Bispham with Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 866
 
Rescheduled meeting Friday 17th April 2026 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
The Lodge was opened by the WM, WBro. Bill Snell, with 27 members and visitors present, plus the candidate. 5 Brethren present being acting Provincial Officers. WBro. Clive Gitsham WM of Imperial Mark was also present.
A dispensation was read out by the acting Secretary for the night; WBro. Steve Smith.
A number of Officers were missing on the night and substitutes were called upon at the last minute to help out: WBro. Alan Barnes recently appointed Prov Steward SW, WBro. Paul Smedley the recently appointed Prov JW as JW and WBro. Andy Stansfield as MO. WBro. Peter Maxwell acted as SD for the night. All happy to help out as usual.
The business of the meeting was rapidly worked through up to the advancement.
Bro. Roy Sibley proposed by WBro. Steve Smith and seconded by Bro. Vinnie Carte, was balloted for which proved in favour.
The WM requested that WBro. James Rashid take the Chair of the Lodge for the ceremony, which he duly did and undertook the bulk of the ceremony in an excellent manner with VWBro. Giles Berkley rounding the ceremony off with the last part.
Bro. Roy Sibley was well and truly advanced into the Mark Degree and from the smile on his face he thoroughly enjoyed it.
WBro. Smedley wielded the axe with great gusto and the Overseers added to the drama of the ceremony!
A letter of welcome from the RWPGM was presented to the newly advanced brother by WBro. Cross along with a Mark tie.
The Lodge business was completed and was closed by the WM. The Brethren adjourned to the bar and onto the festive board for an excellent meal accompanied by a great atmosphere and craic!
A Fylde Coast fiddle was organised by WBro. Steve Smith and raised £144 for charity!
A great night was had by all!!!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross