Clarence Lodge of Mark Master Masons, Widnes Masonic Hall, Kingsway, Widnes
 
Advancement Meeting.  Monday 4th December 2017
 
Another meeting to look forward to tonight, this time it’s another Candidate for Advancement to this the Happy and Friendly Mark Degree. I opened the garage door and I’m sure the old Opel kind of smirked at me as though to say do you really want me to come out in this cold weather!! Fired it up and got Garmin and Snoopy on line, it was only three o’clock but the traffic is getting really heavy around this area as Christmas approaches, headed for the M60, up the ramp not too much delay that is until arriving at Worsley then it began, still not too bad from there all the way to the hall it was only light traffic.
The Hall
Teddy
Plaque in Lobby
Lounge
Lodge Room is Ready
JW Wicket
As I pulled up outside I realised that I had in fact been there before, it has a large car park which is always good to see and once inside the building there is a nice entrance area with a door off to the right leading to a very pleasant and comfortable lounge bar area, where I was given a warming drink of coffee.  On the ground floor is also where a large Dining Room is located, up a flight of stairs and you arrive in an open space with several doors leading off to small meeting rooms and toilets, on your left is an unusual stepped entrance to the Lodge Room, this in itself does add lots of character to the hall, which I found makes it quite unique. 
Lodge Room
Dave Prov DC & PGM
Four Happy Mark Masons
Banners
Ditto
St Thomas Banner
The Lodge Room itself is well appointed complete with many excellent and colourful Banners including one of a more Heraldic type which I have never seen before belonging to the Order of St Thomas of Acon. (Can be found on Google).
Prov Sword
Sword Hilt
Steve with his Bike Ride Ad
Warrant
Have I Got All The Notes
Happy Now
Before too long members and visitors began to arrive for the meeting, David Emmerson the Provincial DC assisted by his Deputy DC Arthur Robinson and the Asst DC’s soon gathered together the Provincial Team members present for the usual practise which takes place before all Team Visits, once he was happy that all was well everybody made their way down stairs to the comfy lounge for a quick drink and friendly chat.
Its Practise Time
Now Stand Here
Keep the Arm Straight
Step off with your Left Foot
The WM is Ready
Happy Visitors 
Some members of the Lodge were caught up in heavy traffic around the Widnes area but even so the meeting opened up virtually on time and what a delight it was to see VW Bro.Peter Connolly the Immediate PastPGM, and Clarence Lodge SD in action. Not much housekeeping to be done and it was time for The RW.PGM Bro.Keith Alan Beardmore to enter accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, after welcoming Keith the WM Bro. Alan Lowe PPrGADC offered him the Gavel which on this occasion he accepted but added that it would only be for a short period whilst he introduced members of the team because he knew how much the WM was looking forward to carrying out the Ceremony...  Phew..
The DC’s Team
Peter Candidate & Keith
Peter & PGM
Candidate & WM
W. Bro. David Berrington a member of St Pauls Lodge entered and was duly Advanced in fine style by members of Clarence Lodge into this wonderful degree, he received his Badge and Jewel, the Tools of the degree were presented and explained, then he was invited to take up his rightful seat in the lodge by the WM. The PGM rose and congratulated the WM Alan, the DC W.Bro.David Jones, members of the lodge and of course the SD Peter Connolly for all their hours of hard work they had put in creating such an excellent ceremony.
The Hard Working Treasurer & Secretary

Whoops One Too Many (only kidding)
Our wonderful Prov Tyler
The WM thanked Keith for his kind words and was pleased to present him with a cheque for the Mark Masonic Charities which in turn he was delighted to receive on behalf of those in need. The time had come for the PGM to retire from the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers and soon it was time to close the meeting, the usual quick photo shoot followed then it was time to get some liquid refreshments before taking up the seats reserved at the Festive Board.
Group Picture
WM with the Dep.
Dining Room
An excellent meal was served up complete with a very nice bottle of wine by the very efficient and friendly staff at the hall, lots of happy chat from all over the Province, the usual Toasts and some excellent responses were given, I had to leave early on this occasion due to a long trip I had to take at 5am so unfortunately I missed not only the PGM’s speech but sadly his funny story of the week, but you never know, I may hear it again. (only kidding)
The Christmas Tree
The PGM  WM Toasts
The PGM & Dep PGM
Here’s looking forward to seeing friends I know and those I have yet to meet.
Three Prov Stars
Special Rep, Eric Drinkwater, Peter Connolly & Giles
Not Complete without the Tylers Toast
The next Team Meeting is at St Austin’s Mark, Warrington 18th Dec 2017.

Not a member of the Royal Ark Mariners, why not make that your New Year’s Resolution.              
Mark Well
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. No.1173