Province of West Lancashire
Lodge of Charity of Mark Master Masons. No.935
The Masonic Hall, Bryn, Nr Wigan. Monday 9th September 2024
 
Set off early as usual, went straight up the M60 on ramp no hold up! in fact none all the way, on to the M62, M6 then only a couple of miles and I was there, as you know with my usual luck I couldn’t believe it, now getting back home is another story.
Here we go again the start of another great season to look forward to, Halls to visit and friends to see old and new, don’t forget your only a stranger once.
Tonight it was a special evening to visit only the second meeting of a Lodge which was saved from going out of existence and reborn under its new name by the hard work of several members, especially W.Bro. Corday and the present W.M. W. Bro. Giles Berkley our ProvDepPGM.   Membership is open to all present and past Lodge Charity Stewards and Almoners, the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant, with everyone happy to meet, exchanging genuine handshakes of friendship and lots of chat from their own areas, including their activities during the wonderful warm summer months (not).
The Meeting opened on time at 6.30 p.m., several housekeeping items were dealt with including the election of all the officers for the ensuing year, of note was an excellent choice of Tyler.
Following the elections an excellent Lecture was given by W.Bro. John Sarti PGJD, the Prov Grand Charity Steward, he gave a real insight into all the Mark Charities and the different functions they carry out, he was then happy to answer any questions put forward by the Brethren. All in all a really interesting and worthwhile Lecture.
On closing everyone made their way to the bar to get some liquid refreshment before heading to the dining room and taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served up by the very friendly and attentive Hall staff and  was followed by several Toasts and Responses.
Unfortunately, I had to leave early as my wife isn’t very well but I really enjoyed being back amongst Mark Masons once again and the great atmosphere that I have always found in this the Friendly, Happy Degree. The ”Magic of the Mark”
As to the trip home got on the M6 all seemed fine for about 4 miles and that was that everything stopped 3 lanes closed, tail lights as far as the eye could see, I thought oh well everything is back to normal.
Here’s looking forward to my next Mark meeting and the Provincial Royal Ark Mariner meeting on Tuesday the 17th Oct in Blackpool, see you there.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. 1173