Cleveleys Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1176 Masonic Hall, West Drive, Cleveleys. FY5 2BL Installation Meeting. Weds 18th September 2024 |
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| Here we go again another great Mark Meeting this evening, strange though after the usual you all know what, standing traffic up the M60 Ramp and getting to the top of the High Level Bridge I suddenly thought as Buzz Lightyear would say to “Infinity and Beyond” but no it wasn’t that good, I did however get the feeling of Déjà vu, maybe it was because I travelled up these same roads yesterday! Eventually made it to the M61 and on to M6 before connecting to the M55 heading towards Blackpool, on leaving the motorways behind I had a small errand to do, that was to call, at the Whisky Auction office to drop off some 30 bottles of my single Malt in order to raise some funds for Mark charity, once again it wasn’t that easy using this “Disney” Sat Nav in Nortons car, finished up in a housing estate! | |
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| Eventually made it to the Meeting Hall in Cleveleys, at first glance I thought this can’t be it, was I surprised, what a wonderful building, inside and out, “The Park Suite.” Outside a very clean white building with an immaculate bowling green at the back, and a large car park. Once inside to the left a large relaxing room complete with two full size billiard tables and a long bar, some of the locals greeted us which was very nice, we got a small drink and watched a game which was in progress, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. | |
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| At the opposite end of that room through a couple of doors and yes you were in a Masonic Hall, a very posh thick carpet complete with the square and compass led you upstairs where there was a couple of robing rooms, a small Temple and a large one being used for this evenings meeting. I’ll say it again I thought it was brilliant. | |
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| Now to the Meeting, it opened on time at 6pm, several housekeeping items were dealt with including a vote for a rejoining member, W. Bro. James Stewart P.Pr.G.Swd.B from Cumberland and Westmorland, the Ballot Proved in favour, he was admitted and welcomed by the WM on behalf of all the Lodge members. Several more items were dealt with then it was time for the R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. PGM to enter proceedings accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was welcomed by the W.M. W.Bro. Paul Smedley Pro. G. J. O. and offered the gavel which on this occasion he said he would accept for a short period so as to introduce the members of the Team, whom had accompanied him on this special Installation Meeting. Once this was done the W.M. resumed his rightful seat and for once I will run through the named officers who took part in the Ceremony as supplied to me by the always very efficient and on the ball W.Bro. James Rogers P.G.J.O. the Lodge Secretary. | |
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| Installing Master W.Bro. Paul Smedley Pro.G.J.O. Master Elect Bro. William Forsyth. Installing Sen Warden W.Bro. Alan Foster PGSD Installing Jnr Warden. W.Bro. Mark Taylor. Prov.G.J.W Installing Inner Guard W.Bro. Derek Abbott P.Pro.G.Insp.Wks. |
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The Working Tools were presented and explained by W.Bro. Tom Egan Wyre Mark Lodge. Address to the W.M. W.Bro. Tony Cross. P.D.G.Swd.B. |
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| Following a great ceremony the PGM retired from the meeting accompanied by the Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers to return on its closing for the usual photographs to be taken to mark the occasion, once this was done everyone made their way downstairs, to charge their glasses and take up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. | |
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| Once all were settled an excellent meal was served up by the friendly and efficient Hall Staff, (I really enjoyed my Beef) and all the plates I noticed went back empty. It was a really great atmosphere with lots of happy conversation, I certainly enjoyed chatting with the Brothers around where I was seated, it was like being back in my Intelligence Unit (those were the days). Once the meal ended several Toasts were given and as is usual some first-class responses, I’m afraid I had to miss our PGM’s joke yet again as I had to leave early not being very well, but I’m sure It will come again. |
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| Many Thanks to all the members of Cleveleys Mark Lodge for making us all feel so welcome with a special mention for V.W. Bro. Jimmy Rogers P.G.J.O. for the help given to me. | |
| Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. P.G.J.O. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173 | |
| “The Magic of the Mark” The Friendly / Happy Degree. |
