Dropsy at Wilbraham
 
Despite having only been elected last month, Bro Lewis Redhead was installed as Master of Wilbraham Mark lodge 0523 on Thursday 11th April.  The election was expected, the installation inevitable, and it was believed that the installing Master, W Bro Rob Williams, had plenty of time to learn his work.  But what has been quite a busy year for Rob having advanced three brethren over three ceremonies, he really only had that one month to prepare himself for the challenge of installation.
Lewis Redhead and Rob Williams
Having gathered his team for the installation and opened his lodge, Rob welcomed W Bro Stephen L Walls PGSD, the Representative of the RW PGM, and handed him notice of the lodge’s intention to make three donations to local charities at a “Giving Day” to be held in Widnes Masonic Hall on Saturday 27th April.  Rob then went on to thank the brethren for their support during his year in office.  He highlighted the extra practises arranged and especially the extra support given by some of the senior members.
The WM then entered into the ceremony of installation.  W Bro David Redhead proudly presented his son, Lewis, to the WM, who proceeded with the ceremony as if he done one every day.
Brian Boothroyd, Steve Walls, Lewis Redhead and Rob Williams
Working tools were presented by David with addresses given by W Bro Brian Horabin, W Bro Brian Boothroyd and W Bro Stephen J McNee.  After the appointment of officers, W Bro Walls brought greetings from the RW PGM adding that the work conducted was of an exemplary standard and was “one to emulated”.  W Bro McNee then present the new WM with a welcome letter from the RW PGM and reminded him of his duty to attend Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackpool on 02nd May.  
Dropsy?  This will remain a mystery to none of the attendees.  Suffice is to say that ballot balls do not roll far thanks to the new carpet in the lodge room.  Read into that what you will!  After honouring a Past Mater of the lodge with Honoray Membership, the WM, Bro Lewis Redhead, closed his lodge and lead the brethren away to a hearty festive board.
Steve Walls, Lewis Redhead, Tony Tallon and Rob Williams
A bottle of fine whiskey was on offer for the usual raffle, with a second mystery prize, donated by W Bro Tom Prince, pushing the raffle ticket sales to £100.   Well done Ian Rowan.
 
Another excellent night complete, all made their merry way home in the knowledge that their return will witness another Advancement of a senior Craft Brother who is learning more and more of the “Magic of the Mark”    
 
Words and pictures by Steve McNee