Temperance Lodge of Mark Masons.  No.774
Liverpool Mark Festival, Tuesday 16th April 2019.
Woolton Golf Club, Doe Park, Speke Rd, Liverpool.
 
Two Team meetings in a week I’m doing well, set off early on my own, after having assured my wife I was definitely up to it, up the on ramp on to the smart motorway M60 (not), well it was moving but was I in for a shock, turned on to the M62 and basically joined the queue travelling at around eighteen MPH for nearly all the way to the junction I needed, ah well never mind it will soon be a smart motorway as well only been working on it for about 2 years, you can play a game as you drive called spot the workmen, just think soon the speed could rise to an amazing 50 MPH, sometimes!!   
The Lodge prepares
The WM’s Pedestal
Secretary’s Table
SW’s wicket
I’ll just tick you off
Impressive Staircase
Festive Board Awaits
View from Dining Room
My usual motorway rant over what a delight to arrive at Woolton Golf Club, one word of warning though next time you go ignore the post code on the summons, lucky for me I remembered where it was, you turn into a small driveway and go past a security barrier before being greeted by a glorious view of the golf course and the immaculate club building, both a delight. Once inside the main entrance and the second set of doors on your left is one of two entrances to the dining room, bar area which was already laid out for the Festive Board, no need to say much about that just have a look at the pictures to see how inviting it all was.
View from Dining Room
Another dining room
Wall Plaque
View from upstairs
I’ll just check my list again
Lets Practise
The WM
Turn back into the hallway, climb the stunning staircase and you will find several anti rooms (you may need a map) for changing, on the left and up a slight ramp you will find the Lodge Room which is a good size and well appointed with some interesting furniture. As is usual members of the Provincial Team were already being put through their paces so as to give a good display for everyone present.
W.Bro Arthur Robinson Dep Prov Grand DC
Practise Practise Practise
Wonderful Music
Always has a smile
Just checking my Lottery Ticket
Group Picture
Soon the time had arrived for the meeting to start it opened on time at 6pm, a couple of housekeeping items were dealt with then it was time for the PGM RW Bro.Keith Alan Beardmore to enter accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers, the WM Bro Michael Cunliffe offered the gavel which on this occasion was quickly handed back as the PGM said he was delighted to be there and looked forward to enjoying the Festival presentation “Why the Mark” along with everyone else present, including several Craft Masons who had been invited along to witness for themselves, this the Friendly Degree in action.
At ease during the Lodge Call Off
Drinks Time
PGM and Craft Masons
PGM and WM Toast
Members of the Temperance Players gave us an insight into trying to understand the difference and connections between the Craft, the Royal Arch and Mark Masonry including the very different way it is dealt with in Scotland. On its conclusion the PGM and the WM thanked all who had taken part and felt sure we had all made as the saying goes “A Daily advancement in Masonry” the Craft Masons then retired from the meeting and before too long it was also time for the PGM to retire accompanied by the Acting Grand, Acting Prov Grand Officers and other Distinguished officers.
Dep PGM and PGM
Men at the Top
Prov SW a Great Guy
The Festive Board
These Darn Phones
On closing everyone retired to the dining room to get some liquid refreshment before taking up their allotted seats at the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served up by the friendly and efficient staff. Lots of chat from around the province with a good joke or two thrown in here and there for good measure, well it is in the Liverpool area which as we all know is renowned for its top comedians, following on from the meal the usual Toasts and responses were given, unfortunately I had to leave early yet again and so missed the PGM’s joke which we all wait to hear, ah well maybe we shall get a new one at the Provincial Meeting Festive Board on the 1st May, which I am really looking forward to where I can meet the friends I know and those I have yet to meet.
 
Mark Well and Thanks for reading your Web Site.
Austin N Fletcher. GStwd.
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood.  No.1173.
Not a member of the colourful Royal Ark Mariners Degree yet, why not come aboard and meet even more friends, ask in your Mark Lodge or your area Special Rep will be happy to point you in the right direction.