St Austin’s Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.479
Installation Meeting. Tues 19th April 2022
The Masonic Hall, Winmarleigh Street, Warrington
 
A really nice day, high blue sky and a big yellow thing hanging up there, could it be the Sun ?
Somebody even suggested that it could be the start of summer, now I know I’ve still got brain fog with this Long Covid but I’m not falling for that one. Set off at 3pm, tried a different on ramp for the M60 at Barton straight up and off we went, joined the M62, until we arrived at the junction for Warrington, not too long and we were there, in front of the splendid building, Winmarleigh House complete with its two massive and very impressive  Masonic Pillars. We managed to park on the front as Ernie Gavan the Provincial Tyler and keeper of the equipment used in Team Visits had to attend a hospital appointment, I spoke to him yesterday and am very pleased to let you all know that he is doing ok and will soon be back with us all.
Once inside I was greeted by the Lodge Secretary amongst others and made to feel very welcome, a warming drink of coffee appeared from a member of the staff and once I chilled out I made my way upstairs to the Magnificent Masonic Museum and on this occasion as luck would have it was given a guided tour by Caroline Crook who is the Archivist for the Museum and is very, very, knowledgeable for all things Masonic.  As it happens Caroline is the wife of the St Austin’s Mark W.M. Robert Crook, a great combination, if your ever around the area and the Hall is open it is well worth a spending a couple of hours having a good look round.
Now then back to the meeting, well almost, as before the scheduled Mark meeting St Austin’s Royal Ark Mariners had their planned meeting which was ably overseen by W. Bro. Eric Drinkwater RAMGR the W.M’s Special Representative who works tirelessly to organise and give help wherever it’s needed, always with a smile and a glint in his eyes, for me he is what I’d call a Masons, Mason.  
The Mark Meeting started on time at 6pm and dealt with several housekeeping items including a Dispensation to allow the W.M to continue in office for a Third Term. Next the PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was welcomed by the W.M. Bro. Robert Marcel Gibson Crook (great name) and offered the gavel as is his right, on this special occasion he said he would accept it for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Team to everyone present, remember your only a stranger once in this the friendly, Magic Mark Degree.
Once this was done Keith then invited the W.M. to resume in his office and handed him the gavel, the next item was in the hands of the DC to Proclaim W.Bro Robert Crook as Worshipful Master for a Third Term in office, he was duly saluted with Three. All the officers for the ensuing year were appointed and invested. Keith then was pleased to give the address to all present which ends with “save for him who receiveth  it”, (my favourite piece)
Another pleasant item on the summons was to elect W.Bro. Raymond Illingworth as an Honorary Member, this was passed by all the Lodge members present.
Following a collection for the Charities, the W.M. was pleased to offer a cheque to Keith who said it was for the magnificent sum of £200 and would be well received by the West Lanc’s Mark Charity and be applied to good use.
The time had come for the PGM to retire from the meeting accompanied by the Acting Grand and Provincial Grand officers, once the Lodge closed everybody gathered for the usual photo session to mark the occasion before making their way to the dining room, with glasses suitably charged took up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served by the very efficient and friendly hall staff, the usual Toasts and Responses were given and well received by all.
All too soon it was time to leave, the genuine handshakes and goodbyes were given before stepping out into the cold night air, but at least we were left I’m sure with a warm feeling inside, here’s to our next Merry Meeting, to see old friends and those we have yet to meet.
 
Words and pictures Austin N Fletcher.  PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge  No.1173