Fermor Lodge of Mark Masons. No1113
Installation Meeting. Tuesday 7th October 2025
The Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Southport
 
Well just like the good old saying goes, better late than never, I must apologise to all my friends in the Mark Degree for this late report from Southport, as many of you know I have been quite ill on and off for the past twelve months but from now I am determined to get to as many Team Visits possible.
I really looked forward to attending Southport for this meeting, now how can I tell you about the journey.
I think the driver took us via Huddersfield and Leeds, yes, it’s true, I saw the Welcome to West Lancashire Sign at least three times!!  Just short of Two Hours to get from Urmston, Manchester to Southport, could it be a record?
The Hall for any members who have so far not had the pleasure of visiting is very impressive both from inside and out, it stands very proud on a corner along Hope Street, on entering you are greeted by the sight of three beautiful and valuable Lodge chairs for which lots of History can be found on the adjoining walls. Climb the stairs to the left of the front doors to find several small meeting rooms and along the passageway to the right is a well adorned large and can I say an impressive Temple.
The meeting commenced on time at 6 p.m. some housekeeping items were dealt with by the excellent Secretary W. Bro. Roy Crawford, then it was time to receive R. W. Bro Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C along with members of the Provincial Team for 2025/26. Keith along with all the Team received a Hearty welcome from all present, he was offered the Gavel which on this occasion he did say he would accept, if only for a short period to introduce the team to everyone present before saying with that well known twinkle in his eyes, as he knew the W.M. and his officers were eager to continue with Ceremony.
Now the installation itself was one not often seen, as the W.M. W. Bro. Henry Christian (Chris) Syner, was taking up that special office, for his Third Year by Special Dispensation, which was read out loud by the Sec W.Bro. Roy Crawford. He was really well received by all present following which the Lodge officers were appointed and Invested.
Keith gave his personal greetings the WM wishing him along with all his officers a healthy and happy year ahead along with hopefully some Candidates. The W.M. was then pleased to present not only one but four cheques for various Charities including, WLMC, Offshore Lifeboats, a Children’s Charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and last but not least a generous donation of £200 to the Hall Fund.
Following the Risings and the meeting being closed everyone gathered for the usual photo’s to mark the occasion, then is was off downstairs to charge glasses and then take up allotted seats for the dinner, unfortunately at this point I had to leave but I’m sure that as is usual an excellent meal was served to all by first class Hall staff before the usual Toasts and interesting Responses were delivered, Flowers were also presented on closing to Keith and his assistants which is always a really nice gesture and well receive.   

I’ll just mention the trip back 50 minutes, what can I say, here’s looking forward to the next Team Visit.

Not a member of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree yet have a word with your Lodge Ambassador or in this Lodge W.Bro. Colin Shannon, and Remember your only a stranger once.

 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher PGJD  Flixton Shepherd Eastwood. 1173. 
(Assisted by Tony Thackrah)