Wyre Mark Installation marks Centenary
 
Wyre Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 754 celebrated its installation and the occasion also marked 100 years of existence. Each member of Wyre Mark Lodge of the lodge was presented with a centenary jewel by the representative of the PGM, W Bro Michael Pinckard G Stwd Prov G Sec, as a visual emblem of the progress of the lodge which was first consecrated in 1922.
 
There was much more besides; this being Wyre Lodge of Mark Master Masons, at the meeting held at Fleetwood Masonic Hall.
David Platt the new WMM of Wyre Mark and his predecessor an IM Tom Egan
WMM Tom Egan installed his successor David Platt into the master’s chair with great sincerity and accomplishment.
 
Tom despatched the early administrative business of the lodge courtesy of the behind–the-scenes work done by lodge secretary Jimmy Rogers PGJD - who later received accolades for having served for 20 years as secretary of Wyre Mark Lodge.
 
Once the parade of Grand and Provincial Grand officers who included John Forster the Special Representative of the PGM and principal guest Mike Pinckard as well as many other distinguished brethren had been admitted, the brethren of the lodge were called forward to receive their commemorative jewel from John and Mike.
That being done Tom proceeded with the first part of the installation ceremony as DC Dennis Smith presented JW David Platt as the WMM elect. Visitor Alan Barnes, WM of Bispham with Norbreck Mark Lodge No 866, kindly took post as installing JW in David’s place.
Jimmy Rogers, Andrew Dickson, David Pinckard, David Platt, Tom Egan and John Forster
David confidently responded to the questions posed by Tom testing his qualifications for the office of master. After the brethren below the rank of an installed master had withdrawn Tom opened the Inner Workings and the installation ceremony continued in a most sincere and faultless fashion as David was installed by Tom into the Chair of Adonirum.
 
Grand Steward Philip Watson presented and explained the significance of the Keystone Jewel reminding David that he should wear the Jewel only when he wore his WMM regalia.
 
David then appointed and invested his new team of officers with every member of the lodge being given a post.
Visiting Masters Andrew Stansfield with David Platt and Tom Egan  with Alan Barnes
John Forster movingly addressed the new master followed by Andrew Dickson PGSD who gave the address to the wardens.
 
Busy DC Dennis Smith next gave the address to the overseers, having been presented during the appointment of officers by John Forster, who generously complimented him on his re-appointment.
The address to the brethren was given by Mike Pinckard.
 
In his speech to the brethren Mike brought the fraternal greetings of the PGM Keith Beardmore. Mike complimented the brethren of Wyre on taking office and encouraged them to enjoy their year. He urged them to encourage Craft masons to join the “friendly degree” as their next step in freemasonry. He said also that this was second visit to Fleetwood Masonic Hall as a representative as he had previously been a ‘rep’ in the Craft to Fleetwood.
 
Andrew Stansfield of Imperial Mark Lodge no 1276 replied on behalf the visitors saying how much they had enjoyed the installation ceremony.
Mike Pinckard addressing the brethren at Festive Board
The brethren retired to an excellent festive board and in his after dinner speech David Pinckard congratulated the new master and also congratulated Tom Egan for a job well done at the installation. Dennis Smith came in for praise for his work as DC as did secretary Jimmy Rogers for his assistance and for the long time, 20 years he had served as secretary of the lodge. He thanked his fellow Grand officers for their support and that he and they had had a superb time.
 
David spoke about West Lancashire Mark Provincial Grand Lodge which was to take place on April 27th.and encouraged brethren to attend. He said that the PGM was keen that brethren took up the free offer which West Lancashire Mark Charities was providing of easy-to-use Icle Test kits which detects blood in urine which can be a sign of bladder, kidney or prostate cancer. He said that brethren should make use of this wonderful opportunity.
 
David wished the new WM and his team every success for the coming year and thanked the lodge for the hospitality and good food he had received.
 
Words and pictures by Bob Baol