Allan Pooley Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No 992
Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, L3 5UL. Weds 11th October 2023
 
Here we go again another Team Visit to look forward to, is this déjà vu I asked myself, back to Liverpool down the same roads we travelled on only two days ago, up that same ramp, one thing though the traffic lights at the top of the ramp were working, ha, now I know the Highways Agency are having a laugh, they are on for 10 seconds at a time and serve no purpose whatsoever, in fact most drivers now take absolutely no notice of them as they serve no purpose whatsoever.(not me of course) Once I made it to the M62 slow at first then it was pretty easy going, that is until coming off at the end of it, the Sat Nav decided it was going to take me on a tour of Liverpool, I think the only place I didn’t drive past was the Cavern, (not the one I used to attend in my youth) anyway eventually made it to the stoney car park at the rear of the Adelphi and breathed a sigh of relief.
Once you enter the building through the front entrance the trip becomes well worth while, I know I’ve said it before but what a stunning site you are greeted with, from the reception desk up a short flight of stairs into a very large Banqueting room which can only be described as Magnificent, in fact every room you pass through is excellent. Our Provincial D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson was already organising members of the Team for a practise session as usual; the very spacious room being used for the actual meeting was right next to the one for dining, a great set up.
The meeting started on time at 5.30. and as is usual several housekeeping items were dealt with and then following the knocks on the door the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was immediately welcomed by the W.M. Bro. Thomas P. Pattullo on behalf of all present and offered the Gavel which Keith said he would accept on this occasion for a short time so as to introduce members of the Team, then with that well known twinkle in his eyes, which we are all used to, he said, but no longer because he knew that the W.M. was really looking forward to carrying out the Installation.
I can report that Bro. Thomas Walsh was Installed in the Chair of Adoniram in fine style by W.Bro. Pattullo assisted by officers of the Lodge, the Keystone Jewel was presented and explained by W.Bro. Paul Shirley PPrSGD . The working tools were all presented and explained again all in fine style, Keith offered his personal congratulations to the W.M, Thomas thanked him for his good wished and had much pleasure on behalf of the Lodge members to hand over a cheque for £300 made out to the West Lancs Mark Charity Fund to which Keith replied that it was a wonderful amount, which would be well received and put to good use as always by our own WLMCF. The Provincial Deputy Grand Master W.Bro. Giles Berkley PGJD was then delighted to present two Grand Lodge Certificates, wishing the recipients many happy years in this Lodge and as Mark Masons, then pointing to a Brother with a Royal Ark Mariner Apron on said don’t forget to have a look at joining the exquisite and colourful Degree, which we all enjoy.  
The PGM then retired from the meeting along with members of the Team and the Grand and Acting Provincial Grand officers, at its conclusion everyone made their way back into the Lodge room for some photographs to mark the occasion, before moving to the dining room, charging their glasses and taking up their allotted seats for the Social Board. At this point unfortunately I had to leave and get back to Manchester, but I have been assured that a superb meal was served by the friendly and attentive Hotel Staff. The usual Toasts were given along with some excellent Responses, and just before coming to an end Keith was presented with a lovely bouquet for his good lady June, everyone present then said their goodbyes and as I always say, giving the genuine handshakes of this wonderful Mark Degree.
Here's looking forward to the next one on Tuesday next, the Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariner Lodge No.296 in Blackpool, hoping to see you there.
“The Magic of the Mark” Great to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, remember your only a stranger once.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173