Installation night at Newton Mark 16 March 2026
 
The rain did not deter members and visitors from turning up at Bryn Masonic Hall for Newton Mark Lodge No1003 Installation meeting on Monday 16 March.
Mike Pinckard and Andy Hall
The principal guest for the night was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, WBro Mike Pinckard. He was attended By W.Bro’ s, Mark Taylor and Phil Lyon who acted as Mike’s deacons. Also, in attendance was WBro Martin Stokes the PGM’s Special Rep for the Wigan group of Mark Lodges.
Ian Nairn, Mike, Andy and Martin Stokes
The Lodge was opened by the Worshipful Master, WBro Lucas Kelly and with the lodge open, the brethren stood in respect for the In Memoriam for Most Worshipful Bro John Herbert Prizeman, Pro Grand Master, who passed to higher service on 22nd January 2026.
Phil Lyon and Mark Taylor join in
With the domestic business complete; VWBro Arthur Robinson, Lodge and Provincial DC announced WBro Mike Pinckard and the procession entered and were welcomed by WBro Kelly. With the salutations complete the Master placed his offices for the Installation ceremony, before VWBro Arthur Robinson, presented the Master Elect, WBro Andy Hall for the purpose of Installation.
Ian, Mike, Andy, Lucas and Martin
WBro Lucas Kelly gave us an excellent ceremony. The presentation was confident and purposeful and he rounded it off with the presentation of the Keystone Jewel. WBro Bob Duff presented the Working Tools. The address to the Master was given by VWBro Arthur Robinson. Not to be out done, VWBro Ian Nairn gave the Wardens Address, before WBro Mark Taylor gave the Overseers Address. With all the offices appointed; WBro Mike Pinckard stepped forward to give a faultless Address to the Brethren.
Everybody
With the ceremony over and WBro Andy Hall safely in the Master’s chair WBro Mike Pinckard brought the RW Provincial Grand Masters congratulations and thanks to Andy for going in the chair for a second time. WBro Pinckard also congratulated Lucas for a fine and enjoyable ceremony and VWBro Arthur Robinson for all the hard work he had put in to make the night a success.
 
The Worshipful Master then presented some very generous charity cheques to WBro Mike Pinckard which were gratefully received. With the Lodge closed it was time for a fine festive board. Well, we are talking about Bryn. In response to the toast to Grand Offices, WBro Mike Pinckard again congratulated Andy and Lucas. He also congratulated WBro Bob Duff who will be receive the honour of PrGJD at Provincial Grand Mark Lodge on 15th April in Blackpool.
Eric Payne with Ian Nairn
The main thrust of the province is recruitment. Newton already has a candidate for their May meeting before Andy goes on holiday and another in the pipe line for October, when Andy is on holiday. We wish WBro Andy Hall and Newton Mark Lodge a wonderful and enjoyable year.
 
Words and pictures by Derek Gaskell