Bispham-with-Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No. 866
The Masonic Hall, Adelaide St, Blackpool.  Installation Meeting Friday 10th Feb 2023
 
Here we go again, another great Mark Meeting to look forward to, yes another trip starting with the now infamous on ramp for the M60, didn’t even manage to get two wheels on it this time before coming to a stop, the famous traffic light system at the top of it seemed to be on a permanent Red Light!! Eventually two brave souls decided enough was enough and set off through the lights which of course the rest of us did likewise to join the three lanes going up the high level bridge which were virtually stopped, nothing unusual there.  Made my way across the three lanes which helps to get me passed the joining traffic and the M62 turning and before too long there it was the M61, ah moving traffic.  No more hold ups which meant arriving in Blackpool over two hours early, oh well better than being late, have to go for a walk and find a coffee shop, good idea not too sure as it was free-zzz-ing, I’m not kidding either, I think the wind was blowing in from the Arctic, I got my big winter Mango coat out of the boot which was purchased in Tenerife (now that’s another story) and did think about putting it on backwards to stop the draft, but I forgot about the hood!
Ah well found a coffee shop and chilled out before making my way to the Hall, it was buzzing already, the down stairs Lodge room was already set up and looked great, members and guests were sat in the comfy bar area enjoying a drink and lots of chat from all over the Province. Our own PGM Keith along with Geoff, Dep PGM and our two Asst PGM’s Giles and John were all joining in with the happy to see you friendly chat, (which doesn’t happen in some degree’s).
Time passed quickly and the Meeting opened on time at 6pm, following on from quite a few items of housekeeping which included a joining member and the election of two Honorary Members, the PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore then entered the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Prov Grand Officers, on being presented to the W.M. Bro. James Rashid the P.G.M. was offered the gavel which he said he would on this occasion accept for a short period so as to introduce the Grand officers and the members of the Provincial Team to everyone present, he also said with that glint in his eye that he would hand it back as soon as possible because he knew how much the W.M. was looking forward to carrying out the Installation of his friend Bro. Alan Barnes into the chair of Adoniram. Once control of the meeting was handed back to the W.M. due Salutations were then given to the PGM along with his Deputy and his two Assistant PGM’s, now it was time for the main business of the evening the Installation, this was completed in what can only be described as a first class display of Masonic Ritual, well done to everyone who took part. The Warrant of the Lodge and the Keystone Jewel were presented to the W.M. by the new IPM James Rashid.   
All the officers for the ensuing year were then presented and invested with their respective collars, then a very special gold jewel was presented to the IPM W.Bro. James Rashid by the Asst PGM W.Bro. Giles Berkley who is a member of the Lodge. The address to the new W.M.M. was given by W.Bro. Tony Cross. PAGDC, address to the Wardens by W.Bro. David D. Durling PrGSW, address to the Overseers by W.Bro. Brian Povey Pr.GJW and of course my favourite address to all present, given with genuine sincerity by our own PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore.
Congratulations were then given to the new W.M. and all the members of the Lodge, with a special mention for the work of the Installing Master John and the D.C. W. Bro. Tony Cross by Keith for the wonderful Installation Ceremony we had all just witnessed which must have taken many hours of practise. The W.M. responded by offering a magnificent donation from the Lodge of £866 for the West Lanc’s Mark Benevolent Fund to Keith who said it would be well received and used for the needy and less fortunate, he also made mention of a recent donation of £50,000 given by the MBF to supply people shelters for the crises in Turkey and North Syria. The PGM then retired from the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, on the Lodge closing everyone made their way back for a quick photo session before charging their glasses and making their way upstairs to take up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.
An excellent meal was served up by the very friendly and efficient hall staff, the usual Toasts and Responses were given and all too soon it was all over for another year, everyone gave their usual genuine handshakes of friendship before saying their goodbyes and stepping out into the cold night air for homeward trips to all parts of the Province.
“The Magic of the Mark,”
Here’s to our next merry meeting, to meet old friends and those I have yet to meet,
You’re only a stranger once.
 
Mark Well
Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No. 1173