Bispham with Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 866
Friday 12th January 2024 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool
 
A business meeting with an advancement.
 
The Lodge was opened and the WM, Bro. Alan Barnes read a eulogy for WBro David J Winder A. Prov GM, who had passed away just before Christmas and whose funeral had taken place earlier that day. The Brethren stood to order as a mark of respect for a Brother who will be sorely missed.
The WM invited WBro James Rashid Prov AGDC to occupy the chair and to undertake the ceremony of advancement.
Bro Gerard Maxwell the actual brother of WBro Peter Maxwell PProv GSwdB the Provincial Tyler was admitted to the Lodge.
Bro Ian Watson the Lodge SD accompanied by Bro Martin Haines the Lodge JD escorted Bro Maxwell around the Lodge during the various stages of the advancement.
WBro Peter Maxwell acting as JW for the night, appeared to take great delight in attempting to inflict the ancient punishment on his big brother!
The officers of the Lodge ensured that Brother Maxwell was well and truly advanced.
Bro Peter Roscow explained the working tools to Bro Maxwell.
An excellent and sincere ceremony was carried out by WBro Rashid and Bro Maxwell enjoyed it thoroughly.
A letter of welcome from the RWPMG was presented to Bro Maxwell.
After the advancement the WM returned to his chair and conducted a few items of business on the summons, one of which was to elect the WM for next year. The SW, Bro Gordon Ivett, was duly elected and thanked the Brethren.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren assembled in the bar for refreshments and onto the festive board.
A raffle organized and subsequently won by Bro Martin Haines raised £125 for charity!
Sparkling wit and conversation accompanied the meal along with discussion about an emergency meeting to conduct another advancement.
WBro Giles Berkely PGJD, Dep. Prov. G.M., sold some of the new Mark ties and the newly acquired pocket squares at the festive board.
WBro Rashid undertook an audition for Provincial Organist during the toast to the King by playing a part version of the National Anthem. WBro Shaun Haynes PAGStdBr, the Provincial Organist who attended the Lodge and provided musical accompaniment during the ceremony, suggested that WBro Rashid was the second-best organist at the meeting!
A very good night was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross