Wasting no time at Wilbraham
 
Wilbraham Mark lodge was to hold another Advancement on Thursday 14th but due to health issues, the candidate was unable to attend. After witnessing efforts made by the WM and SD at practise, the DC, W Bro Brian Boothroyd, “persuaded” the assembled team to complete a demonstration of the ceremony.
Lewis Redhead and Rob Williams
This was entered into with the same enthusiasm anticipated for a “live” candidate and was witnessed by a few personal guests of the candidate. They all expressed sadness that the candidate could not attend but happiness that time and effort would not be wasted and that some “work” was carried out.
 
The demonstration went ahead with Bro Karl Spencer acting as the candidate and W Bro Brian Horabin as SD. The guests were suitably impressed by the ceremony especially the work of the SD who was said to have delivered his part “smoothly as if gliding across the floor.” 
 
After the demonstration, Bro Rob Williams WM, conducted necessary administration for the forthcoming installation ceremony in April. The SD, Bro Lewis Redhead was declared as his successor. “No surprise there,” said one wag!
 
W Bro Steve McNee PrGJO then had the unenviable task of delivering, for the first time, an explanation of the Grand Lodge Certificate to no less than three brethren. Bros Ian Lynch, Karl Spencer and Michael George verified their certificate’s detail and added their signature when prompted. They were then formally presented to each of the brethren by the WM.
 
On this occasion, there was quite a lot of correspondence to be announced by the Secretary including reminders of the forthcoming Provincial Grand Lodge meeting on 02nd May when no less than 4 members would receive promotions and one, W Bro Jack Thompson, would receive his first honour; PrGJD. A great result for this lodge and one to be celebrated in Blackpool.
 
Having heard enough from the Secretary, The WM closed the lodge and led the brethren to a festive board of his choice. Following the feast, the WM sat smugly, having watched every morsel devoured by very appreciative brethren, and declared that he would pick the next menu! Little does he know that he does not ORDER the meal. (Ha! Ha!)
 
Words and pictures by Steve McNee