along to Provincial Grand Mark lodge to cheer on their fellow members who were recipients of honours.
Some of the diners tuck in at festive board
Turning to the generous donation with which the lodge had presented him he spoke about Mark Charities and especially about the presentation which Mike Casey, leader of the Corinthian Charity Group, was currently showing to lodges which explains how charitable donations find their way to local communities. Stuart highlighted how donations and grants from both Craft and Mark had helped with the recent flooding which had taken place in Cumbria and north Lancashire.
 
He commended the charity Smile, Support and Care which gives full and part time support to families who have disabled children and which has recently received a substantial grant from Mark Charities.
The top table makes sure they get plenty of sauce
Stuart congratulated Wyre Lodge on an excellent installation by all of the officers who had taken part in what had been an enjoyable occasion. He encouraged the brethren to go on a recruiting drive so that their friends in the Craft could also experience the enjoyment of belonging to the Mark Degree.
 
Article and Photographs Courtesy of Bob Boal