Hindley Mark Masons Remember 2019
 
On a frosty but brilliantly sunny autumnal morning, Hindley Masonic Hall was the place to be for morning coffee and biscuits before joining the Hindley Remembrance Day Parade and Service.
“Mad Hatter’s Tea Party?
“Hindley Mark Masons (and some prospective candidates!!) Bros Eric Bailey;
Chris Alexander; Keith Woodall; Dave Webster; Chris Alexander’s wife Lisa; Peter Newell”
Following a refreshing cuppa, our merry band of Brothers made its way to Hindley Market Square for the muster of military and civilian participants.  As the morning wore on, the increasing warmth of the sun seemed to be making a difference, and quite large crowds of onlookers were gathering in anticipation of the parade and Remembrance Service to come
“Young and not so young gather for the Service of Remembrance”
At Hindley MH we are lucky to have a number of military veterans in our Lodges, and consequently one of them, Bro. Peter Newell, was delegated to speak with the Company Sergeant Major in charge of the muster (see final picture). This was to ensure that our position in the parade around Hindley Town Centre was agreed and that Hindley Mark Masons would be called out formally at the wreath laying ceremony.
 
The parade set off to beat of the marching band, and eventually came to a halt in the central cross road opposite the cenotaph at St Peter’s Church where the Service was to be held. I don’t think that I’ve seen such a large gathering here in the years that we have laid a Mark wreath at this event.
“The parade comes to a halt at the Hindley St Peter’s Cenotaph”
At 10.45am, the beautifully conducted service of Remembrance began with hymns and prayers, and this was followed by the laying of the wreaths around the cenotaph. The Company Sergeant Major did us proud, and early in the pecking order announced “Mark Masons of Hindley”. Brothers Newell and Webster, both ex-Military, stepped forward to lay the Wreath.
“We Will Remember Them”
Poppy wreaths start to adorn the Cenotaph
Mark Wreath takes centre stage
After the laying of the wreaths, the Last Post and a 2 minutes silence were immaculately observed. This was followed by the Reveille and final prayer before a resounding 2 verses of God Save the Queen echoed around the streets of Hindley. What a way to finish a truly memorable morning.
 
When the crowds had dispersed, we had an opportunity to take a picture, with the hard working Company Sergeant Major (Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment of course) pleased to have his photograph taken with us.
Lisa Alexander; Bros Keith Woodall; Stan Fairhurst; a very helpful CSM;
Bros Brian McMullen; Ray Pye; Eric Bailey; Peter Newell and Chris Alexander
Words and pictures by Ray Pye