Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 296
 
Fylde Mark Lodge Installation meeting Thursday 27th November 2025, at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
The RWPGM, WBro. Keith Alan Beardmore GMRAC, was in attendance at his own Mark Lodge and he was accompanied by the Deputy PGM, 9 Grand Officers including, 5 VWBro’s, plus the Provincial JW for the year, WBro. George Perez and a number of other Provincial Officers.
The WM’s of Wyre Mark (WBro. Jim Gregson), Semper Fidelis Mark (WBro. David Pallister ) and Imperial Mark (WBro. Andy Stansfield) were also present. WBro. George Perez also a WM in Office (George Harradon Lodge) as of 19th November last.
A total of 42 Brethren were present for the meeting.
The WM, WBro. John Earnshaw opened the meeting.
The PGM accompanied by the GO’s entered the Lodge under the direction of WBro. Tony Farrar who had come out of semi retirement for the evening.
The WM offered the RWPGM the gavel of the Lodge who briefly accepted it and then returned it in the hope of having an easy and enjoyable evening.
Salutations were given under the direction of WBro. Farrar.
The WM then proceeded to work through the business on the agenda up to the installation.
The WM requested that WBro. Peter Green acted as installing SW, WBro. George Perez acted as installing JW and WBro. Jim Gregson acted as installing IG.
The WM also asked that WBro. Craig Scott, carry out the installation ceremony, which he duly accepted and proceeded to install the Master Elect, WBro. Dennis Askham, into the chair of the Lodge in an excellent and sincere manner.
The newly installed WM appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year in an efficient manner.
  • WBro. Craig Scott presented the keystone jewel to the new WM and accompanied it by an excellent address.
  • Bro. Darron Clarke presented the Working Tools in an excellent fashion!
  • WBro. Ray Lamb addressed the Master in a sincere manner.
  • WBro. Tony Cross gave the address to the Wardens.
  • WBro. George Perez (Prov JW) gave the address to the Overseers.
  • The RWPGM gave the address to the Brethren with his usual style, panache and clarity!
The WM presented the RWPGM with a number of cheques for charity totaling a magnificent sum of £1650! Including £500 for the 2038 Festival.
All the business being completed, which included the proposal of a candidate,    the WM closed the Lodge and all retired to the bar and onto the festive board, where an excellent meal, accompanied by a very lively Mark meeting atmosphere and good craic, was enjoyed by all!
WBro. Peter Green, ensured that the charities were well supported on the night with the Lodge collection plus the raffle at the festive board raising a healthy sum for the Charities.
The RWPGM in his response to the toast to his health, outlined the continuing need for recruitment into the Mark degree by speaking to Craft Brethren at every opportunity and telling them about the Magic of the Mark.
At the end of a very enjoyable evening the WM presented the RWPGM with an orchid and some colorless liquid in a bottle and thanked him for his attendance.
A very good night was definitely had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross