Adoniram Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.552
Wednesday, March 20th 2024
Westhoughton Masonic Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton
 
Another great night to look forward to and once again not far to go, went straight up the M60 on ramp, over the high-level bridge without stopping, joined the M61, light traffic to junction 5, came off and in no time at all arrived at the hall, 30 minutes.
Already quite a few members and guests were gathered around the cosy bar area chatting and enjoying each other’s company with lots of stories from all over the Province. Always ready and willing to spend time with you and with his usual welcoming smile was our own R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore, PGM, I often wonder if any other Province are lucky enough to have a leader like we have in West Lancs.
The meeting started on time at 11 am, including a ballot for another three membera which was unanimous in favour, two off the joining members were admitted, a Master for the ensuing year was elected, W.Bro. John Wreyford, PGJD, then declared as Treasurer was W.Bro. Steve Walls PGJD and V.W. Michael Clarke PGJO. PAProvGM was declared as Charity Steward.
Then it was time for the highlight of the day which we all looked forward to, a talk entitled,
“The Importance of the Mark Degree in Other Orders” delivered by W.Bro.M.J.Pinckard PGStwd.AsstPGM,
It kept everyone interested from start to finish and duly received loud acclaim from all present.
A few other items followed as in every Lodge and that was it, on closing everyone made their way to the dining room, bar area to get a couple of drinks before taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board, a tasty lunchtime meal was served up by the friendly hall staff, several Toasts and Responses followed and that was it, another enjoyable Mark meeting was over.
Everyone said their goodbyes along with the usual handshakes of genuine friendship and looking forward to the next Mark meeting to see old friends and those yet to meet, not a Royal Ark Mariner yet, just ask the Secretary in your Lodge or Special Rep who will be extremely happy to point you in the right direction. It is strange going out into daylight but as normal it was raining and cold, don’t forget your only a stranger once.
 
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge Meeting, Thursday 2nd May 2024 at the Winter Gardens Blackpool.
All Mark Masons Welcome.
The Provincial Annual Assembly of the Honourable and Ancient Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners will take place at the Savoy Hotel, Queens Parade, Blackpool on Tuesday 19th September 2024.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD.                               “The Magic of the Mark”