Excelsior Mark Lodge No359. Installation Meeting. Thurs 17th Feb 2022
Garston Masonic Hall, Island Rd South, Liverpool
 
Another great meeting to look forward to, we set off early and as usual ten minutes to get up the on ramp for the M60, Smart motorway what a laugh, eventually made it to the M62 and then had a pretty good journey all the way to the Hall. Found a parking spot on the road outside and luckily a member was just going into the building, he gave me that a warm welcoming smile as I’m sure we are all used to seeing in our friendly Mark Degree, once inside he showed me to the changing room before taking us to the bar area where we found a welcome drink of coffee.
Before too long members of the Lodge started arriving along with the PGM, Acting Team officers and of course many visitors who were looking forward to this special Installation Meeting to see V.W. Bro. Derek Horrocks staying in office as W.M. for the Third time. Lots of friendly chat from all over the Province and then it was time for the business of the evening, the Lodge opened on time at 6pm, and following several items of housekeeping the PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Beardmore entered accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers, he was welcomed by the WM who offered the Gavel, which on this occasion was accepted by Keith if only for a short time so that he could introduce the members of the team to all present.
Once he was happy that he had mentioned everybody it was time to hand over proceedings to the WM for the rest of the meeting, W.Bro. Harry Billing the Lodge DC then rose to his feet and Proclaimed Derek Horrocks as the WM for the ensuing year (his third year), the rest of the elected officers were then presented, collared and placed in their respected locations around the lodge.
The Deputy PGM VW. Bro. Geoffrey Lee was then pleased to present a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. Michael Moore who as it happens is one of several bus drivers who are members of the lodge.
The address to the Wardens was given by W.Bro. David Winder the Prov SW, the address to the Overseers was given by Bro. Kenneth Bullen and the address to all present was given by the PGM. (My favourite piece)
Keith then congratulated Derek on staying in office for yet another year and wished him and all the members of the Lodge good health and hoped that the Lodge will be favoured with some Candidates. The WM presented the PGM with a cheque for the Mark Charities to the value of £200 which Keith said was a tremendous amount and would be well received and put to good use.
 
Now it was time for the PGM to retire from the Lodge accompanied by the Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers, everyone made their way downstairs to the cosy bar area whilst some pictures were taken and once the meeting came to an end and everyone had charged their glasses everyone took up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.
An excellent three course meal was served up by the friendly and efficient hall staff, the usual Toasts and responses were given, which were all well received and that was it for another year, what a great evening we all had at Excelsior Lodge, they made us all welcome and I’m sure we all wish them a great year ahead.
We all said our goodbyes and made our way out into the cold night air. I had a lift from my Nephew to get back to Urmston, now he’s not the best at ever knowing where he’s going but as he’s got a Sat Nav in his car I thought he can’t go wrong, now that was a mistake, after 20 minutes I thought to myself this not how you get back to Manchester, another 5 minutes and I saw a sign saying to the Tunnels.!!
I pointed out to him that we were going in exactly wrong direction and heading to the centre of Liverpool, eventually I got him back to the start of the M62, I was glad to get home and as the saying goes better late than never.
Here's to the next merry meeting and seeing all the friends I have met and those I have yet to meet,
Mark Well. Austin.
Words and pictures by PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No. 1173