Fylde Mark Lodge No.296 Friday 28 March 2024 – Advancement Ceremony
PGM Deputy Special Representatives Report
 
The WM Mark Brown opened the Lodge with 26 Lodge members present and 4 visitors, the Master of Cleveleys Lodge No. 1176 W. Bro. Paul Smedley, the IPM of Bispham with Norbreck Lodge No. 886, W. Bro. Alan Barnes, together with W. Bro. Steve Smith, the RW PGM’s Deputy Special Representative and W. Bro. Alan Davies from Semper Fidelis Lodge No.880.
WM with Candidate
The RW Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Keith Beardmore was, as always present at his own Lodge joined by V.W. Bro. John Forster and V.W. Bro. Bob McGown.
PGM & Dep Special Rep
The business of the meeting was conducted by the WM, including the ballot for the candidate which proved in favour. The WM then invited W. Bro. Craig Scott to occupy the Chair for the Advancement Ceremony for Bro. John George Michael Todd.
Ray Lamb wandering what's going on
W. Bro. Peter Green occupied the Junior Warden Chair, following the demise of Bro. John Cartwright and W. Bro. Rory Maskell acted as Senior Deacon for the Ceremony.
Peter Green preparing to fleece people
Although there were some deviations from the Ceremony, as we know it, the undoubted star of the show was W. Bro. Craig Scott who delivered the whole Ceremony of Advancement with confidence and aplomb.
PGM arrives
He was very ably assisted by W. Bro. Green who, not only explained the apron and jewel, but presented the Warrant and By-laws to the Candidate and delivered the conclusion to the Ceremony.
Rory Maskell Acting SD swotting
During the Ceremony there was an excellent rendition of the Working Tools of the Degree by Bro. Darren Clarke, the Junior Deacon.
PGM with his retired Sp.Rep. John Forster
WM studying little book
At the conclusion of the Ceremony the Welcome Letter from the RW Provincial Grand Master was presented to the Candidate by W. Bro. Steve Smith. This was followed by VW Bro. John Forster who presented the Candidate with a Mark Tie and Lapel Badge.
All those present (less me taking photo)
The Lodge was closed and the brethren retired to the Festive Board which was a genuine and enjoyable fest fitting for the friendly Mark Degree.
PGM with Grand Officers,WM and Craig Scottt who did ceremony
An unexpected climax to the Festive Board was when VW Bro. John Forster supplied a glass of port to all present to celebrate his forthcoming promotion in Grand Mark Lodge to Past Grand Senior Overseer.
W. Bro. Peter Green (alias Dick Turpin) was busy throughout with his usual raffle which raised the magnificent sum of £142.50 to add to the £63.00 raised on the Charity Plate in the Lodge.
During the Festive Board the RW Bro. Beardmore remined the brethren to support both the Provincial Mark Lodge on Thursday 2 May 2024 and the Mark Festival at Bispham with Norbreck Mark Lodge on Friday 12 April, 2024.
An excellent evening where another Mark Mason was received into West Lancashire. May he live many years to enjoy it.
S.M.I.B