Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 296
 
Business meeting with a strong Rabbie Burns influence at the festive board, Thursday 25th January 2024 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
29 Brethren were in attendance, including the RWPGM; RWBro. Keith Beardmore and VWBro’s John Forster and Bob McGown.
WBro. Ernest Gavan was present.
Cleveleys Mark Lodge Master in Office, WBro. Paul Smedley was also present.
The Lodge was opened by the ubiquitous WBro. Mark Brown.
A period of reflection was held for WBro. David Winder APGM and Bro John Cartwright JW of the Lodge who had both recently passed to the Grand Lodge above.
VWBro. Forster read a eulogy for both Brothers, who will be greatly missed.
A number of Lodge officers who couldn’t be present at the Installation were invested.
A ballot was held for a joining member WBro. Stephen James Prov GSD (E Lancs), who had been proposed into the Lodge by WBro. Rick Clarke PProvGJW and seconded by the RWPGM. Unsurprisingly the ballot proved in favour! Notebooks were ready for names to be taken!
WBro. James was welcomed into the West Lancs Mark fold.
The WM worked through the remaining business and the Lodge was closed and the Brethren repaired to the bar and onto the festive board.
As it was Burns night, a number of Brethren attended and were resplendent in tartan attire.
A haggis was piped into the festive board and VWBro. McGown recited an incantation written by Robert Burns; “Address to the haggis” and proceeded to cleave it asunder with a ceremonial kitchen knife!
All toasted the haggis with a wee dram of Scotch!
Neaps, tatties and haggis was the starter for the festive board.
Lively discussion and great craic accompanied the meal!
WBro Peter Green P Prov GSO relieved the Brethren of £145 in a raffle!
A very good night was definitely had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross