Installation Meeting, Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons No.1173
 
Monday 28th October 2013
   
Back at last the Mark Reporter from sunny Urmston, no need for Tom or Snoopy to help me along on this visit, just 5 minutes and I was at the Hall ready and waiting for the evening ahead.
This is the Mark Lodge which refused to die and due to now having six Candidates along with two joining members in the wings the future is now bright.
 
 
The Temple was well prepared by several willing Lodge members and all was ready for the arrival of two of my favourite Mark Masons, the very hard working VW Bro.Keith Alan Beardmore PGJO, Deputy Prov Grand Master and VW R.Benniston PGJO from the hard working Secretariat.
The Lodge Room awaits
Table Plan
A warming cup of coffee was waiting for them as conditions outside were still in the throws of the storms which had lashed England for the previous few days, some happy faces and hello’s and before too long it was time for the meeting.
Chatting near bar
Health Food
The WM Bro Stuart Boyd opened the meeting and all the usual housekeeping of the Lodge was dealt with before the Dep PGM Keith entered accompanied by other distinguished Grand and Prov Grand Officers, he was welcomed and offered the Gavel as is tradition, which on this occasion he declined this was followed by deserved salutations.
  WM saying how much he is looking forward to all the
Keith in full flow
hard work.(overseen by W.Bro. David Bell)
The main business of the evening was in the capable hands of the WM Bro Stuart Boyd who’s family have a long history in Mark Masonry (Scotland) of which Stuart is very proud, he was assisted by other officers of the Lodge including W.Bro Tony Johnson PGJD (acting as JW) who is only 94 years young!!
Keith & WM Tim Burns
A Past Master W.Bro. Tim A.Burns PPrGSD was duly installed as WM for the coming year 2013/14, he along with W.Bro Brian Hayes PAGDC who was invested as DC are a perfect choice to guide the new Candidates through the upcoming ceremonies of Advancement. (That’s what they were lead to believe by all the other Lodge members!!)
Excellent addresses followed:- To the WM by W.Bro.Stuart Boyd, Wardens by W.Bro.Stan Turner PPrGSW, Overseers by W.Bro.Graham Bailey PGStdB & to all the Brethren by VW Keith Beardmore DepPrvPGM, all were well received.
 
Following the Ceremony and a chat around the well stocked bar all sat down to a superb meal  prepared by the Chef at Urmston Mark Rainsford and his staff, plenty of friendly banter and laughter during the Festive Board was followed by several Toasts and speeches, a raffle was also conducted in aid of the Children’s Christmas Party which is very dear to the PGM and his Good Lady.
 
As always the night was waning fast, soon it was time for goodbyes which to Mark Master Masons is always tinged with sadness, we use the term used in the Craft as a genuine sentiment, “Happy to Meet, Sad to Part, Happy to Meet Again”  Here’s to our next Merry Meeting.
 
Children’s Christmas Party, Leyland Masonic Hall, Sunday 8th December 2pm till 6pm.
 
Meet Father Christmas & a Gift & Refreshments for Every Child. THIS IS A FREE EVENT.
 
Great to be back. Austin N.Fletcher. PPrAGDC.  Flixton Shepherd Eastwood MM Lodge. No.1173.
MARK WELL.