Newton Mark Advancement with a Team Visit!
   
Monday the 19th of January saw Newton Mark Lodge, at Bryn, entertain not only the Provincial Team of 24, but also a new member - candidate Bro Michael Eric Hodgson.
DCs on parade - Ken Boon & Dave Emmerson No wonder they are smiling - look at those chains!
Arthur Robinson sorts the collars
WM Bro Ronald Charles Pearson
Mike Beesley, Ken Boon & Steve Walls
John Waring busy as ever!
This was a very special occasion for the Lodge, but also especially for Arthur Robinson, their DC, who is also Provincial SW this year, and the Team Visit was to thank Arthur for all his fine efforts. It made a nice change for the Team, as the Installation ceremony is a more usual event for them to visit. The SD Arnold Pye looked after the candidate in exemplary manner, and the Overseers and Wardens did a great job under difficult circumstances - the PGM, 2 Assistants & the whole Team watching on!
Grand Officers grasp the sword Deputy PGM designate Geoffrey Lee
 
with Assistants Ian Nairn & Michael Clarke
PGM with the candidate & SD
Peter Connolly thanks Arthur Robinson
Ian Nairn with Secretary David Eden
Mike Beesley promotes Royal Ark Mariner Degree
The JW Frank Laird not only did a great job of his part, but also delivered the Working Tools perfectly. The WM did the first half of the ceremony, and Ian Welsh Prov G JD did the second part magnificently.  The candidate was really lucky to join on such a night, and clearly enjoyed and appreciated all the efforts of his new Lodge members.
John Dutchman-Smith PGM congratulates the WM
Steve Walls & Mike Beesley share wine
Malcolm Currie helps out
John Whitley, Ernie Gavan & Geoff Lee
Provincial Wardens Arthur Robinson & Tony Farrar
At dinner Ian Nairn addressed his own Lodge, congratulated them on their ceremony, and then went on to Toast the PGM Peter Connolly - and thanked him for his wonderful service, and for leaving a Mark province with legacies which will continue to benefit the Degree for many years. He wished Peter happiness and success in whatever he chose to do in the future, and most of all, good health to enjoy it!
Ian Welsh did half the ceremony
Lucas Kelly collects the fees!
Peter Connolly thanked Ian for his kind toast, and also thanked Michael Clarke for his efforts on the Charities - 8 more de-fib training sessions are planned around the Province, and he urged Mark Men to be there to act as Ambassadors for the Degree at this great recruitment opportunity. The Mark Charities in West Lancs distributes some £30k per annum, helped by the Treasurer of the Charity, Frank Cooke, who was also there as a Lodge member, and ran the Chorley auction after dinner. The PGM also mentioned SW Christopher Marsden, who has done a lot in the background for the Charity. He went on to thank everyone who took part in the ceremony, and the candidate for his wise choice. before presenting him with a new Mark Tie!
The Provincial Grand Master then went on to thank Arthur Robinson for his year as SW of the Province, mentioning his many nights out on the Team, Representing, and even acting as Provincial DC when Dave Emmerson was ill - a star indeed ! Peter informed us that on the 29th of April a team from London is coming from the Lodge of Instruction to perform a ceremony, and asked for volunteers to sing - tenors, baritones and bass singers are all needed.
Ian Nairn congratulates Newton Mark, and the PGM
Flowers for Lynne, and a bottle for Peter
The Provincial Grand Master received loud applause as he sat, and then received 3 cheers form an appreciative audience.
Tony Farrar, ProvGJW spoke on behalf of the Provincial Officers, and spoke at length about his good friend Arthur Robinson. He did however reveal that Arthur supports Manchester United, and that he himself supports Newcastle. Sad news indeed brethren.......Arthur then proposed the Toast to his new candidate Michael Hodgson, a member of his Craft Lodge, Willows.
 
Article and Photographs Courtesy of Giles Berkley