Westhoughton Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No. 1006
Installation Meeting. Thursday 8th December 2022
The Masonic Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton
 
Another great meeting to look forward to, from inside looking out it was a bright day with a lovely blue sky and a glimmer of sunshine, once I got outside, I found out that it was by no means as pleasant as it looked, it was absolutely Freezing, not just cold, Freezing. Having decided the night before to leave my car in its nice warm garage it took me at least 20 minutes to clear my wife’s car to a point where I could drive it, some would say “well it serves you right”
Ah well finally I got going, up the now famous on ramp for the M60, I know you’re going to find this hard to believe but, the Traffic Lights were turned off and the traffic was moving, yes actually moving, I did my usual manoeuvre to get across the three lanes which helps to get past all the slip roads before arriving at the M61, spoke too soon, traffic was now stopped on approaching the high level bridge, once I had crawled to the M61 I had no more hold ups and arrived at the Hall 2 hours early. Not to worry I’ll get inside, find a comfy chair and get a nice cup of coffee, not today I’m afraid, the dining area was full of ladies dancing/exercising, they begged me to join in but in my condition I had to decline the offer and instead got my big coat out of the car and did my usual mooch about to try and find some interesting pictures for the West Lanc’s Web site.
Members of the Lodge began to arrive and got to work setting up the Lodge room, closely followed by the Prov D.C. W. Bro. Arthur Robinson and a couple of his Prov Asst D.C’s, soon to be followed by the Prov S and JW’s. Once Arthur was happy that most of the acting Prov officers had arrived he began the usual practise sessions as he does before every Team Visit. Once he was satisfied a quick cup of coffee was in order and then it was time for the meeting to commence.
The WM Bro. Tony Fletcher dealt with several items as listed on the summons including a Joining Member who was welcomed into the Lodge, it was now time for our R.W. PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore to enter accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was welcomed and offered the Gavel which he said on this occasion he would accept for a short while so as to introduce the members of the Team to everyone present.
Now it was time for the Installation of Bro. Gerald Butler as W.M. for the ensuing year, this was done in fine style by W.Bro. Tony Fletcher, assisted by W.Bro. M. Stephen Gregory PPrGJW and other officers of the Lodge. The Keystone Jewel and collarette along with the Mark Benevolent Fund Jewel were presented and explained to the W.M. by W.Bro. Russell Green PPrGSO. then all the officers for the following year were appointed and Invested. At the closing of the Board of Installed Masters the Address to the W.M. was given by W.Bro. Stephen Gregory PPrGJW, Address to the Wardens was given by W.Bro. David Daisley Durling ProvGSW, Address to the Overseers by W.Bro. B. Povey ProvGJW and the one Address I always look forward to the special one given to all present by the R.W. PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore.
Before the meeting was closed the W.M. was delighted to present a donation to Keith for the Mark Charity to the amount of £400, the PGM said it was an amazing amount and thanked all the members of the Lodge for their generosity and assuring them it would be well received and put to good use by those in need.
Once the Meeting ended everyone made their way back into the Lodge room for some pictures to mark the occasion, when that was done it was time to get some liquid refreshment downstairs in the dining room complete of course with lots of friendly chat from all over the Province.
 
An excellent meal was served by the friendly and very efficient hall staff, this was followed by the usual Toasts and Responses including a new joke from our very own PGM, everyone said their goodbyes with the usual genuine handshakes of friendship as we use in this:                                                                           
“The Magic Mark Degree”
Here’s looking forward to my next Mark or Royal Ark Mariner Meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet. If you know any Brothers, Family or Friends who are perhaps getting on a bit and living alone, as Christmas approaches, I’m sure a visit or phone call would be much appreciated.
 
Words and pictures by Austin Fletcher