Imperial Lodge of Mark Master Masons  No.1276
Blackpool and Fylde 55th Annual Festival
The Palace, Garden St, St Annes on Sea. Tues 24th March 2026
 
A long trip today but well worth it as always to see friends, in our Mark Lodge’s, guess where we started, yes you’ve got it, the on-ramp for the M60, one hour and 30 minutes later we arrived in St Annes, some of these trips seem to be getting longer, are they stretching the roads it feels like it, Can’t wait for the petrol to reach £3 a litre!! Its nudging £2 already in Urmston.
Anyway, let’s get back to this special meeting, lots of our fellow Mark Masons were already there chatting and enjoying a coffee including a couple of Craft Masons who had been invited along to join in part way through the meeting and joining us at the Festive Board. Our PGM Keith had welcomed them and was making sure that they were looked after. The meeting opened on time at 6pm, and due reverence was given in Memorium for Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman. Several housekeeping items were then dealt with, a dispensation for the meeting was read out, minutes confirmed, treasurer’s report given, the meeting was then called off and the two Craft Masons were admitted and welcomed.
It was now time for the Annual Blackpool and Fylde Association’s presentation, and we all wondered what it would be this year, we soon found out, it was titled,
“OWZTHAT Freemasonry Vs Cricket”
A crease line was laid out along with a set of stumps, a lone batsman centred his bat, our own PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. donned the white coat and cap as the Umpire, our Dep PGM Giles took post at short leg, once the Umpire had called play a bowler came steaming in and fired a Freddie Truman delivery at the poor Batsman, now I’m not saying he didn’t try but he did have a look of fear in his eyes. It was all in fun and lots of pre-recorded items were played regarding Freemasonry and Cricket, but I must admit I’m still not sure what that connection was. Everyone present gave loud applause at the end of the presentation, Keith thanked the Lodge and all the members of the Team who had taken part and looked forward to next year’s Festival.
On closing everyone returned for pictures to record this special event before making their way with glasses charged to the Dining Room and taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served by the very friendly and efficient Hall Staff, the usual Toasts and interesting Responses followed. Ah well now it was that time again to say our goodbyes, with the genuine handshakes of friendship we use as Mark Masons,
Mark Well.
The next Meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of West Lancs will be held on Thursday 15th April 2026 at the Winter Gardens Blackpool (Spanish Hall)
Hoping to see you all there.
Not a member of the colourful and interesting Royal Ark Mariners Degree, just ask your Mark Lodge Royal Ark Mariner Ambassador or your Lodge Secretary, who will point you in right direction, I’m sure you will enjoy the journey into this interesting and friendly Degree.
Words and pictures by W Bro Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. FSE No. 1173