The Garston Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.942
 
Island Road South, Garston. 11th November 2015
 
Proclamation of  Bro.Raymond Ho WM for the Ensuing Year.
 
Here we are on a lovely November morning, golden leaves on the trees, well most are by now on the ground but the birds are still singing come what may, today it’s a team visit to the very old and distinguished Garston Mark Lodge. Into the afternoon the weather was still fine as I set off with Tom and Snoopy my dashboard companions, five minutes and I was at the M62 slip road, twenty minutes later I finally made it on to the motorway !! Thankfully that was the only major hold up I encountered as we drove on towards Liverpool.
Dining Room Ready
Old Display Cabinet
Arriving some two hours before the meeting it shows the strength of our wonderful Degree that already there were considerable numbers of Brethren milling around both inside and out at the hall, on approaching I was given the usual warm greetings and handshakes all round.
After a welcoming drink of tea and biscuits the Provincial Team assembled in the Lodge Room for the usual run through (well several run throughs) of the evenings ceremony as always under the watchful eye of W.Bro.Dave Emmerson Prov DC who is a real master at working out the movements required no matter how large or small the Lodge room is, when he has finished it works like clockwork. His now famous saying is “don’t leave your wands in the Lodge room or you have to buy me a pint” it’s funny but nobody ever does.
The Lodge gets ready
PGM in chilled out mode
The meeting commenced on time at 6pm and the Lodge dealt with all its general housekeeping before the PGM RW Bro Keith Alan Beardmore entered accompanied by many Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was suitably presented to the WM Bro. Raymond Ho and as is his right was offered the gavel, which on this occasion he accepted, although he did point out that he would hand it back before the Ceremony began!!
Michael Clarke, Andrew Whittle, Prov S.W., PGM, Tony Cross, Prov.J.W. V.W.Bro. Eric S. Hughes,
Ian Nairn, David Emmerson, Stephen K. Lyon, Prov.G.Swd.Br., Derek Horrocks S.R.
PGM & Derek Horrocks
Our PGM then gave a resume of all his provincial team in attendance to all the Brethren present and I can say that as a member of the Team this year it really does make you feel part of something special, which of course it is. Following this he handed the gavel back to the capable hands of the WM (he’s no fool) and proceedings continued to Proclaim Bro. Raymond Ho WM of Garston Mark Lodge for a second year. Following the Investment of all the officers, the address to WM was given by W.Bro. David Toller (IPM), address to the Wardens given by Andy Whittle Prov SW, address to the Overseers by Anthony Cross Prov JW and the address to the Brethren by our PGM.
The special jewels of the Lodge, Keystone and Mark Benevolent were presented to the WM in excellent style by the well known W.Bro. Derek Horrocks PGJD, a collection for the charities followed and during general communications the Acting Secretary pointed out that he had received a Grand Lodge Certificate for one of younger members of the Lodge, Bro.Raymond Sephton, as the PGM was present it was passed to him but with a glint in his eye and in his usual inimitable style he quickly delegated the task to AsstPGM VW Bro.Michael J Clarke PGJO, for this he thanked the PGM and carried out the task superbly.
PGM with John Waring and Henry Mayor, Grand Stewards
PGM with V.W.Bro. Eric S. Hughes
At the appointed time in the proceedings the Provincial team were assembled to escort the PGM VW Keith Beardmore and the Grand and Provincial Grand Officers from the Lodge, the door was locked and I’m sure the remaining Brethren gave a sigh and sat back easy in their seats.
Acting Tyler Colin Svenson, P.Prov.G.J.W. Tuscan Mark Lodge, No 1099. 
PGM & WM Chris Douglas from Walton Mark Lodge
PGM & WM Raymond Ho
PGM & Derek Horrocks PGJD with the WM
Following the meeting all gathered in the pleasant lounge area for some liquid refreshment and the usual friendly chat which is always present at Mark Masons meetings, “The Friendly Degree”, soon we gathered in the dining room and took our seats for what proved to be an excellent meal well served up by the very efficient staff.
Friendly chat in bar
The new WM enters
Ready for Meal
PGM & WM cheers
The usual toasts were given following the meal and several first class and interesting speeches, the evening ended with a presentation of flowers for the PGM’s Lady from the WM on behalf of the Lodge and there it was all over too soon, we all said our goodbyes and looked forward to our next meeting.
PGM makes his speech
Now it's Tony's turn the Prov JW
WM presents the PGM with Flowers for June
The trip home was very easy even the motorway was still open, the car was put back in its garage, Tom and Snoopy went to sleep, and once inside I relaxed with a wee drop of Laphroaig looking back with satisfaction at the evenings proceedings as I always do after being in the company of Mark Master Masons.
Here’s to our next merry meeting,
Which prompts a response
Time to Go
There's got to be a story here!(webman)

Mark Well. 
Austin N.Fletcher. ProvGJO Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge. No.1173.