Ridgmont Mark Installation
16th May 2014
   
On the 7th May John Whitley was appointed to acting rank as Dep. Prov. G. Swd. B. An appointment of which he is very proud. On the day he was was asked by W.Bro. John Forster P.G.Stwd., the Provincial Grand Master's Special Representative for the Fylde, if he would like to attend a Lodge with him at which he was representing the Provincial Grand Master.
The Master Chair of Ridgmont Mark
That Lodge was Ridgmont Lodge 1539, and it would, as W.Bro. Forster said, 'give you a chance to show off your new Gong'. Needless to say he jumped at the chance. They were to be joined by W.Bro. A. E. Farrar (Tony), the Provincial Junior Warden, W.Bro. Alan Foster Prov.G.M.O., and the Prov.Tyler, W.Bro. Ernie Gavan.
Paul Snape, (Special Rep), Tony Farrar Pr. J.W., Representative and the WM
Sadly before the meeting they received news that W.Bro. Forster had been taken into hospital as he had been overdoing it. The good news is, he has now made a recovery.
An assembly of 'Gongs' with Paul Snape
John and Tony set off for Horwich and Tony announced that as John wasn't attending he had been asked to stand in as the Provincial Grand Master's representative at the Installation, so not only was it's Tony's first time out it was his first time representing the P.G.M. W.Bro. Paul Snape P.G.J.O. who is the P.G.M's Special Representative's for that area was on hand to advise however.
Tony Farrar, Pr. J.W. (Rep), Martin Brownlow, John Dawber, Installing Master and Paul Snape, Special Rep.
As they arrived at the Hall John was taken aback by how splendid the building and grounds are, it came as no surprise to learn it was used for weddings. As they entered they were met by W.Bro. Rolland Alderton who had also received acting rank of Prov.G.Stwd. along with Rolland's Father, (who was also Promoted at Southport).
John Richardson, Martin Brownlow, Peter Schofield and John Dawber
In the Lodge room they were treated to some wonderful ritual done the Ridgmont way, the Installing Master W.Bro. John Dawber was a GEM to watch and listen to. When the ceremony was over, the new Master W.Bro. Martin Brownlow P.Prov.G.Org. was back in the chair. They might have seen a short ceremony, he being a Past Master, but it was one of great care and sincerity.
John Richardson, Tony Farrar, Martin Brownlow, Peter Schofield and John Dawber
They were all invited to join the Master at the festive board and they claim it was one of the best meals they have had in a long time. After the meal and speeches the Lodge Tyler closed the board and they made their way home. The evenings duties were not yet finished however, John had to walk the dog and then retired to bed feeling he'd had a great night. (The first of many).
 
John would like to thank Ridgmont Lodge for helping those new members of the team on their first outing as acting officers and if that night is anything to go by he's sure he is in for a great year of office.
 
Information and photographs courtesy of John Whitley Dep.Prov.G.Sword B.