Freshfield Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.1007
Installation Meeting. Friday 19th April 2024. 5.30pm
The Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Southport
 
Looking forward to some sea air again, this time at Southport, set off early as usual, made it up the M60 on ramp without much trouble, switched lanes as usual, kept moving, slowly but arrived at the M62 before too long. Eventually I was going down a road which was signed up as Formby by pass and seemed to have a roundabout every 5 minutes, not a clue where I was now!  Years ago, you used to enter Southport from Manchester in what seemed like the centre on to Lord Street but not now, I had a thought though Duke Street can’t be far away, I wonder if all these streets are connected to Royalty. No matter you know I’m not the best location finder in Lancashire but I made it, and soon realised where I was having been at this hall a few times before. I always find the actual building very impressive both from the outside and inside, parked across the road where the charge is quite reasonable but be warned if you don’t pay your dues you can receive a ticket in the post for up to £100!
Once inside the Hall I was met by lots of happy smiling faces and handshakes just as you would expect from our Friendly Degree, another surprise was in store for me when a friend from over twenty years ago appeared and gave me a big bear hug. I proposed him into Freemasonry and did the Initiation Ceremony, he was everything you would want in a First Class Mason, I was devastated when he and his wife moved to Southport due to work commitments, he now belongs to several lodges and different Degrees and it was a real pleasure to see him.
Now then back to the business of the evening, the meeting, it started on time at 5.30 and once several housekeeping items had been dealt with, our Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered, accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was welcomed by the Worshipful Master, Bro. Jeremy Williams on behalf of everyone present and offered him the Gavel, which on this occasion he did accept, but as he said it would only be for a short time to introduce the members of the Team to everyone as he knew that the WM was eager to perform the Installation Ceremony.
On handing back the Gavel Bro. Ian Tupling was duly presented by W.Bro. John Mawdsley PGJD he was then Installed into the chair of Adoniram by W. Bro. Jeremy Williams, (now the IPM)  he also presented the Charity Jewel, the Book of Constitutions and the Lodge Bye Laws. The Working Tools of the Degree were presented and explained in fine style along with the Address to the Master by the hard-working  W. Bro. Mawdsley. The officers for the ensuing year were next up and presented with their collar of office, when it came to the Secretary’s position, W.Bro. Barry Hesketh PGStdB said that after doing the job for many years it was now time for another brother to take over at the next Installation Meeting, this received respectful loud applause from all the members of the Lodge.
W.Bro. Mark Barton PrGSW  gave the address to the Lodge Wardens, W. Bro. Andrew Wiltshire PPrGJW gave the address to the Overseers, when it came to the DC, W. Bro. Arthur Robinson the Prov DC had much pleasure in presenting W.Bro. John Mawdsley PGJD with his Wand of office. One of the highlights of any Team Visit was next when our PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore gave the address to all present, he then congratulated the newly installed WM and wished him and all the members of the Lodge with a happy and healthy year ahead including perhaps at least one Initiation, in return the WM had much pleasure in presenting him with several cheques for various charities and one for the Southport Masonic Hall Foundation which came to the grand total of £1007 magnificent.
Before the meeting closed the DepPGM Giles Berkley PGJD had much pleasure in presenting a Grand Lodge Certificate to one of the Lodge members, at this point in proceedings the PGM and all the members of the Team retired from the meeting. On closing everybody returned for the usual pictures to be taken to mark the occasion, then some liquid refreshment was obtained before taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board in the well dressed and laid out dining room. An excellent meal was served by the very friendly and efficient hall staff including a full plate of cheese and biscuits for each person. (I’ve not seen that before)
At the conclusion of the meal the usual Toasts and Responses were all well received, then it was time to say our goodbyes with the usual genuine handshakes of friendship that we all use in this the Friendly Degree, on leaving and going out into the cold night air I was already looking forward to the next Mark meeting wherever it may be in the province, to meet old friends and those I haven’t yet met, your only a stranger once.
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge will be held on Tuesday 2nd May at the Winter Gardens, Spanish Hall,
Church Street, Blackpool.
Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Assembly will be held at The Savoy Hotel, Blackpool, Tues 17th Sept.
 

Hope to see you all there for more “Magic of the Mark”         
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD.