Bootle Installation
 
The deluge  which accompanied the journey to Bryn for the installation meeting of Bootle Lodge of Mark Master Masons Lodge No 478 would have formed a more fitting back-drop for the Royal Ark Mainer degree. The torrential rain however did not spoil what was an excellent evening.
Graham Corday, Maurice Evans, Malcolm Serjeant, Arthur Robinson and David Emmerson

The lodge has been re-invigorated and is now the home for those who hold, or have held, the office of director of ceremonies in a Mark lodge.
 
It fell to WM David Emmerson to install Arthur Robinson as his successor in the chair of the lodge.
Secretary David Rigby and Treasurer Steve Walls
As a former director of ceremonies of the province David knows how to supervise ritual but actually performing it is a different matter, especially with so many other “experts” watching on. How did he do? The answer is superbly. David and Arthur have known each other for over a quarter of a century with Arthur having taken over as provincial director of ceremonies from David. Not only was the work, albeit a reduced ceremony, delivered accurately and at a nice pace but the connection between the pair meant there was genuine feeling in the delivery. It was a pleasure to bear witness to.
 
Terry Dickinson delivered the address to the newly installed Master, David Rigby that to the wardens and Alan Fairhurst addressed the Overseers as to their duties.
 
Malcolm Serjeant represented the PGM at the meeting and he was called upon to orate the address to the Brethren.
 
All played their part well.
 
On his entrance into the lodge Malcolm had been accompanied by the special representative of the PGM Maurice Evans and grand officer Graham Corday. They were joined in the “posh seats” by fellow grand officer Keiron Mullan who was elected as a joining member on the evening.
Terry Dickinson and Gordon Glover
Special mention is merited in respect of lodge D.C. Terry Dickinson and his assistant Gordon Glover. In a lodge of directors of ceremonies they were under the critical gaze of their peers but that did not deflect them from their duties as they supervised proceedings in a calm and restrained manner. There was a gentle but firm hand on the tiller at all times.
 
There was no cheque presentation on the evening. As a sign of the times Malcolm was informed that instead a donation of £200 was being made to the West Lancashire Mark Charity electronically, because the issuing of cheques nowadays incurs a banking charge.
 
I was installed as Junior Warden and on examining the rear of my collar jewel saw that it was inscribed as having been presented in 1895 by the first J.W. of Bootle Mark Lodge. The fact that the lodge has been saved from possible erasure by adopting its present form means that this piece of history will live on. I am sure the original donor would be proud to see it still in use 127 years later albeit with Bootle Marl Lodge being somewhat different what he knew.
After labour refreshment
Following the delightful ceremony the installation meal was enjoyed in the boardroom as the dining room was in use for a private function. It proved an ideal setting for the numbers in attendance. As usual the food at Bryn was tasty and savoured by all.
 
The charity account was replenished to the tune of £101 following a raffle.
 
Fortunately by the time of departure the skies had cleared and the journey home proved far more enjoyable than the watery trip to Bryn.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear