Chorlton Mark Lodge No.394. Celebrates 125 Years. |
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Saturday 16th March 2013 at Urmston Masonic Hall. |
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| After lots of behind the scenes planning it was finally here a party to celebrate 125 years of continuous meetings by Chorlton Mark Lodge. Just so as not to let us down it was raining and cold as we gathered at Urmston looking forward to good company, a first class meal and great entertainment, we weren’t to be disappointed. | |
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Above: All is prepared |
Above: Lovely Beef |
| In pleasant warm surroundings with some gentle background music playing, greetings were exchanged between friends old and new, this along with a few drinks around the bar area got the party off in fine style. Moving amongst the revellers was a talented young Magician, Mark Woodsford, who astounded the guests using slight of hand, time after time could be heard “How did he do that” truly amazing. | |
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Above: PGM Peter Connolly & Dorothy Bailey |
Above: The Magician & Cliff |
| It was soon time for the Carvery meal and on this occasion we were delighted to be actually served by Mark the Chef and his staff, who since taking over at Urmston has gained a reputation throughout the Province for the excellent food he prepares. Having enjoyed the main meal a varied choice of sweets (some had seconds) followed by a fruit platter and wine we settled back for the evenings entertainment. | |
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Above: PGM the Singer & Lyn his wife who thought it was highly amusing. The song was "Big Spender" |
Above: Back Gareth Jones. PGM. Chris McNab Front Joyce McNab. Patricia Jones. Lyn Connolly |
| First up was Rachel Marie a vocalist who’s repertoire included songs from the shows, classic ballads and pop songs from the 60’s to present day, a surprise was also in store for the PGM during one of her songs, (as the photo shows) which he took in good heart as always. Next to entertain was comedian Steve Royle, he gave us all some good belly laughs without using “blue material” (not too much anyway) and showed that he was also a very competent juggler. |
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Above: Rachel Marie. Vocalist flanked by The Comic. Steve Royle |
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| The evening now seemed to be passing very quickly, a raffle was taken for the charities followed by more friendly, happy chat, Rachel came back to do a second set and she was then followed by the DJ/Compere for the evening Darren Shaw who played music for those who wished to dance until the early hours. | |
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Above: Mark Rainsford "Marks with Splendour" & his staff provide service with a smile |
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Below Left: The Comic Juggling Steve Royal (I think he's saying sorry I started this !!) Below Right: Linda Fletcher. Cliff. PGM & Cliffs wife Christina. |
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Above: Chorlton WM & his Party |
Above: Chorlton DC & his Party. |
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With all in all a brilliant success, 125 years celebrated in fine style and well worth remembering that the main organiser Graham Bailey finished off in hospital a few days before the event needing a triple heart bye pass. We were all very pleased that his wife Dorothy found the strength to attend the evening and reported that Graham was doing as well as could be expected. |
| Credit also must go to Cliff Hughes who took over the reigns to make sure the evening was a success. The clock approaching midnight it was time for most to leave having had a truly enjoyable evening to remember, no it wasn’t rain which greeted them outside, now it was snowing, ah well this is England! | |
| Left: More guests enjoying the evening | |
| Below are a few interesting notes regarding the 125 year History of Chorlton Mark. | |
| On the 19th Sept 1888 seven Brethren met at the Bears Paw Restaurant in Liverpool and unanimously decided they would like to start a Mark Masons Lodge in Chorlton, Manchester. (why Manchester not known) | |
| Of note was Bro W. Goodacre, Headmaster of Talbot House School, Old Trafford who was the Prov Grand Sec of West Lancs at the time (1884 to 1918), he was also a founder member of several Craft Lodges in the area, including Royal Protector. | |
| The Lodge was consecrated on 31st Oct 1888 by the Earl of Lathom who was the PGM, 16 Brethren were then advanced to the Degree of Mark Master Masons, a busy night for the new WM. | |
| Not a lot of cars about in those days hence the summons used to show local train times, unusual also was the fact that the meal was always taken before the actual Lodge meeting. (meal 6.30 / Lodge 7.15) | |
| In 1930 Chorlton and Eccles hosted the Prov Grand Lodge meeting at Stretford Town Hall, the charge for the meal was 10/6p (52p in today’s money) including wine, however there was a general loss suffered of £4.17.6P for the event due to excessive wines and spirits being consumed. | |
| The Lodge moved to Edge Lane, Chorlton in 1941 and then to its present home Urmston Masonic Hall in 2005. A Centenary evening took place on the 31st Oct 1988 and here’s to the next one, its 150th. |
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| Mark Well. | |
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