Father and Son Installation at Queensway Mark
 
It was a hot late summers evening at Prescot Masonic Hall on Friday 5th September when members and visitors arrived for Queensway Mark Lodge, No1331 Installation meeting. This was a special occasion because WBro David Richards was going to take the chair in order to install his son Martin as Master.
Martin & David Richards
Representing the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master for this unique occasion was WBro Steve Walls. Also in attendance was WBro Steve McNee the PGM’s Deputy Special Rep for the Mark group which covers Prescot and two acting members of this year’s Provincial team; WBro Norman Lay, Prov.G.J.D and WBro Gordon Sandford, Prov G.Stwd, both of whom were on their first visits since being appointed in May.  Among the other visitors was the Deputy Prov GDC, WBro Dave Rigby who was standing in for Queensway’s lodge DC.  Due to unforeseen circumstances a couple officers’ positions had to be filled by visitors for the night. WBro Eric Poole acted as the Junior Warden for the meeting and WBro Derek Gaskell took the JO chair for the opening and then acted as Senior Warden for the ceremony.
Steve Walls Martin; David 
With the salutations completed; WBro Dave Rigby presented the Master Elect, Bro Martin Richards to the Installing Officer WBro David Richards, (his Dad), for Installation. David carried out a first class and enjoyable ceremony, throughout which David’s pride shown through. With Martin proclaimed Master of Queensway Mark Lodge; WBro Eric Poole presented the ‘Working Tools’ and then the Master appointed and invested those officers who were present.
Steve Walls; Martin; David; Steve McNee
The addresses were given by, WBro Derek Gaskell, to the Master; WBro Ken Acton, to the Wardens; WBro Steve McNee, to the Overseers and WBro Steve Walls gave the address to the Brethren. After the ceremony Steve brought congratulations to WBro Martin Richards form RWBro Keith Beardmore for taking the Mark Chair for the first time. Steve also congratulated David on behalf of the PGM for the high standard of the ceremony.
Norman Lay; Gordon Sandford; Dave Rigby joins in
Before closing the meeting the WM thanked all those who taken part and  for making it such an enjoyable experience for him, and a special mention to WBro Dave Rigby for the excellent job he had done in supporting the Lodge.  With the lodge closed it was time for the festive board.
Everybody

In his remarks at the festive board, Steve congratulated both Martin and David and reminded everyone the Royal Ark Mariner Assembly will be held at Westhoughton Masonic Hall on 16th September. The mix of members and visitors working together during the meeting; his Dad doing the ceremony and the good humour and banter at the festive board epitomized the ‘Magic of the Mark;’ and what a wonderful way for WBro Martin Richards to begin his year in the chair of Queensway Mark.
 
Words and Pictures by, Derek Gaskell.