Team at Walton
 
Tensions were mounting as the appointed starting time for the installation meeting of The Walton Lodge of Installed Master Masons No 161 approached. The stress was not increasing because of the demands of the ritual or the presence of our PGM Keith Beardmore, it was serious delays on the M6 which were responsible for raising blood pressures. Several key players, including WM Rod Bennison, had been caught up in the traffic turmoil caused by an accident.
The new WM With his team (Rod Bennison 2nd from left on back row)
There were palpable sighs of relief as members emerged from the chaos of the road and appeared at the door of the lodge.
 
With Rod and his officers in situ it was time to open the lodge, albeit slightly later than planned, and deal with general business. The PGM accompanied by an impressive cohort of acting officers then processed into the lodge under the watchful eye of provincial director of ceremonies Arthur Robinson.
The WM and PGM with the provincial team
Following the usual welcome, salutations and introduction of his team by the PGM it was over to Rod for the most important business of the day, the installation of Christopher Douglas as the new WM.
 
Provincial senior warden David Atkinson and junior warden Mark Taylor acted as installing wardens.
Giles Berkley, Jorge Perez and Graham
It can be reported that Rod did a wonderful job. Chris being a past master the ceremony was of course much fore-shortened but nonetheless the ritual still requires to be performed with dignity, accuracy and feeling which Rod accomplished in fine style. Having arrived somewhat flustered by the delay and having donned his regalia, taken his seat and gone into WM mode without time to gather his thoughts or compose himself Rod can take great satisfaction from his work.
 
Others too added to the enjoyment of the ceremony. Derek Gaskell explained the signification of the keystone jewel before investing the WM with it. The address to the newly installed WM was given by APGM Mike Pinckard. Wardens Graham Benson and Jorge Perez were instructed as to their responsibilities by David Atkinson whilst Mark Taylor gave the address to the overseers The PGM then added the final flourish as he orated the address to the brethren.
Peter Craven and Derek Gaskell
Special mention is merited for John Askew who not only performed duty as assistant registrar and provided the PGM with the notes on the team but also helped sort out the muddle of the borrowed collars ready for investing (we’ve all been there!).
 
The PGM then rose to congratulate Chris on his advance to the chair and paid tribute to Rod saying, “it had been a super ceremony.”
Giles Berkely and Keith Beardmore
As is usually the case the WM presented the PGM with a cheque for charity which in this case was made out in the sum of £350 for the West Lancs Masonic Charitable Fund. However, what happened next is not usual as, instead of taking to his seat, the PGM presented Chris with a collar to mark the fact that the lodge was now a gold Grand Patron of the Masonic Benevolent Fund.
Mike Pinckard, Geoff Bury, Giles Berkely, Keith Beardmore and Chris Douglas
Lodge secretary Peter Craven and director of ceremonies Derek Gaskell received plaudits for the important part they had played in ensuring the success of the meeting.
One the nicest aspects of the ascent of Chris to the chair is that it is his second occasion in the principal office of the lodge. He is an original member having been WM in 2015 prior to the lodge being re-imagined as the provincial grand stewards lodge.
David Atkinson and Mark Taylor
Following the formalities of the lodge room it was time to go from labour to refreshment. Once again the food at Bryn did not disappoint, the salmon was excellent and the reports on the braised steak were very favourable.
The Provincial DC and his team
The atmosphere at the meal was very amiable as the conversations flowed between friends from around the province caught up with each other. It was a great end to what had been an excellent meeting.
The diners
The next meeting of the lodge will be at St. Annes Palace, St. Annes on Sea.
 
Words and pictures courtesy of Dave Sear