Prince of Wales Mark Installation
   
It isn't often we get the chance to repay a friend for helping and advising us for well over a year. So it was an easy decision for Peter Hegarty and I to accept the invitation of Dave Emmerson, our Provincial DC, to his Lodge Installation in St. Helens, at the Prince of Wales Lodge. I have to say that Dave has obviously helped a lot of people, including the members of his own Lodge, as he started the meeting as ADC, and finished as JW - we do hope he will go on through the Chair, but it seems unlikely because of his Provincial duties.
A Grand turnout on the stairs
Giles Berkley, Michael Clarke & Peter Hegarty
happy to attend
It must put a bit of extra pressure on those taking part, with the Provincial DC looking over their shoulders, ready to pounce on any small error, and inflict the ancient punishment........but the ceremony was absolutely first class ! The addresses were of particular note, as the Lodge had enlisted the services of some outstanding Mark Masons to deliver them. Asst.PGM Michael Clarke addressed the WM, Don Friar the Wardens (as he did in his year as Acting JW), Special Representative Eric Drinkwater the Overseers, and of course Ken Alker, representing the PGM, addressed the Brethren. Another highlight was the wonderful Keystone address delivered by Norman Stringfellow, flawlessly and with crystal clarity.
The wonderful Temple with members and visitors
 Arthur Robinson, Dave Emmerson, Michael Clarke,
Ken Alker & Peter Hegarty
Frank King installed Harry Johnston in impeccable style, and also delivered the working tools to his successor.  As well as being invested as IPM, Frank was also invested as ADC, so he has no intention of slowing down after his year in the Chair.
W Bro Tim Ashcroft P ProvGSD stepped down after 14 years as Tyler of the Lodge, which was suitably grateful to him for this outstanding service.
Giles replaces Peter,
  
with a left-handed vote with his drink
Ken Alker entertains and informs after dinner
At the Festive Board, Ken Alker entertained and informed us all, with messages and funny stories being weaved with equal skill. The new IPM Frank King toasted Harry Johnston, informing us that Harry had been JW of the Province in 1998, PAGDC in 2001, and had joined Prince of Wales Mark Lodge in 2009. He also reminded Harry that there are 3 candidates to advance in his year!
DC Dave Burgess looks after Ken Alker
WM Harry Johnston thanks our principal guest
with flowers
WM Harry Johnston responded by thanking all those who had taken part in the ceremony, and thanked the Lodge for letting him take the Chair - he professed to be happy at hearing about the 3 new candidates, and welcomed the new joining member, Norman Speed, who joins at the next meeting. He looks forward to a happy and successful year for the Lodge, and thanked his DC for his efforts, and Frank King for the manner in which he installed him.
The Prov DC Dave Emmerson thanks the Wardens
Dave Emmerson congratulates Stuart Shaw
for attending as his guests
on his win!
The Chaplain (& new Treasurer) Alan Burrows toasted the visitors, and thanked them all for coming. Norman Speed, the joining member next month, replied, recalling that he was in the Chair in Craft in 1985 with Harry Johnston. He also congratulated all those who took part in an excellent ceremony.  David Rigby could be seen hard at work throughout the evening, collecting monies due, and also glasses!
MO David Rigby worked hard all night, collecting money & glasses
Trevor Price did a wonderful job of organising such a brilliant meeting as Secretary, and we all left having had a meeting of which the Provincial DC could be justly proud. 

Words, pictures, and thanks from Giles Berkley