Unity Mark Lodge. No.544
Installation Ceremony, Monday 29th April 2024
Brookfield Masonic Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton, Bolton
 
A Special Mark Lodge to visit today as all the members have to be Past Wardens and the list includes our own PGM and Deputy PGM, now I know you will find it hard to believe but yet again not only was the M60 on ramp virtually free from traffic, it continued like that all the way to the M61 junction. (I can only think it must have been due to the time of day) Came of at junction 5 and before I knew it arrived at Peel Street, went inside and was amazed at the number of Members and guests who were already there enjoying each other’s company along with a nice cup of coffee.
 
It had been expected that our PGM wasn’t going to make the meeting but surprise, surprise he appeared, however Asst PGM W.Bro. Giles Berkley PGJD continued as the main officer in charge, which was quite funny and made everyone smile, including Keith who became a ghost PGM. Giles was offered the Gavel by the W.M. W.Bro. Philip H Gunning PGJD, he thanked him for the offer but said that on this occasion he would hand it back as knew that the WM was looking forward to continuing with the Ceremony.
A Dispensation was read out allowing the meeting to meet on this day and at this time, it now continued at a pace, an Excellent Installation was carried out to Install V.W. Bro. Douglas John Forster PGJO into the chair of Adoniram by Philip who was assisted by members of the Lodge.
Officers for the ensuing year were then Appointed and Invested.
The address to the W.M. was given by VW Bro. H. N. Emmett, the address to the Wardens was given by V.W. Bro. Geoffrey M Bury PGJO, address to the Overseers was given by V.W. Bro. Maurice M. Evans and finally the address to all was given on this occasion by our Dep PGM. W.Bro. Giles F Berkley PGJD, who  then gave his personal congratulations to the WM and wished him along with all the members a happy and healthy year ahead, the Working Tools were presented and explained by W. Bro. Fairhurst P.A.G.D.C.
On closing everybody made their way to the bar to have a good old chinwag and get some liquid refreshment before taking up their allotted seats at the Festive Board.
An excellent meal was served by the very efficient and friendly hall staff, including a lovely steak and some special dumplings which everybody enjoyed, it was finished off with Sherry Trifle, I’m sure everyone was now well contented and ready for the Toasts which followed along with some fine Responses.
It seemed as usual to be all over too soon especially as it was still the afternoon and daylight, lots of genuine handshakes of friendship along with goodbyes which all of us in the Mark are used to. Here’s to the next meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet, remember your only a stranger once, as a visitor you will be always be welcomed in the Mark Degree or a Royal Ark Mariners meeting, not a member yet of this colourful and interesting Degree, just ask your Secretary I’m sure he will point you in the right direction.
“The Magic of the Mark”
Austin N Fletcher. PGJD
The Royal Ark Mariner Provincial Grand Assembly, The Savoy Hotel, Blackpool. Tuesday 17th Sept 2024
Sincere Thanks from all of us in West Lancashire to W.Bro. Mike Beesley PGJD
For All the Work He Does in the Background
ANF