Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge. No. 1173
Installation Meeting Monday 28th October 2019. Westbourne Rd, Urmston, Manchester
 
I have looked forward to this meeting since it was announced by the Provincial Secretariat that my own Lodge would be honoured with a visit by the RW PGM Keith Beardmore, Dep PGM Geoff Lee and Acting members of Prov Grand Lodge. Not far to drive tonight so I should be safe from joining that ramp on to the M60, missing my turning because I was listening to a play on Radio 4 Extra or finishing up in a Sainsbury car park!! Still you never know, only kidding it took me 5 minutes to get to Urmston Masonic Hall, now because of the large number attending the meeting had to be held in the old Lodge room which is situated in the building now known as The Venue where all the weddings, retirement parties etc are held.
Lets Get A Drink
Graham Always Takes A Good Picture
Just Squeeze the Button
Transferred all the equipment needed from the new 1881 Hall the day before and everything was ready, the Meeting was opened on time at 6 p.m. some general housekeeping was dealt with, then the knocks on the door were answered, the Prov DC W.Bro. Dave Emmerson asked all to stand and receive the RW PGM Keith Alan Beardmore he then entered the lodge accompanied by Acting Grand, Provincial  Grand officers and other distinguished Brethren, due salutations were given to the PGM and the other distinguished guests. The acting WM Brian Hayes welcomed the PGM Keith on behalf of all the members of the lodge and offered him the gavel which on this occasion he said he would accept for just a short time whilst he introduced the members of his Team.
It’s Practise Time
Once this was done the PGM handed back the gavel as he knew the WM was keen to carry out the Ceremony (with a smile) indeed it was now time for the main business of the evening the Installation of Bro Peter Harding as WM for the ensuing year, the Provincial Wardens had taken post as requested along with the Prov I.G. and on this occasion even the Provincial Tyler W.Bro. Ernest Gavan took up position outside the door of the Lodge to keep it secure.  All below the rank of an Installed Master were requested to leave for a short time with the exception of Bro. Harding, a Board of Installed Masters was declared open and Bro. Harding was duly Installed into the Chair of Adoniram in fine style by W.Bro. Hayes.
Treasurer and New JW
Prov Secretary, Dep PGM and PGM. (John B actually accepted Documents)
Our Star member Tony Johnson 100 years young and new Lodge JD Alan Brocking
Once the Ceremony was concluded all Master Masons were admitted and requested by tradition to give the salutes due to the newly installed WM. All the officers for the ensuing year were then appointed and invested.
Great Bar Great Staff
New WM. SW.JW & DC.
PGM. WM. Dep PGM.
The address to the WM was given by W.Bro. Stuart Boyd PPrGSW, the address to the Wardens was given by the Prov SW W.Bro. David Rigby, address to the Overseers was given by W.Bro. Kieron Mullen Prov GJW, the address to all the Brethren which is always a highlight of any Team Visit was given by the RW PGM Keith Beardmore.
PGM. Dep PGM. Special Rep. SW. JW. GStwd.
plus Brian
The DC W. Bro. Brian Hayes PAGDC informed the newly installed WM that the Installation Ceremony was now completed at which point the PGM Keith rose to give his hearty congratulations to Peter Harding (WM) and wish him a healthy, happy and hopefully a busy year in the chair of Adoniram before crossing the Lodge to give his personal thanks to Brian Hayes who had stood in at the last minute to carry out the office of Installing Master continuing on to say what an excellent job he had done along with all the officers who had taken part. The WM thanked Keith for his good wishes and explained that there was a cheque for the Mark Charity but as he didn’t have it to hand he was sure it would be passed over at the Festive Board.     
WM & DC
Festive Board
The presentation and explanation of a Grand Lodge Certificate was given by W.Bro. Austin N Fletcher PGStwd to Bro. Timothy Rathmell, that is after it had been passed down the line several times by delegation, which in its self created some good humour amongst all present, let’s face it we are the Happy Degree.
Good Health  PGM & WM.
PGM & Dep PGM
The PGM now called for Bro. Shaun Brookhouse to be presented and said he was very pleased to present him with a Collaret as a Vice Patron of the Mark Benevolent Fund.
 
A collection was now taken for the Charities following which it was time for the RW PGM to retire from the Lodge accompanied by distinguished Grand Officers and Acting Prov Grand Officers members.
Prov JW. SW. Prov Dep DC.
Newest MM & Lodge Reg of Marks
The usual Risings having been done the Lodge was closed in due form and everyone present made their way to their seats at the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served up by the friendly staff and was followed by the usual Toasts and Responses including on this occasion not one but two jokes from our PGM!!
A quick couple of Pints Lodge JD
Time was pressing and it was now time for everyone to say their goodbyes and travel to all parts of the Province, as far away as Ulverston and Blackpool, I’m sure that everyone enjoyed the meeting and for the newly Installed WM Peter it must have gone by in a flash, he did look happy and content with the proceedings and said he was looking forward to his year in office.   
The Tyler’s Toast the one and only Ernest Gavan
Here’s to our next happy meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, Mark Well.
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGStwd.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge.  No. 1173