The Preston Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.143. Thursday 3rd March 2022
Installation Meeting and a Special 60-year Celebration for V.W. Bro. David K. Richardson
 
Another great Mark meeting to look forward to, set of early as usual, up the blocked ramp on to the M60, crawled past three junctions and finally made it to the M61, what a relief that we now have all these fast and safe Smart motorways (I don’t think), the weather was atrocious dark, grey and couldn’t see further than either side of the road, never mind we made it in the end. Arrived ok and managed to park in that corner around the side of the Hall, had a wander around took some pictures of the building before I noticed my good friend Ernie Gavan the Prov Tyler sat in his car, why was he there? He had in fact attended a meeting already at the Hall in the morning, now that’s what I call dedication.
We helped him unload the provincial equipment which he takes care of for the PGM and then decided to chill out for a while, how nice a cup of coffee would have gone down, but alas we couldn’t find any, water was the order of the day, yuch.
We made our selves comfortable in the Temple and had a good old chin wag, time passed and it didn’t seem too long before members and guests began to arrive, one of the first was our own PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Beardmore and as always it was a pleasure to see him complete with his warming smile and a genuine welcoming handshake. The Lodge was opened on time at 6.30pm and some general items were dealt with including a Ballot for a Joining member Bro. Paul Kavanagh which proved unanimous in favour, a small surprise was in store for the new member as he was immediately put to work as the Lodge Tyler for the evening which he accepted with a smile. Now it was time for the PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore accompanied by Grand and Acting Prov Grand Officers to enter the Lodge, he was welcomed by the W.M. Bro. H. Lythgoe on behalf of everyone present and presented him with the gavel which he said he would accept on this special occasion.
Keith said he was delighted to be here to Mark and Celebrate 60 years of Mark Masonry of V.W. Bro. Donald Kennedy Richardson PGJO and asked the Prov DC to place Donald in the WM’s chair, before withdrawing himself to a plinth in the West from where he gave an excellent Resume of the celebrant’s life and his many years as a member of the Mark Degree. There followed several minutes of loud acclaim then it was the turn of Donald to enlighten us all with his very interesting life including what was a huge part of that his love of all things agricultural.
Following sustained clapping and even cheers from everyone present the Asst PGM W.Bro. Giles F Berkeley rose to his feet and read out two illuminated Certificates one from and signed by the Most Worshipful the Grand Master His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent and one from our own Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore, before Keith resumed his seat he was pleased to present the actual certificates to Donald and then invited the WM to resume his rightful seat as the head of the Lodge.
The next business was to Proclaim W.Bro. Lythgoe as W.M. for the ensuing year, and W.Bro. Adams as Treasurer likewise for the ensuing year, the Tyler would be left in the hands of the WM, all other officers were staying in office for one more year. Following a collection for the Charities it was time for the PGM to retire from the lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.
Following on from the Lodge closing everyone assembled for the usual photo session, then it was time to get some liquid refreshments and take up the allotted seats for the Festive Board. A first-class meal was served up by the friendly and efficient staff, the usual Toasts and Responses followed including a special one to the 60-year member V.W. Donald Richardson PGJO. who delighted us with some more snippets from his illustrious past.
Then all too soon it was over, time to say our goodbyes and step outside into the cold night air complete with heavy rain, happy memories to keep and looking forward to our next Merry Mark Meeting.
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD,
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge. No. 1173.