Bispham with Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 866
 
Friday 10th October 2025 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
 
Meeting to mark and celebrate Bro. Eric Youngs, 50 years as a Mark Mason.
The WM, Bro. Joe Codling, opened the Lodge with 38 members and visitors being present, including the PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore GMRAC, the Deputy PGM, VWBro. Giles Berkley PGJO and VWBro. Geoff Bury PGJO along with a number of other distinguished Brethren.
In addition, three Craft Masons were present as guests of the celebrant.
The WM opened the Lodge and read out a eulogy for WBro. Jack Blacburn PProvGSW a member of the Lodge for over 50 years, who had passed away in July 2025. The members stood to order for a short while for departed merit.
The Lodge business was then conducted, including a ballot for a candidate to be advanced at the next meeting of the Lodge in November. The ballot proved in favour.
The RWPGM entered the Lodge with distinguished Brethren and was offered the gavel by the WM.  The RWPGM returned the gavel stating that he was there to enjoy himself and not work on this occasion.
The Lodge was called off and the three Craft Masons were admitted.
VWBro. Berkley was asked to take the chair of the Lodge to conduct the celebration. He in turn asked that Bro. Young be placed in the chair of the Lodge, whilst he moved to the end of the Lodge and his notes.  Bro. Eric’s extensive history was very entertainingly regaled to the Lodge by the DepPGM, including details of his advancement into Troon Navigation Lodge No. 86 in the Grand Lodge of Scotland; 23rd June 1975.
Click on the for a brief history on Bro. Eric Young: here
Upon completion, two certificates were presented to Bro. Eric by the DepPGM; one from Grand Lodge and one from Provincial Grand Lodge, to mark his 50 years in Mark Masonry.
To round the celebration off, the RWPGM surprised Bro. Young and the assembled Brethren, by conferring on him a field promotion to PProvGStwd!
The Craft Masons left the Lodge and the WM called back on to complete the business of the meeting.
After the first rising VWBro. Bury was asked by the RWPGM to present a Grand Lodge certificate to Bro. Roy Morden, who had been advanced into the Lodge in April 2025.
The RWPGM then retired from the Lodge and asked that Bro. Young be included in the recession.
The Lodge business was completed and was closed by the WM. The Brethren adjourned to the bar and quickly onto the festive board for an excellent meal accompanied by a great atmosphere and the customary Mark craic!
Bro. Young responded to the toast to his health and provided everybody with a wee dram of the craiter. Slange avar!
A Farrar fiddle raffle was organised by WBro. Bob Bennett ProvGSD, which raised £220 for charity!
A great night was had by all especially Bro. Eric Young PProvGStwd!!!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross