Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge Installation |
20th February 2017 |
| The Palace at St Annes was the venue for the Installation meeting of Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge, and what a venue it is - it has been a cinema, and apparently a dance hall, but last night it served as a Masonic Hall of great beauty and style. A wonderful backdrop then, for a magnificent ceremony, performed by Alan Davies, who installed his successor Ken Turner in very fine style. |
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Grand support for the Lodge |
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| The Chain Gang! Giles Berkley, Geoffrey Lee & Howard Emmett |
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New WM Ken Turner with IPM Alan Davies |
| Our Deputy ProvGM, Geoffrey Lee was our principal guest, and he put everyone at ease with his confident and friendly manner. He also delivered the address to the brethren in fine style. Our Special Representative for the Fylde, John Forster, was made to work hard for his supper, delivering the Keystone address at short notice, along with the address to the WM. The address to the Wardens was given flawlessly by Tony Farrar, and that to the Overseers by John Ogden, again perfectly. The working tools were explained by Bro Terry Stevens-Lewing with feeling and distinction. A thoroughly good demonstration of Mark Masonry, delivered by a fine Lodge. |
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| Special Rep John Forster with WM Ken Turner |
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8 Masters in Office - great support for the Lodge! |
| The festive board was a typically happy Mark event, with Geoffrey Lee thanking the 10 Grand Officers, and 8 reigning WMs for their attendance. He thanked John Forster not only for all his hard work today, but on his efforts as Special Representative of the ProvGM. Geoff thanked Mike Casey who stood in as Secretary to cover for Geoff Crosland who is recovering from heart surgery. Mike also produced the superb table menus and place cards. Geoff then thanked the DC Bill Swindlehurst and Provincial DCs Arthur Robinson and Raymond Pye. |
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| Geoff Lee congratulates our new WM |
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Mike Casey, Stuart Thornber & David Randerson |
| Our Deputy ProvGM then reminded us of some important dates:- |
| 3rd May - Provincial Grand Lodge at Southport, to which all Mark Masons are welcome. |
| 6th May - Charity walk in London, for which sponsorship forms are circulating. |
| 4th June - Tea Party at Leyland - bring partners, wives, friends and family, for just £10 you get Prosecco and entertainment, and a chance to see all our Mark friends again over the summer. |
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| Special Reps Graham Bailey & John Forster |
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Deputy PGM Geoff Lee takes wine with Ken Turner
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| Geoffrey then proceeded to tell us that there will be free prostate cancer testing at Provincial Grand Lodge. A discreet and confidential blood test will be taken, which is then sent off to confirm everything is clear. If not, then early detection gives the best chance of cure and recovery. Please take advantage of this very wise precaution! |
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| Our Deputy PGM entertained us after dinner |
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He even enjoyed himself in typical Mark fashion! |
| Alan Davies then proposed the toast to Ken turner, newly installed as WM, and Ken responded by thanking him for the manner in which he had been installed. Ken also mentioned his wonderful wife Barbara, who is undergoing treatment at present, and all present wished his partner of 28 years all the very best for her recovery. Ken finished by thanking all present, and wished us a safe journey home, after what had been another great Mark evening. |
| Words and pictures by Giles Berkley |
