Freshfield Mark Installation |
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| It is a very rare thing for a Grand Officer to represent the PGM at his own Lodge, and even rarer when the new WM is his own brother. Literally, not ritually! So it was a great honour for John Mawdsley, Grand Steward, to be the principal guest for the Installation of his brother Alan, in his own Freshfield Mark Lodge. Rod Bennison had kindly stepped aside when John asked if this rare occurrence might be allowed, but Rod was honoured to still deliver the address to the Brethren, as he had been rehearsing it! He of course delivered it perfectly. | |
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Brothers. Literally. John & Alan Mawdsley |
John Mawdsley & Brian Molyneux |
| The meeting had all the trademarks of a Freshfield Mark Installation - a great atmosphere, enhanced by the family connections, and a full house of members and guests. John Mawdsley did the address to the WM for his brother, with visible affection and emotion. Brian Molyneux addressed the Overseers, Giles Berkley the Wardens and Peter Smith installed his successor flawlessly, and explained the working tools in wonderful style. | |
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A Grand collection of support |
Prov.GSW Giles Berkley & Prov.Steward Mark Cooper |
| I had the very great honour to talk with Ron Goodyear in the bar, who is not too well at present, but still managed to attend. Ron was WM in 2003/4 in Freshfield Mark, and has served almost 50 years in Mark - a wonderful achievement. Ron has been WM in Craft 4 times, and has served for 60 years! | |
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Everyone was pleased to support Alan |
Joe Paros & Keith Blackburn |
got their Grand Lodge Certificates |
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| Anyone who has been to a Freshfield Installation, or Christmas meeting, will know that earplugs are a vital addition to the normal regalia - not because of the members of course, but because of the firing glasses that are employed to greet every small interruption of the proceedings. Or the mention of a name. Or the proposition of a Toast. Or any excuse really! | |
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Ron Goodyear 60yrs in Craft, |
How can one small piece of glass |
almost 50yrs in RA and Mark |
make so much noise ?? |
| I am certain John Mawdsley spoke well after dinner, but my ears were bleeding by then.....seriously though, he did speak well, and entertained us all royally. He thanked Brian Molyneux, the PGM's Special Representative for the area, for doing such an excellent job, and for deserving his imminent promotion in June to Very W.Bro. He also thanked Rod Bennison for giving him the opportunity of replacing him as principal guest. He thanked Alan Foster, WM of Philadelphia, soon to become Acting Provincial Master Overseer, for his presence. He informed us that the DC Mark Barton will become Prov.G Std B at Provincial Grand Lodge on May 7th. John also thanked the members on behalf of the charities, with over £1500 being donated, to Mark Charities, SAAFA, and the Hall Association. | |
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John Mawdsley entertains after dinner |
Maurice Evans & Rod Bennison enjoy the dinner |
| Peter Smith, the new IPM, hoped that Alan would have a fantastic year, and reminded him of the help available, just as he had experienced in his year, especially from the wonderful secretary Barry Hesketh, & DC Mark Barton. Bros Mawdsley and Molyneux then sang the Master's song, for which I did actually remove my ear plugs. Honestly. Alan then responded, thanking his brother John for representing the PGM, and he hinted at the Mawdsley Mafia.....before thanking Peter Smith for the ceremony, and thanking everyone else for coming. | |
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DC Mark Barton with ADC Alan Smith |
John really enjoyed representing |
as Alan went in the Chair |
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| Freshfield is certainly a thriving Lodge, with two Grand Lodge certificates being presented by Brian Molyneux, and 5 new members waiting to join. Mark Cooper, Prov.G.Stwd, joined at the last meeting, and was there with great enthusiasm as ever. ADC Alan Smith, who is a former member of the band Triful, travels up from the Cotswolds for the meetings, a great effort to support the Lodge. Such is the loyalty that this great Lodge encourages. And I will be back, when my hearing returns....... | |
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Roger Watkinson played wonderfully! |
Alan Mawdsley, |
happy to be in the Chair of Freshfield Mark |
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| Words, pictures and thanks from Giles Berkley | |
