Wyre Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No. 754
Centenary Meeting
Wednesday 19th October 2022
32, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, FY7 6HF
 
Here we go again to what promises to be yet another very Special Meeting, not so lucky getting up the M60 on ramp today, the new technological marvel they had introduced to somehow keep all the vehicles moving along, traffic lights, were still not working. I ask you traffic lights on a motorway.! Twenty minutes later had reached the M61, after a couple of miles I suddenly thought this feels familiar of course it was, as only the day before I had made the same trip to a Royal Ark Mariner meeting in Blackpool.! You may think is it really worth it, well yes it is, we all believe in “The Magic of the Mark” see all the smiling faces, the genuine pleased to see you handshakes given by members from all over the Province and beyond, including tonight two very special guests our own PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore and the RW Bro. Francis Charles Spencer Dep G.M.

The meeting commenced on time at 5.45pm and following quite a lot of housekeeping the PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, the WM Bro. Tom Egan offered the gavel to Keith who said that on this occasion he would accept it for a short time. The PGM asked the Provincial D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson to present W Bro. Jeff Smith and W.Bro. Dennis Smith to the pedestal where he had much pleasure in promoting both of them to the high office of PPrGSW’s. Keith then had much pleasure in presenting W.Bro. Brian Burgess Dicks Prov G.J.O. with the special Royal Ark Mariner Ambassador Jewel for his unstinting work in promoting the Degree.

Following on from those surprises the Provincial D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson G.J.D. took on the role of Dep.G D.C. to accompany the Dep Grand Master R.W. Bro. Francis Charles Spencer into the meeting, he was well received by all present and invited to occupy the W.M. seat, which he said he would do for only a short time as he didn’t want to deny the pleasure and effort that the WM had put into this special meeting. A short introduction regarding the History of the Lodge was then given by the WM, before asking our Prov Grand Secretary W. Bro. Mike Pinckard G Stwd if he would read out the original Warrant, it wasn’t even written on paper or card as we know it today but he did an incredible job which we all listened to, with great interest. He was then presented with the Centenary Warrant which again he read out in fine style for all present to appreciate what this special evening was all about, the warrant was presented to the Dep G.M. who in turn passed it to the WM who had re taken up his seat of office, for safe keeping and displaying on the wall of the Lodge.
The W.M. then asked the Dep G.M. if he would honour the Lodge by presenting a special coin to the members which had been produced to mark the occasion. All the members lined up and received the excellent coins from the Dep G.M. ably assisted by our P.G.M. and the W.M. Special Jewels had also been ordered by Jimmy but the supplier had failed to supply them in time, to say he was disappointed is an understatement but it was beyond his control and they will of course be presented at a future meeting.
The WM thanked W.Bro. Mike Pinckard G.Stwd. Prov G Secretary for reading out the warrants in such fine style.
Next W.Bro. Jimmy Rogers PGJD Secretary of the Lodge read out a more detailed History of the Lodge and also pointed to the small booklets which had been prepared for the occasion, all the visitors present had received a copy of the booklet along with the special coin which all the members had received, a really nice gesture and a keepsake. This amazing Lodge received the Benevolent Gold Award which was presented to the W.M. and W.Bro. Jimmy Rogers PGJD received the amazing Mark Benevolent Fund Diamond Award.
It was now time for the R.W. Bro. Francis Charles Spencer Dep Grand Master to retire from the meeting, he thanked all for their attendance, the Lodge rose as one as he was escorted by the Prov D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson G.J.D. The PGM called on the Provincial Grand Secretary Mike one more time and asked if he would read out the Provincial Centenary Warrant, before presenting it to the WM. and that was it, what a great meeting, I’m pretty sure that all who were present will remember it with a warm glow for many years to come.
Everyone made their way to the dining room for the Festive Board, which I must say was immaculate complete with place cards, the history booklets and one of the special Centenary coins. Once glasses were charged and we  took up our allotted seats an excellent meal was served up by the friendly and efficient Hall Staff. The usual Toasts and some excellent responses were given including one from the R.W. Bro. Francis Charles Spencer Deputy Grand Master who was found during the evening to be very approachable just like our own R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore PGM.
As always it seemed to be over too soon, we all had a great evening in this the “Magic Mark Degree”, we said our goodbyes with a smile and exchanged the genuine handshakes we are used to, special thanks go to the Lodge Secretary W.Bro. Jimmy Rogers PGJD who works tirelessly for the Wyre Mark Lodge and all who assisted him in organising such a memorable evening.
Out into the chilled night air for the journey back to Manchester, the question now is which part of the motorway system will be closed tonight, made it to the M6 then I heard “ping” what’s that I enquired? Oh, it means the petrol’s about to run out, I said great, get off at the next junction and we will hunt for some, luckily not too far and there it was a shining light in the dark, a 24-hour garage.
Here’s looking forward to my next Mark or Royal Ark Mariner meeting to meet up with friends I know and those I have yet to meet. Mark Well
 
The date for your diary of the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting is 27th April 2023 at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
 
The date for your diary of the Provincial RAM Assembly is 19th September 2023 at The Savoy Hotel, Blackpool.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No. 1173