Centenary Meeting
Temperance Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.774
Warrant issued 20th July 1922
Meeting at Woolton Golf Club, Doe Park, Speke Rd, Liverpool
 
Looking forward to yet another very Special Magic Mark Meeting, looking outside it had been raining, no blue sky, no sun either, today it was just cold and damp ah well at least it wasn’t freezing. Set off early as usual now I had a plan, today I’ll try the next ramp which is just before the high-level bridge over the ship canal, unfortunately it made no difference, there it was three lanes going nowhere. Ah well stuck at it, didn’t need to do my usual tactic crossing over the three lanes as the first one I come to eventually is the M62. To be honest I had no hold ups from then on, that is of course until I got to Woolton, could I find the golf course, no, believe it or not I went passed a white painted wall I recognised with a sign on it for a Dairy, it then dawned on me that this is what I did on my last visit, did a U turn, went back to the main road and bingo there it was on the right.
There is a long approach road with a couple of security gates which thankfully seemed to be turned off, then the impressive building, clubhouse, comes up on the right facing the actual Golf Links. (not being a golfer I think that’s what they call them) a beautiful view towards, I presume the first green.
I’m always open to offers if somebody wants to give me some training! (only kidding)
Anyway back to the meeting, once inside I started my usual mooch around, everywhere was dressed up in fine style for the Christmas Festivities, plenty of trees complete with coloured lights as was the main staircase to the upper floor, excellent anti rooms for coats and regalia cases The room used for Masonic meetings is also on this floor, quite a few members of Temperance Mark were already there setting up, which looked great, and as is usual in this degree they greeted everyone with a big smile and friendly handshake. Coffee, tea and biscuits was laid out for all the visitors which was a really nice touch, went off drink in hand to get a few pictures, which always includes the Provincial Team practising under the guidance of our Provincial D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson and his assistants of course.
The meeting started on time at 6pm, unfortunately the W.M. W.Bro. Douglas Lace who has had to deal with a prolonged illness virtually since being installed in the chair could not attend, he was however declared as such for the next Installation meeting. As luck would have it, I believe W.Bro. Michael Cunliffe (Sec) was going to take up the W.M. chair for the evening however he too became ill. The breach was filled without hesitation by W.Bro. Andy Whittle PAGDC (SW) who stepped in at a moment’s notice. Once the general housekeeping items were dealt with our PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers.
The W.M. welcomed Keith and offered him the gavel which he said he would accept for a short time so that he could introduce the members of the Team to everyone.
Now it was time for the Celebration to really begin, W. Bro. Fred Hulse PPrGSwdB the Lodge Almoner gave a shortened History of Temperance Mark since it’s Consecration on the 25th Sept 1922, the Warrant dated 22nd July 1922 was then read out by the Prov Grand Sec. W.Bro. Mike Pinckhard GStwd, he hadn’t finished there, he was then requested to read out the Centenary Warrant (which was much easier) these were handed to the Prov D.C. who in turn handed them to Keith, W.Bro. Pinckhard still hadn’t finished he was requested by the PGM to read out the Prov Grand Lodge Certificate, having done this Keith handed them to the Acting W.M. Andy Whittle who thanked Keith for attending along with all the Team Members and Grand Officers, in response Keith said it was a joy to be present.
The W.M. thought I’ll try my luck one more time and asked if the PGM would now assist him in presenting all the Lodge members with the special Centenary Jewel to mark the event, you could see how delighted they all were to pin the jewels on. The surprises of the evening were not quite finished yet, W.Bro. Whittle having taken the Masters Chair once again was now very pleased to present a cheque for the Charities to the value of the Lodge number £774 which Keith said was an amazing amount and would be well received, he then thanked the members of the Lodge for their generosity. The PGM then asked for the Royal Ark Mariner Ambassador V.W. Bro. David Anderson PGJO to be presented where upon he presented him with a special jewel to acknowledge the work he had done on behalf of that degree; from his expression he was shocked and delighted.
The PGM now retired along with the Team members and Grand officers and on the Lodge closing everybody returned for the usual photo session to mark the occasion, I would just like to mention the wonderful music accompaniment played by W.Bro. Shaun Hayes the Provincial Grand Organist at these meetings.
Everyone made their way downstairs to the dining room and after charging their glasses found their allotted seats for the Festive Board, you could feel the buzz in the room after witnessing such a great meeting. Following on from an excellent meal served by the very friendly and efficient hall staff the usual Toasts were given followed by some great responses, even the PGM’s joke was funny, well !
The Lodge had much pleasure in presenting a lovely bouquet for Keith’s wife June and that was it, another great meeting had been and gone, we all said our goodbyes and gave the usual genuine handshakes. It was a cold damp evening, but I left with a warm glow inside looking forward to the next meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, don’t forget your only a stranger once.
Not a Royal Ark Mariner yet, do not miss out, come and join us in another great degree and as I’m sure we all do, spread the word about the “Magic of the Mark”          
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173