Fresh fields for Colin
 
With Southport looking good in the afternoon sun, members and visitors gathered at the Masonic Hall for the Installation meeting of Freshfield Mark Lodge, No1007.
Colin Mills & Ian Tupling
The Lodge was honoured by the presence of the Deputy PGM, WBro Giles Berkley. Accompanying the Deputy PGM was, WBro Roy Hedges in his last DC visit as a member of the Provincial team. Also attending the meeting was VWBro Maurice Evans who is the PGM’s Special Rep for the Southport Group of Mark Lodges.
Chris Cullen & Lee Brichall
WBro Ian Tupling the Master got the meeting underway and cleared the business on summons until it was time for WBro Roy Hedges to enter and announce that WBro Giles Berkley demanded admittance. WBro Ian Tupling greeted and proffered the Gavel to WBro Berkley, which was then returned. Before WBro Berkley sat down, WBro Tupling presented him with several very generous cheques for charity and these were gratefully received.
Chris, Colin, Lee & Ian
After the salutations had been given; WBro Ian Tupling placed offices for the Installation ceremony. WBro Kevin Chicken then presented the Master Elect, WBro Colin Mills to the Master for Installation. WBro Tupling worked a very enjoyable ceremony, which showed all the hard work that he had put in. Then Lodge DC, WBro John Mawdsley took over and proclaimed WBro Colin Mills Worshipful Master and then presented the Working Tools.
 
The Keystone Jewel which had been conferred on the Lodge in 1952 was presented to the Master by WBro Derek Gaskell. After this WBro Kevin Chicken stepped up and gave the Address to the Master. With the two newly appointed Wardens absent, there was no Wardens Address. WBro Mark Taylor gave the Address to the Overseers. The Address to the Brethren was given with his usual faultless delivery by WBro Giles Berkley. With the Ceremony over the Deputy PGM gave WBro Colin Mills the congratulations of RWBro Keith Beardmore on taking the chair of Freshfield Mark and he also congratulated WBro Ian Tupling on the quality of the ceremony.
Chris, Colin, Giles Berkley, Lee & Maurice Evans
WBro Berkley thanked the Lodge again for the very generous donations to Charity that had been presented earlier in the evening. During the risings WBro Giles Berkley was again put to work after the Master asked to him to present Grand Lodge Certificates to Bros, Chris Cullen and Lee Birchall.
Giles, Colin, Ian & Maurice
When the Lodge was closed it was time for dinner. In response to the toast to his health, WBro Giles Berkley again congratulated WBro Colin Mills on taking the chair and WBro Ian Tupling for the quality of the ceremony. WBro Berkley also congratulated Lodge member WBro Bill Nolan on his promotion to PPrGJO which he will receive at the Provincial Grand Meeting in Blackpool on 8th May.
 
The main thrust of WBro Berkley response was the need for recruitment, not just for the Mark and Royal Ark Marnier but for the Craft. Without Master Masons the Mark degree will not have a pool of candidates to draw on. We wish WBro Colin Mills and Freshfield Mark Lodge members a great summer and a successful 2025/26 season.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell