George Harradon Mark Lodge. No.956
Installation Meeting and Re-Dedication of the Lodge
The Masonic Hall, Wyrebank, Garstang. PR3 1PA
 
Here we go again looking forward to another great Mark Meeting, this time a very special one of a kind.  Set off at 9am, yes traffic all the way up the on ramp for the M60, not the usual amount though even more!! Ah well crept along, got in the outside lane which is always the best bet until we made it to the M61, then we were off flying along at 50mph.
Arrived in good time and went into the bar area, which is next to the dining room, lots of members there already enjoying a good old chin wag, along with a warm cup of coffee and a biscuit or two.  Before too long we made our way upstairs with everyone looking forward to the special meeting ahead which is a one off.
The meeting was opened on time at 11am, a Dispensation was read by the Secretary then it was time for the RW PGM Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. to enter the proceedings accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers. The W.M. welcomed our PGM on behalf of everyone present, before the Secretary read an abeyance statement from the 18th May 2023.
Our PGM addressed the Brethren and was then pleased to Re-Dedicate the Lodge, which many present have never seen before. A Board of Installed Masters was declared,  and the Master elect W.Bro. M. J. Pinckard PGStwd. A.Prov.G.M. was presented by W.Bro. Arthur Robinson PGJD. ProvDC and duly Installed in the Chair of Adoniram by W.Bro. Roger T Boyle assisted by officers of the lodge.     
Next all the officers for the ensuing year were appointed and invested by the W.M. with the collar of their office. A ballot was taken to elect several Honorary Members which included most of the Mark Executive, this proved unanimous in favour by all present.
W.Bro. Derek Gaskell P Prov JGW presented and explained the Working Tools to the newly Installed W.M. along with the Warrant, Book of Constitutions, the Lodge Bye-Laws, the Keystone Jewel and the Charity Jewel.   The Address to the Wardens was given by W.Bro. David Atkins, Address to the Overseers W.Bro. Mark Taylor and Address to the W.M. was given by W.Bro. David Seer P.A.G.D.C.
All in all a great meeting, on closing everybody made their way back into the Lodge Room for the usual pictures to mark the occasion, then it was off to the dining room and with glasses charged everyone found their allotted seats for the Festive Board. A first class meal was served by the friendly and efficient Hall staff.

The usual Toasts and some excellent responses followed then it was time for everyone to say their goodbyes with the genuine handshakes given by all Mark Masons, out into the cold night air, I think winter has arrived, here’s looking forward to the next Mark or Royal Ark Mariners meeting.   
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro. A.N.Fletcher.  PGJD.  Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark.  No. 1173