Advancement and Installation at Ormskirk Priory Mark
 
Ormskirk Priory Mark Lodge, No 1019, met for their Installation meeting on Thursday 27th November at Ormskirk Masonic Hall. With the Lodge only holding two meetings a season and having a prospective candidate it was agreed to do an advancement ceremony and the Installation on the same night.
Tony Prior, Ian Dobie and Neil Cooper
With the IPM in the chair, WBro Neil Cooper opened the lodge. The next item was an IN Memoriam for WBro Ivan Hicks who had passed to higher service on11/05/2025. Ivan had been the Master of Ormskirk Priory Mark at the time of his passing. VWBro Fred Hargreaves gave the eulogy to Ivan before the brethren stood for departed merit.
Chris Walls, Ian Broomfield and Neil Cooper
The DC, WBro David Rawcliffe then announced the Provincial Grand Master Representative, WBro Chris Walls; Provincial Grand Senior Warden, accompanied by Grand Offices and Acting Provincial Grand  Offices. Once WBro Chris Walls had been welcomed, WBro David Rawcliffe gave the appropriate salutations.
Chris,Ian, ian and Neil
Now it was on to the first of the evening’s two ceremonies the advancement of Bro Andrew Dobie. After Bro Dobie had entered in due form he was placed in the safe hands of WBro Tony Prior the Senior Deacon who guided him through the rigors of the ceremony. WBro Cooper worked a fine ceremony which was appreciated by all there. VWBro Maurice Evans, Deputy Special Representative then welcomed Bro Andrew Dobie into the Mark Degree and also welcomed him on behalf of the PGM with a money off voucher for next year’s Provincial Grand Lodge meeting to be held in Blackpool on 15th April 2026.
Maurice, Chris, Ian. Neil and David
Now with Bro Dobie safely seated in the Lodge it was time for the Installation ceremony. WBro Cliff Boynton was to have been the new Master but due to incapacity was unable to accept the office and so WBro Ian Broomfield was elected under rule 100 to become the Master. WBro David Rawcliffe presented WBro Ian Broomfield to the Installing Master, WBro Neil Cooper for his second ceremony of the evening and Neil did a cracking job.
Kevin, William Cropper and David
During the appointment of offices WBro John Wallbank, relinquished the post of Chaplain after 16 years in the office. Thanks were expressed by all to John for his long service. VWBro Fred Hargreaves presented the Keystone Jewel and then gave the address to the Master. Both were done faultless and delivered in Fred’s commanding style. WBro David Rawcliffe gave the address to the Overseers. WBro Chris Walls certainly earned his money as Rep, giving both the address to the Wardens and the address to the Brethren. All four addresses matched the high quality of the Installation ceremony.
John Wallbank
At the end of the ceremony WBro Chris Walls brought the congratulations of the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master to WBro Ian Broomfield not only thanking him for taking the chair again but on doing so at such short notice. WBro Walls also congratulated WBro Neil Cooper on two great ceremonies.
Time to leave
Once the Lodge was closed in due form it was time for a fine festive board. We wish Ormskirk Priory Mark Lodge and WBro Ian Broomfield a happy and successful year.

 
Words and pictures by by Derek Gaskell