Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No.1173
   
Advancement Ceremony. Friday 9th May 2014. At Urmston Masonic Hall.
 
Another meeting for us all to look forward to was here at last however not all was going to plan!!
Graham Bailey Special Rep. Candidate Peter Hankinson. WM Timothy Burns.  
As you may or may not know we were down to such a low number that we did wonder earlier this year if we could continue, this being the Mark we refused to let it close and with great effort we recruited six new Candidates and two Joining members (the start of many). The PGM Peter Connolly attended our last meeting along with the Prov DC David Emerson, Prov Asst DC Ken Boon and volunteered to occupy the offices of SD, JD and DC respectively, what a brilliant night was had by all.
WM Tim Burns ( I thought this was a great shot)

Now then back to this meeting where we had planned to once again Advance two new Candidates well this is how it went, one of the Candidates good ladies had organised a surprise holiday which he didn’t know about (oops a real surprise), well that was ok because we soon had a stand in ready and waiting, that is until the start of the week when he woke up with a fractured a shoulder, (nasty), the only person who still seemed cheerful was our DC, (can’t understand why).
Candidate at ease. Peter Hankinson
Ah well we thought never mind we will have our usual great meeting with our two new members coming along and advancing one Candidate, oh oh that was until the day before when the newest member Bro Bob Murphy (Rev) broke his leg, I did speak to him in hospital but it was funny really when I tried to tell him it was no excuse to be absent the phone lines seemed to go down!!
Colin Ingram with "I've Got My Ticket" (for the Fun Day)
At last it was time for the meeting to commence under the guidance of the WM Bro Tim Burns PProvGSD, it was well attended and included several members from Chorlton Mark Lodge who always support us when called upon and vice versa whenever we are called upon, we were pleased that they had offered to take up the offices of JW, SD and JD, which they carried out in fine style. Here once again is an example of the great feeling we share with each other as Mark Masons, no hesitation if called upon to help each other, no one upmanship to be gained, no one trying to score points,  just the warmth of true friendship. 
Proposer Peter Harding. Candidate Peter Hankinson.
Following the usual Lodge housekeeping the Candidate W.Bro Peter Hankinson was admitted and Advanced to the Honourable Degree of a Mark Master Mason at which point he took up his rightful place in the Lodge, and I must say he looked highly delighted that he had indeed found that which was lost!!
W.Bro.D.J.Tomlinson.PPrJGD
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation and explanation of a Grand Lodge Certificate by W.Bro Graham Bailey GStdB, the PGM’s Special Representative for the South Eastern Group to Bro Peter Harding who responded by thanking Graham and saying how much he was enjoying being a MMM and observing the Ceremony of Advancement for the first time as a member of the Lodge.
 
As the next scheduled meeting is for the Installation of the WM and officers of the Lodge it was very pleasing to find that the WM and Principal Officers will be staying in post, this will greatly assist the new Members to find their feet, take up offices and to progress at a slower pace around the Lodge.
 
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Lodge is delighted to have Advanced three new members in the last two meetings plus a joining member with four new Candidates and one joining member waiting in the wings.   
 
The business of the evening being ended the Lodge was closed in due form, all the members and guests then retired to the dining room for the always excellent Social Board. Lots of happy banter as is usual, no glum faces just the warmth and friendship you will always find in this degree.
 
Several speeches and toasts were enjoyed, the stand in IPM W.Bro Brian Hayes PAGDC (DC) gave the toast to the WM who responded by thanking everyone for their support during the past year and looking forward to an exciting year ahead, a Toast to the Candidate by his Proposer Peter Harding was then well responded to by our new Brother Peter Hankinson.
 
All too soon it was over, the Tyler’s Toast given and all present joining in with the cry “Here’s to our next merry meeting”.
 
Should any Brother wish to find out more about this wonderful Degree, do not hesitate to contact myself austin.f@ntlworld.com and I will put you in touch with a brother near to your location, of course you will be most welcome to join with us at Urmston Masonic Hall in Manchester near to the Trafford Centre which is only five minutes from the M62, we have two Lodges here,  Flixton Shepherd Eastwood and Chorlton both of which would be more than happy to have you come and join. 
 
Have a great summer and don’t forget the “Family Fun Day” on Sat 5th July at St Saviours Memorial Hall, Church Road, Bamber Bridge, PR5 6AJ.  Noon till 4pm, a great day out for all the family. Mark Well.

Austin N.Fletcher. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Lodge  1173.