Semper Fidelis Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 880
 
Double advancement ceremony meeting, Monday 15th April 2024 the Masonic Temple, St. Annes.
Nineteen Brethren present plus two candidates for advancement. Bro. Paul Smedley WM of Cleveleys Mark Lodge No. 1176 was present.
A number of Officers could not be present at the meeting, which meant that VWBro. Howard Emmett PGJO, stood in for multiple roles during the evening, showing that the old hands have still got what it takes when called upon!
The opening ode was sung and the WM, Bro. Michael Notman then opened the Lodge and worked through the business, including investing WBro. John Ogden PGJD as Lodge organist who could not be present at the Installation meeting.
Salutations were given to Very Worshipful Brethren, Grand Officers and Provincial Officers, who all suitably responded.
 
The WM then asked WBro. Mark Brown the IPM, to assist him by occupying the chair for the ceremony of Advancement. The candidates: Bro. David Whyman and Bro. Kevin Porter, were balloted for which proved successful.
The candidates then entered the Lodge and were duly advanced in a double ceremony by the members of the Lodge.
The working tools were presented to the newly advanced Brothers by WBro. Mark Brown.
A letter of welcome from the PGM was presented to Bro. Whyman and Bro. Porter by WBro. Tony Cross advised them to visit a Lodge as soon as possible to see the ceremony from an observers viewpoint to get a better understanding of the ceremony.
Once all the business of the evening had been carried out, the WM closed the Lodge and the obligatory photos were taken.
Everybody retired to the bar  area for refreshments and the festive board which was accompanied by lively discussion, a dubious dad joke and an excellent dinner of: soup; steak pudding and chips and a lemon meringue tart!
A raffle organized by Bro. David Pallister Charity Steward raised £138!
The newly advanced Brothers acquired the new West Lancs Mark ties and  went home happy and with their ritual books in hand.
 

An “entertaining” night was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross