Cleveleys Mark Installation |
| This meeting was very well supported – to witness Bob Stafford install Paul Smedley once again into the Chair of Adoniram. Paul was WM in 2019-20, and stepped forward again to help the Lodge. We began at 3.30 to accommodate certain health concerns for one of the brethren, what a nice touch! |
 |
Front row: Harry Cox, Giles Berkley, Stephen Leach, Gordon Hinchcliffe Back row: John Dean, Ernie Gavan, Chris Sage and Philip Watson |
| This was the first Installation outing for the new Deputy PGM, accompanied by James Rashid Prov Asst G DC, and Chris Sage Prov G Stwd, with John Dean Prov Asst G DC, keeping them all in line. |
 |
John Whitley, Keith Carter, Jimmy Rogers, Russell Forsyth, Giles Berkley, WM Paul Smedley, IPM Bob Stafford, and DC Alan Fairhurst |
| The Secretary Jimmy Rogers was promoted in Grand Lodge last week to V W Brother, PGJO. Jimmy is one of the hardest working Masons on the Fylde, and this honour is richly deserved. Howard Emmett received the same rank, and was due to attend Cleveleys to deliver the Address to the WM, but caught Covid – our best wishes to you Howard, who is recovering nicely. |
 |
Giles Berkley, Paul Smedley and Bob Stafford |
| As we are all aware, John Forster has stepped down as the Provincial Grand Master’s Special Representative for the Fylde. Bob Bennett carried good news to the Lodge, that John is feeling much better, and is expecting to be released over the next few days. We have all been very worried about his continuing illness, and it was wonderful to get better news about John. The successor to John is Tony Cross from Bispham-with-Norbreck Lodge, who will be a valued successor to John, who will no doubt train him extensively! |
 |
Chris Sage, James Rashid, John Dean, Giles Berkley & Ernie Gavan |
| It was a great surprise to see W Bro Philip Watson GJD (yes, acting Grand Officer) with his chain of office, at the meeting. Phil is still recovering from a serious illness, but is getting better day by day, and felt well enough to attend this Installation meeting. Good luck Philip for your continued recovery. |
 |
WM Paul Smedley greets Alan Barnes, WM of Bispham-with-Norbreck |
| The ceremony was first class – Bob Stafford did a wonderful job of installing his successor, with Tom Egan delivering the working tools, and Alan Fairhurst delivering both addresses to the Wardens and the Overseers in fine style. Giles addressed the Brethren and Gordon Hinchcliffe PAG Swd B presented the Keystone Jewel. The officers were all placed in their respective offices, and we closed the Lodge for pictures, pints and particularly peckish people to be fed. |
 |
Giles greets Philip Watson, Grand Junior Deacon |
| Our Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master unveiled the new Provincial tie on Tuesday at the Royal Ark Mariner Assembly in Blackpool, and 24 of the brethren present at Cleveleys were persuaded to purchase one each. The new tie was very well received, and of course will generate valuable funds for our Provincial Charity. |
| After wonderful meeting, and a lovely meal, the toasts and speeches flowed along nicely, and we finished before 7.30, and so it was still light as we all drove home, to the great surprise of my wife…... |
| Words and pictures by by Giles |
