Bispham-with Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons.  No. 866
The Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.  Friday 12th April 2024
Blackpool & District Association of Mark Lodges.  53rd Annual Festival
A Brief History
“Mark Masonry and its Formation in England”
 
Here we go, Blackpool tonight set off early as usual and guess what the M60 was back to normal including even a crawl up the on ramp, slow motion over the high level bridge and all the way to the M61 slip road. The time was now slipping bye at a fast rate but as Corporal Jones would say “Don’t Panic”.  Light traffic for most of the trip and unbelievably parked up and got to the Lodge which had started just before the PGM was about to enter !  (I think we did Manchester to Blackpool in record time)
Several housekeeping items had been dealt with, Keith was offered the gavel which he accepted so as to introduce the members of the Provincial Team to the Lodge members and guests.
Following on from a short pause in proceedings whilst the “Actors” prepared the time now arrived for this year’s presentation by the Blackpool & District Association to present, “Mark Masonry and its Formation in England”.
The Narrator was the wonderful W. Bro. Melvyn Cross, PGJD, who gave a resume of the history before three stonemasons entered (well I think they were stonemasons one of them used the same barber as the late Ken Dodd) They began working on shaping some stones to the plans they had, all this time there was a back projection screen displaying items, as Mel was delivering the story, such things as very, very old workmen’s markings in stone.  Next a surprise when three horsemen entered, were they real horses I’m not sure but they clip clopped along, this part of the story was when basically we were trying to set up (get clearance) for an English Grand Lodge, there was a lot of two-ing and fro-ing but at last two of our high ranking Scottish Mark Masons entered, (Kilts and all) and eventually we are where we are today with our headquarters in London which covers several Degrees including the Royal Ark Mariners.
Just a little story as I mentioned Scotland, a good friend of mine who has since passed had done his 60 years as a Craft Mason, and his Mother Lodge was in Edinburgh, to mark the occasion his Lodge in Stockport hired a 40 seat bus and we all went across the border and stayed at a lovely hotel before going to the meeting in Edinburgh. How proud was I, at the time I was an acting Mark Grand Steward with a Gold Chain, they made me parade into the Lodge in Mark Regalia, to be personally welcomed by the WM, now that was an experience I will never forget.
Early the next day we went to Roslyn Chapel which was brilliant, then it was back to the Scottish Grand Lodge where we were given a special tour, another trip I will never forget, likewise our Brother Mark Mason, Bernard Rourke was very special to me and all who knew him.
Ah well back to our meeting, on closing everyone assembled in the Lodge room for some pictures to mark the special occasion including the three horsemen, the three stonemasons and the Two Scottish Dignitaries.  Once completed it was time for everyone to charge their glasses before going upstairs to take their seats for the Festive Board. As is usual at Blackpool an excellent meal was served up by the very pleasant, friendly Hall staff.
Lots of happy faces and chat and at the conclusion of the meal the familiar Toasts and Responses were delivered and I’m sure well received by all, unfortunately I had to make a hasty retreat back to Manchester so I missed the PGM’s speech which I’m sure included a good story or two. Looking forward to my next Mark Team meeting which is at Southport on Friday next the 18th April , to meet old friends and those I have yet to meet.  Mark Well and remember your only a stranger once. 
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Masons is on Thursday 2nd May at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
The Annual Provincial Assembly of Royal Ark Mariners is on Tues 17th Sept at the Savoy Hotel, Blackpool.
 
More Photos on this link coutesy of Tony Cross
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.  PGJD