Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 296
 
Presentation of the 54th annual Fylde Festival at Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons meeting Thursday 24th April 2025 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
70 plus Brethren including 4 non-Mark Masons were present to watch the presentation entitled “Cedars of Lebanon”.
The WM, WBro. John Earnshaw opened the Lodge and worked through the business on the summons.
The RWPGM entered the Lodge accompanied by the Dep PGM and the two Assistant PGM’s and members of the Provincial team along with a number of distinguished Brethren.
The WM offered the RWPGM the gavel of the Lodge who accepted it and then returned it, indicating that he was here to enjoy the entertainment.
The Lodge was called off and the non-Mark Masons were admitted.
The Cedars of Lebanon was presented by members of the Lodge to the assembled Brethren. The presentation included a slide show, lights, music and a number of props to demonstrate a number of facts about the Cedar tree.
The presentation was very informative outlining the history and importance of the Cedars of Lebanon and its current decline due to a number of factors. The presentation was very well received by all the Brethren.
The Lodge was called back on and then closed by the WM and the Brethren retired to the bar and onto the festive board.
Lively and loud discussion, a good deal of banter and a friendly atmosphere accompanied the meal!
WBro. Tony Thackrah, Chairman of the Blackpool Group of Lodges, requested that Imperial Mark take up the gauntlet and host the 55th Fylde Festival in 2026. The WM of Imperial Mark, WBro. Andy Stansfield, accepted the challenge!
A raffle was held organised by WBro. Peter Green which raised £314 for the charities!
Total raised for Charity on the night was £469!
 
The RWPGM was presented with a watercolour painting of a Cedar tree painted by Bro. Darren Clarke, JO of the Lodge.
 
A good night was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross