Semper Fidelis Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 880 |
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| Installation meeting and Provincial Team Visit, Monday 19th February 2024 at the Masonic Temple, St. Annes. | |
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The WM, Bro. Mark Brown opened the Lodge at 5.30pm and worked through the summons. |
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| Once all the preliminary business of the Lodge had been carried out the Provincial team entered the Lodge under the direction of WBro. Tony Farrar ProvDepGDC WBro. James Rashid (ProvAsstGDC) and WBro. David Rigby (ProvAsstGDC) | |
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| The PGM was offered the gavel and accepted for a short while whilst he introduced the Provincial Team. | |
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| 52 Brethren were present including 4 VWBro.’s; John Forster, Howard Emmett, John Waring and Jimmy Rogers and 5 Grand Officers: Tony Farrar, Tony Cross, Philip Watson, Geoff Crossland and Ernest Gavan. Two unattached Brethren were also present; Bro David Randerson and Bro Stuart Thornber, possibly scoping out the Lodge to join in the future! | |
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| Once the WM was back in his chair, he requested that the following Brethren acted as installing officers: | |
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| WBro. Shaun Haynes PAGStdB, ProvGOrg played the organ throughout the meeting, which added to the ambience. | |
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| WBro. Bill Swindlehurst PProvGJW (DC) presented the Master elect Bro. Michael Notman the Lodge SW. | |
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| The WM proceeded to install Bro Notman in an excellent and sincere manner and also presented the working tools. | |
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| WBro. David Kenworthy PProvGSO presented the keystone and charity jewel collarettes in superb and memorable fashion! | |
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The addresses were given by the following Brethren:
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| A brief interlude of digital music was heard, accompanied by minor embarrassment, when VWBro. Waring’s phone rang! | |
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| The newly installed WM presented the PGM with a cheque for £1100! With £700 designated to go to the WLMCF. The money was gratefully received and will be faithfully applied. | |
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| The Provincial team retired and the WM proceeded through the risings and closed the Lodge. A photo session ensued. | |
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| Everybody retired to the bar for an aperitif prior to mustering in the dining hall for an excellent meal of: soup, slow cooked beef (melt in your mouth) and apple crumble. | |
| Lively discussion accompanied the meal, wine takings (including one to two non-Mark Masons who may be future candidates) and toasts. | |
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| A raffle organized by Bro. David Pallister Charity Steward raised £271! | |
| An excellent night of Mark Masonry, with a great atmosphere and good craic was had by all! | |
| Words and pictures by Tony Cross |
