Chorlton Mark Lodge No. 394
Urmston Masonic Hall 1881, 15, Westbourne Rd, Urmston, M41 0XQ
Installation Ceremony. Weds 7th February 2024
 
Another great Team Visit to look forward to tonight, for a change not a long trip, no on ramps, no closed motorways and no traffic, five minutes and I was at the hall, Brilliant. The meeting started on time at 5pm, several housekeeping items were dealt with before the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers entered the Lodge, he was welcomed by the W.M. W.Bro. Gareth R Jones on behalf of all present and wished him and his officers have a pleasant evening at Chorlton Mark.
The W.M. offered the PGM the gavel who said that on this occasion he would accept it for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Team to everyone, but that he would soon hand it back to the WM as he could see that he was itching to carry on with the Installation, of course he said  that with the usual twinkle in his eyes that we have all come to recognise.
Once the Board of Installed Masters was declared an excellent Ceremony was conducted by W.Bro. Gareth Jones assisted by members of the Lodge to Install Robert Williamson in to the Chair of Adoniram. The address to the WM was given by W.Bro. David D. Durling PPrGSW  the working tools were presented and explained in fine style by Bro. Ian Wood, the address to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. Mark Barton, address the Overseers by W.Bro. Andy Wiltshire.
All in all, it was a great Ceremony, on its completion Keith congratulated the newly Installed Master and wished him and all the members a happy and healthy year ahead. The W.M. gave Keith a cheque to the value of £500 and then just as quick took it back before explaining that it was a donation to a Project called The Little Green Socks. The PGM said it was an excellent amount from a relatively small Mark Lodge and wished the project every success.
The time had come for the PGM to retire accompanied by the Acting Prov and Grand Officers, at its closing everyone made their way back into the Temple for the usual pictures to be taken to record the meeting, before crossing into the other building (Venue) for some liquid refreshment.

After taking up the allotted seats for the Festive Board an excellent meal was served up by the very friendly and attentive Hall Staff, the usual Toasts and responses were all well received including the Order Of Merit which was presented to Mike Tonge for his good works in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, a lovely bouquet was presented to Keith for his wife June and all too soon it was time to leave to all points of the Province, everyone giving the genuine handshakes of Mark Masons and saying their goodbyes.
‘The Magic of the Mark’ Here’s looking forward to the next meeting to see old friends and those we have yet to meet, Remember Your Only a Stranger Once.
 
Words and pictures by Austin Fletcher