Walton Mark Lodge No161 Installation 2022
 
The Walton Lodge of Installed Mark Masters No161; “The Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge” held their Installation meeting on Wednesday 7th December at Bryn Masonic Hall.
David Sear Just one more time in the chair
In attendance for the meeting was WBro Giles Berkley, PGJD; Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The Worshipful Master WBro David Sear opened the lodge and then the members and visitors stood for an In Memoriam to H.M. Queen Elizabeth 11 and then to Departed Merit, WBro Peter Hampson, PPrGJW, (1939 – 2022).
Giles Berkley and Roland Alderton
WBro John Dean, Prov. AGDC, then announced that WBro Giles Berkley was in attendance and required admission. WBro Giles Berkley entered accompanied by Grand and Provincial Grand Offices and they were welcomed by The Worshipful Master, WBro David Sear, who offered the gavel to the APGM. Before the salutations were given a successful ballot was taken for two joining members, WBro Jorge Perez and WBro Jason Hengler the current Provincial Grand Stewards.
Tony & Roland Alderton. Father and Son
When the salutations had been completed, VWBro Geoff Bury the lodge DC presented ‘The Steward’ and Master Elect WBro Roland Alderton to the Installing Master, for the benefit of Installation. WBro David Sear carried out an excellent installation ceremony. It was clear, confident and faultless. Most of all it was enjoyable and it was a pleasure to be there.
Master with Grand offices
Once WBro Roland Alderton had been proclaimed and greeted; WBro Jack Parker presented the Working Tools in fine style to the Master. The Keystone Jewel was then presented by VWBro Derek Horrocks, also in fine style. VWBro Derek is one of the PGM’s Special Reps and Walton Mark Lodge falls under his care. It was good to see VWBro Derek back on the circuit after his recent illness.
A photo op.
The address to the Master was given in by WBro Mike Pinckard, GStwd; resplendent in his chain of office. It was then down to the Master to appoint and invest his officers. VWBro Geoff Bury gave the address to the Wardens and WBro Eric Hart did the address to the Overseers. Then the big reveal; who was going to be ‘The Steward’ of the Lodge. In Walton Mark Lodge there is one steward who is in fact the Master Elect for the following year. Much to his surprise this year’s ‘Steward’ is VWBro Rob Bennison.
David Sear and Roland Alderton
Rob was very much instrumental in setting up Walton Mark Lodge as the “The Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge.”  With the appointments completed it was time for WBro John Dean to pick up WBro Giles Berkley for the address to the Brethren. The address was done with WBro Berkley’s, usual, flair and enthusiasm and maintained the high standard that had been set by WBro David Sear. With the ceremony over WBro Giles Berkley congratulated WBro Roland Alderton on behalf of the PGM on taking the chair in the Lodge’s 149th year. And he also congratulated WBro David Sear on the quality of the ceremony.
Darren Stainton; Giles; Jim Richards; Graham Benson
He also thanked WBro David for staying in the Chair for two years because of the lockdown. WBro David Sear is also a Special Rep and covers the northerly tip of the Province. With the Charity cheque presented it was time to close the Lodge. At the festive board WBro Giles Berkley in his reply to his toast, again commented on this being the Lodge’s 149th year and so there will a 150th celebration next year. WBro Giles also encouraged members of Walton Lodge to volunteer as stewards for the Mark Provincial Meeting at the Winter Gardens on 27th April 2023 and also at the Royal Ark Mariner Assembly on 19th September 2023 at the Savoy Hotel, both in Blackpool.
Darren Stainton; Graham Benson, SW 7 WM of Furness Mark with Jiom Richards
There was another very nice twist in the toasts, when WBro Tony Alderton, PPrGSW, the Worshipful Master’s Dad gave the toast to the New Master. It was a very warm and genuine toast from a very proud Dad and enjoyed by all present. We wish WBro Roland Alderton and Walton Mark Lodge No161 a happy and successful 150th year. The Master and members of “The Provincial Grand Stewards’ Lodge” wish everyone seasonal greetings.
 
Words by Derek Gaskell. Pictures by Derek Gaskell and David Sear