George is new WM of Fylde Lodge
 
28th November 2013
 
George Wright became the newest WM in the annals of venerable Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 296 at a memorable installation ceremony held at Adelaide Street Masonic Hall, Blackpool.
Provincial Grand Secretary Geoffrey Lee represented PrGM Peter Connolly. He in turn was accompanied by DepPrGM Keith Beardmore in a procession of eight grand and acting officers who attended to witness a polished performance enacted by outgoing WM Rory Maskell who was ably assisted by the officers of the lodge as he installed his successor.
Rory Maskell welcomes George Wright to the chair of Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons
Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons, which was consecrated in 1882, boasts being a double keystone lodge and which numbers many distinguished Mark Masons both present and past in its ranks very capably kept up its long established traditions as the installation ceremony unfolded under the watchful eye of DC David Bell.
 
Visitors Andrew Stansfield of Imperial Mark Lodge No 1276 acted as ISW, Jim Barnes of Cleveleys Mark Lodge 1176 IJW, and Tony Alderton also of Imperial Lodge, IIG. Keith Beardmore delivered the address to the WM, Bob McGown that to the wardens and John Forster gave the address to the overseers.
Adding something extra special to what proved to be a warm and friendly occasion, as each of the lodge officers was appointed organist extraordinaire Shaun Haynes played apt little musical accompaniments. Brethren played spot the tune as favourites like ‘My Way’ greeted David Bell as he was made DC, ‘Wandering star’ and ‘Me and my shadow’ followed deacons Wilson and Lonican and the theme to ‘Robin Hood’ teased charity steward Ernie Gavan as they were presented to receive their collars.
 
Geoffrey Lee addressed the lodge in time honoured fashion and went on to bring the good wishes and congratulations of the PrGM as well as his own to George Wright as the new WM and to his predecessor Rory Maskell. Geoffrey extended his good wishes to every member of the lodge as he complimented them on a £1,000 cheque, destined for Mark Masonry good causes, which he received from Rory. Rory is a staunch supporter of the Sands Charity which supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth.
left to right are Geoffrey Lee, George Wright and Keith Beardmore.
The meeting also heard of the financial support that Fylde Lodge had given to the Masonic Club in helping to refurbish the lower lodge room at Adelaide Street with new carpeting.
 
At an enjoyable festive board Geoffrey spoke of the enjoyment he and his fellow grand officers had derived from the evening and lauded the lodge’s generosity to Mark charity. He remarked that eight grand officers had been present which showed the high esteem in which Fylde Lodge was held. He congratulated David Bell and John Forster on their forthcoming trip to Grand RAM Lodge in London to receive honours.
Turning to future events he reminded brethren of the children’s Christmas party which was to take place at Leyland on 8 December and which children of Masons and their friends were welcome to attend.
A ‘grand’ turnout at Fylde Lodge

He said that on 17th December Edmund Taylor Royal Ark Mariners Lodge No 296 would be celebrating its 100 years anniversary and that the PrGM was being accompanied by some very distinguished grand lodge brethren from London to the celebrations in Blackpool.
 
He remarked on the 19 defibrillators which were being supplied through the auspices of Mark Masonry to Masonic halls in the Province of West Lancashire which do not already have one. He said that the launch of the programme would be taking place at Cleveleys Masonic Hall on 7th January and that the PrGM would be coming along to take part in the first of a series of familiarisation training days.
Grand officers, visitors and officers who took part in the installation with new WM George Wright
Geoffrey said that proof positive on the effectiveness of defibrillators was that in May 2013 Andrew Stansfield’s father’s life had been saved by use of the defibrillator in place at Adelaide Street. Each of the defibrillators will have a plaque acknowledging their placement by the Mark Master Masons.
 
After regaling his audience with a humorous tale of a trip to visit Dracula’s castle he had made he concluded by wishing new WM George Wright and Fylde Lodge an enjoyable year.
 
After Rory had added his good wishes for the forthcoming year to his successor, George thanked the speakers for their kind remarks acknowledging that the Mark degree was famed for being the friendly degree, Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons in particular. He said that he hoped that friendliness extended to the officers of the lodge in assisting him initiating the five candidates which were waiting in the wings to join the lodge!
Geoffrey Lee receives a bouquet for Mrs Lee from George Wright as David Bell looks on
He thanked all the Mark brethren who had taken part in the evening and had attended and as his first official function presented Geoffrey with a floral bouquet to take home to Mrs Lee for allowing him out for the evening.
 
Jim Barnes conducted a ‘Westhoughton raffle’ which raised a magnificent £150 for Mark Masonic Charities.
Article of Photographs courtesy of Bob Boal