Allen Pooley at the Adelphi Hotel
 
Although the glory days of the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool may be in the past, it is still a sight to behold when approaching the entrance from the street. The Adelphi still attracts many visitors and it is also the home for several Masonic units in Liverpool. Among those units are two Mark Lodges, with Allen Pooley Mark Lodge, No 992, being one of them.
On Wednesday, 8th October, Allen Pooley Mark Lodge held their Installation meeting. Attending the Installation was the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Giles Berkley and he was accompanied by three of the Provincial DC’s team; WBro David Rigby, Deputy PrGDC; WBro John Askew and WBro Paul Shirley; Paul is also the Lodge DC for Allen Pooley. Also, in attendance from the Provincial team and acting as Stewards to VWBro Berkley were WBro Norman Lay and WBro Philip Pattullo; Philip is also a member of Allen Pooley Lodge.
 
As you would expect at a meeting in a posh hotel there drinks and nibbles before the meeting. The meeting was opened by the Master, WBro Alan Ball. With the minutes approved, WBro David Rigby entered the Lodge and announced the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, VWBro Giles Berkley who then entered in procession.
Once the Salutations had been completed, WBro Tim Burges; Proclaimed WBro Alan Ball Worshipful Master of the Allen Pooley Mark Lodge No 992 for the ensuing year. The Master then appointed the offices for the year. The address to the Wardens was given by WBro David Atkinson. WBro Jorge Perez, the Provincial Grand Junior Warden gave the Address to the Overseers. This was followed WBro Steve Walls, the PGM’s Special Representative addressing the Overseers to explain the new innovation introduced by the Provence this season. The idea it that the three Overseers contact a set number of members of the Lodge before each meeting to see if they are well and if they will be attending the next meeting, or rehearsal?
WBro Walls then gave them a letter from the Province which gives a more detailed explanation. The address to the Brethren was given by VWBro Giles Berkley with his usual aplomb. With the addresses completed, VWBro Giles Berkley brought the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Keith Beardmore, G.M.R.A.C  and thanked Alan for carrying on in the chair for an extra year.
During the risings VWBro Giles Berkley was on his feet again to present a Grand Lodge Certificate to Bro Joe Muscroft. When the Lodge was closed it was time for more drinks before the festive board. Joining the 28 Mark Masons who had attended the meeting were three non-Mark Masons. VWBro Giles was on top form in his response to his toast and again congratulated WBro Alan Ball for staying the Chair he also welcomed the non-Mark Masons;  one of whom had signed up to join the Lodge during the meal. It was a very enjoyable night and we wish Allen Pooley Mark Lodge No 992 and WBro Alan Ball a happy and successful year.
 
Words by Derek Gaskell,nd pictures by Alan McCluskey.