The 43rd Annual Festival of the Blackpool and District Assoc of Mark Lodges.
11th April 2013
Held at:- Prince Setanta Lodge of Mark Master Masons.No.1446. 11th April 2013. Masonic Hall Poulton-le-Fylde. Here we are well into April, some signs of Spring but as yet we’ve certainly not had our usual week of summer, still no rain here in Urmston for over three weeks, until today that is, as I set off for the trip north to the Masonic Hall at Poulton-le-Fylde the heavens opened up and came along with me all the way to the end of the M55.!!
Got near to my destination and Tom started with turn left, turn left, turn left, I’m expecting him any time now to start telling me to lead off with my left foot.!  Anyway I spotted a car park and turned in, there was a man at the pay station so I jumped out smartish to ask him if he knew where the Lodge was, hmmm let me think he said, no, but I can tell you that if you don’t get a ticket on your car in the next two minutes you will get a ticket of another kind and faster than a speeding bullet from one of our friendly car park wardens, he wasn’t kidding either I spotted one lurking behind some trees!!
Above: Lodge Room awaits	Above: The Officers collars
Having paid my dues I walked round the corner, case in hand in to a lovely square, (which I found to be round) next to the side of a church, what a really charming place. Then bingo there it was near to the old Police station, a period building full of character adorned with a square and compass above the entrance. Once inside we were welcomed by members of the Lodge and shown upstairs to the Lodge room area, as usual lots of friendly chat and guess what I overheard two or three Brethren saying that their versions of Tom were also telling them to turn left, turn left, ah well !!
The Tyler on Guard           Craft Masons enter        The Orator for the Presentation.        Craft Masons
Philip A.Watson.PPrGSO (Sec)
The Lodge was prepared for the meeting and looked resplendent with its own Banner and many traditional pictures on the walls, it opened by the WM Bro Tony Thackrah at approx 6pm and dealt with its usual business before the RW Prov Grand Master Peter Connolly entered supported by a large number of Grand, Provincial and Acting Provincial Officers. Having been welcomed on behalf of all the members by the WM, the PGM accepted the gavel for a short period to say how much he and his officers were looking forward to the evening’s presentation, The Legend of Rosslyn Chapel and the Mystery of the Apprentice’s Pillar.
Craft Masons watching.	All watching with interest
On taking charge of the proceedings again the W.M. Tony called off the Lodge so that Craft Masons could also be admitted to enjoy the proceedings. Brethren I’m not here going to tell you much about the Legend of Rosslyn or the Apprentice Pillar as portrayed to us as it would spoil your own enjoyment of witnessing this absolutely wonderful presentation, needless to say that if you ever get the opportunity to attend the same display do not miss it.
	Above: The Crew
	Left: The MM getting his instructions
	(W.Bro.J.D.Clarke PGJO)
I thought I would let the pictures speak for themselves, just look at the faces of some of the Brethren, lots of laughter but also great interest, Truly Brilliant.
The Team were lead in excellent style by W.Bro.John D.Clarke PGJO who actually wrote the Presentation booklet for the Roslyn and Apprentice Legends which has the accompanying oratory, the players and even shows how to display it in your own Lodges, this can be purchased for £2.50 from Prince Setanta Lodge, and I can tell you is great value.
Right: The masons return complete with tankards
Below: The MM invites the PGM to join him in a drink!
	Left: one of the masons with his drink
	Above and Below Left:
	The MM presenting his plans to Lord Sinclair
	Below Right:
	The apprentice & his pillar (Steve Thackary WM's son)
The display finished to tumultuous applause from all present and personally I was only sorry it had actually finished, the PGM and then the WM congratulated all who had taken part both inside and outside the Lodge room and we now wait with baited breath to see what next years Blackpool and District Festival comes up with to top this one.
	Above Left: The apprentice & Sherif
	Above Right: The apprentice is slain
	Left: The MM he pleads his case.
	Below: The Presenting Team
After the Lodge was called back on to resume normal workings, the PGM was found for the first time ever to be almost speechless (now that is unusual as anyone who knows him will confirm) when he was presented with two cheques by the  W.M. Tony on behalf of the Lodge. £1446 for the West Lanc's Mark Charities and £62.50 towards the Mark Fun Day on the 6th July at St Saviours Memorial Hall, Bamber Bridge.   The PGM sincerely thanked all the members of the Lodge for the wonderful donations, it shows just how caring and what big hearts Mark Masons have.
Above & Below Left: PGM Thanks the WM
Right: PGM Thanks those taking part.
Below Right: a 'Full' Dining Room
The time came sadly for the PGM to retire from the Lodge, he was escorted out by Grand, Provincial and his own Acting Provincial Officers, everyone gathered around the bar area’s chatting and partaking in a couple of drinks before taking their places in the dining room which was I would imagine full to capacity! An excellent meal was served up which included a nice glass of wine (or two) by the very attentive staff whilst the bar keepers stayed in post to serve up more drinks as they were required, first class.
The usual toasts were called after the meals ending followed by some excellent speeches which included one from the Dep PGM. Keith A.Beardmore PGJO and one from the PGM’s Special representative for the Blackpool & Fylde District W.Bro.John Forster GSteward. A raffle for the Charities took place and would you believe it, at least two visitors won prizes!! (now there’s a first as well)
W.Bro.Ernie Gavan PPrStdB        Special Rep Blackpool & Fylde.      VW Michael J.Clarke.PGJO. Asst PGM.
&  his one foot of space,             John Forster.GSteward.                 with VW Bro. Keith Beardmore
but he was still smiling !
The night was drawing to a close all too soon but before we had the Final Toast the WM Tony had great pleasure in presenting the PGM, His Dep PGM and his Asst PGM’s with some wall plaques portraying Peters favourite flower, the Lilly. A great ending to a truly wonderful and satisfying evening, well worth the travel around this Province to witness these Mark Master Masons meetings, known by us all as the “Friendly Degree”. A pleasure to be in each others company.
Above are the Winners of the Raffle and on the Right the WM makes a presentation to the PGM.
Now then where’s the car I think it’s left and left again, ah found it, oh no disaster, I left the lights on! I opened the door very quietly and gently slid the ignition key into its slot, I don’t know what difference I thought that would make but anyway it worked with a bit of a whimper and off Tom and I went back to the motorway with some friendly rain to keep me company. Here’s to the next one..     MARK WELL.
W.Bro.Austin N.Fletcher. ProvAsstGDC.

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