Cleveleys Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1176
 
A very busy night of Mark Masonry Wednesday 19th March 2025 at the Masonic Hall, Cleveleys.
The WM, Bro. Russ Forsyth opened the Lodge with thirty-one Brethren plus a candidate for advancement present.
The WM welcomed WBro. Giles Berkley Dep PGM into the Lodge and offered him the gavel which was accepted and duly returned.
The WM worked through the summons up to the Advancement and then asked WBro. Gordon Hinchliffe PAGSwdB to occupy the chair for the first part of the ceremony which was to advance WBro. Andrew Greenlees a member of Royal Oak Lodge. WBro. Hinchliffe then asked WBro. Alan Fairhurst GJD to take over and conduct the second part. The WM then gave an explanation of the working tools.
All the Officers who took part in the ceremony did an excellent job!
WBro. Cross PDepGSwdB presented Bro. Greenlees with a letter of welcome into Mark Masonry from the RWPGM.
Bro. Keith Carter (SW) was then elected as WM for the ensuing year and he thanked all the Brethren for their trust and support.
WBro. Des Lund PProvGSW was then reelected as Treasurer for the ensuing year. His 18th year in Office.
The next business on the summons was to present a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. Philip Drake, who was Advanced into the Lodge in November 2024.
WBro. Berkley presented the certificate and gave an explanation of the significant elements on it.
WBro. Berkley then proceeded to present a certificate for the great milestone of 50 years in Mark Masonry to WBro. Lund. There were actually two certificates; one from the Province and one from Grand Lodge, and also a lapel badge to mark the achievement. WBro. Berkley gave a brief explanation of WBro. Lunds Masonic career up to attaining 50 years in the Mark degree.
Finally, WBro. Berkley presented a patent of appointment to WBro. John Whitley PProvGJW, who had not been able to collect it at Provincial Grand Lodge in 2024, although he had been there.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the bar and onto the festive board for a buffet meal and lively conversation.
A non Mark Mason (prospective candidate for the Lodge) joined us for the festive board and enjoyed the Magic of the Mark!
A Farrar fiddle raffle was organized by WBro. Bob Bennet (on his 78 / 79 year old legs!) which raised £210 for Charity!
WBro. Berkley presented WBro. Lund with a bottle of Cardhu whiskey to toast his achievement of 50 years in Mark Masonry.
An excellent night of Mark Masonry covering the whole spectrum; Advancement ceremony through to a 50-year celebration and all points between was had and thoroughly enjoyed by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross