Lathom Mark Lodge No 268
 
27th February 2017
 
It has become a tradition in the West Lancs Mark Province that the Provincial Grand Master visits the lodges of his two wardens during their year in office.  On Monday 27th February, it was the turn of the Senior Warden Alan Foster’s lodge, Lathom Mark Lodge No 268 (who meet at Southport Masonic Hall) to have a private visit from the PGM.
Michael Parr with officers of Lathom Lodge
The Worshipful Master WBro Karl Brennan greeted the PGM, RWBro Keith Beardmore and the Deputy PGM, VWBro Geoffrey Lee to the lodge.   Once everyone was settled in, the main business of the evening began; which was the advancement of Bro Michael Parr.  The Senior Deacon, WBro John Dixon PGJD guided Bro Parr around the Lodge. 
Kevin Collins; Karl Brennan (WM) Michael Parr; John Dixon; Alan Foster
It was interesting to see the ceremony split into four sections.  WBro Breenan did the first part of the ceremony before handing over to WBro Alan Foster Prov GSW to do the second section.  The third section of the ceremony was conducted by WBro Kevin Collins PProvGJW who then he handed back to WBro Foster to complete the ceremony.  All four parts of the advancement ceremony were done to the highest standard and made the evening both enjoyable and different.
RWBro Keith Breadmore and VWBro Geoffrey Lee join the team
RWBo Keith Beardmore welcomed Bro Michael Parr to the Mark Degree and wished him a long and happy association with Lathom Mark Lodge. He also congratulated the three Masters who had carried the advancement ceremony on their hard work, and the quality of their ritual.     A fine festive board was enjoyed by all after the meeting.
PGM with the Candidate
During the toasts, RWBro Keith Beardmore said how nice it was to get out and visit in a slightly less formal setting than being accompanied by the full Provincial Team; he was however accompanied by the Deputy Provincial DC WBro Arthur Robinson.   Once again the PGM welcomed Bro Parr to the Mark Degree and thanked WBro Brennan and his team on an excellent ceremony and for an enjoyable evening. 
 
The PGM also told those attending the festive board of his impending sponsored eight mile walk as a member of a of six man team through the Royal Parks in London on behalf of the MBF.  He also expressed a wish to see more members of the Mark Degree become members of Royal Ark Mariners Degree.  When the PGM had finished speaking, Lathom Mark Lodge presented him a cheque of £110 toward sponsorship of his and the teams’ walk
 
We wish Bro Michael Parr and Lathom Mark Lodge lots of success for the future.
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell.