Coronation Mark Lodge No 563 hit’s a, Musical theme
Dr Colin William Porter was advanced into the Mark Degree, in fine style on Thursday 1st December.
In attendance were two Provincial Grand Masters our own RW Bro Keith Beardmore and the PGM for the Province of Cheshire RW Bro Gary Horseman.
A fine display of Glittering Gold Braid on display in the form of our DPGM VW Bro Geoff Lee, PPGM RW Bro Peter Connolly, WBro Giles Berkley APGM, also in attendance APGM for Cheshire John Miller and a number of Very Worshipful Brethren.
The gathering of such Brethren, was due to the fact that Three Members of the Liverpool Organists' Association decided, "we three do agree to meet", they planned the evening and requested another Masonic friend to assist them in their aim. The three namely Peter Connolly, Colin Porter and Geoff Roberts, (CPR), requested the assistance of VW Bro Derek Horrocks to perform the Advancement Ceremony for Bro Colin Porter.
WBro Geoff performed the first part with first class, friendly and relaxed approach. Equally VW Bro Derek completed the second part in the same relaxed and friendly manner. The role of Senior Deacon was again faultless and performed by our PPGM RW Bro Peter Connolly, the smiles that surrounded the room was a joy to behold.
Considering both Peter and Derek have been very ill recently, their light filled the Temple. These Brethren are both a tremendous example to Freemasonry and the Mark Degree in particular. (it is a pity, we could not bottle the atmosphere).   
It was good to see VW Bro Eric Hughes acting as Master Overseer, a role which comes very easy to Eric, who is now 92 years of age. It is difficult to get one over on Eric at the best of times, this evening was no different.
The Ceremony was given an extra boost when the Junior Warden Bro Alan Ledger gave a faultless explanation of the Mark Degree Tracing Board, which was received with acclamation.
 
WBro Geoff Roberts then thanked all who attended the splendid meeting and especially the Brethren who stepped up to the mark to help Coronation Mark in performing a wonderful enjoyable event.
The meeting from the beginning to the Festive Board was held together in the same manner by the Provincial DC W Bro Arthur Robinson, all in all a very enjoyable evening. 
As usual, the evening ended with the same culprits in the bar telling jokes.   
 
Footnote from PGM
Bro Porter is the Craft Provincial Organist in Cheshire and is acquainted with the Provincial Grand Master of the Mark Province of Cheshire who had expressed a desire to attend the advancement.
 
Protocol dictates that the West Lancashire PGM should be in attendance in order that the visit should take place, hence the attendance of two PGMs at the advancement ceremony.
 
V W Bro Derek Horrocks assisted the Worshipful Master with part of the ceremony with the Senior Deacon on the evening being none other than Rt W. Bro Peter Connolly (Three Rt W. Brethren on the evening, is that a record?).
 
All in attendance witnessed a superb ceremony which was followed by the festive board attended by 33 Brethren.
 
Words and pictures by Jacl Parker with additional input from Keith Beardmore