Lodge of Charity of Mark Master Masons. No. 935
Ashton Masonic Hall, Bryn, Nr. Wigan. Monday 20th February 2023
A Very Special Meeting
 
First I tender my apologies for the late arrival of this report, unfortunately I have spent most of the week in bed suffering from some kind of lurgy but hey ho we have to fight back. The meeting tonight was definitely a one off and not to be missed.
Set off early climbed up the on ramp and saw the M60 crawling ahead over the high level bridge, as usual it took 20 minutes to do the 5 minute trip to get on the M62, still never mind we were all flying along now until trying to join the M6 when all the traffic came to a standstill! Eventually made it to the end and soon arrived at the Hall which has a large car park. Made my way inside and went upstairs to one of the robing rooms, found myself a comfy chair and chilled out, my early observation was that the hall was a really smart building and looked well maintained. I went downstairs to check out the Lodge room which again was very impressive and already set up for the evening’s ceremony.
The meeting opened on time at 6pm, there were quite a few items on the summons which included two joining members and once the other housekeeping items had all been dealt with the PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore entered the Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was welcomed by the W.M. W.Bro. Peter Benson who offered the gavel which on this occasion Keith said he would accept for a short period.
I feel the history of the Lodge is like the rising of the Phoenix, the Warrant is dated June 1934 and was Consecrated on the 21st September 1934, in recent times with falling numbers and following a lot of hard work by W.Bro. Graham Corday PGJD, the Lodge Secretary, W.Bro. Mike Pinckard and Alan Dickson the Provincial Secretariat, it was decided to apply to make the Lodge a Past Masters Lodge, with members now and future members connected to the Mark Degree as Charity Stewards or Almoners past or present, all of course have to also be Past Masters. There was one member of the Lodge who as yet hadn’t been in the Chair of Adoniram, this was put right by way of a Special Dispensation which allowed him on this special occasion to become a Worshipful Mark Master.
Bro. John Pendlebury was duly Installed by the WMM Peter assisted by members of the Lodge, it can be said that he looked absolutely delighted and would of course be the last none Past Master to join this fine Lodge. All the officers for the ensuing were presented and Installed, including the office of J.W. by none other than our Prov. Asst PGM W.Bro. Giles Berkeley, the Working Tools and the Keystone Jewel were presented and explained by W.Bro. Bob Hayes before our PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore gave his personal congratulations to John on being installed, in turn the WMM was delighted on behalf of the Lodge to present three cheques to Keith for the total of £400, which were of course all for worthy causes and would be well received and used to aid the needy.
One piece of the story not to be missed out on this special evening is that the now Past Masters Lodge following Prayers from the Prov. G. Chaplain was Re-Dedicated by Keith now that’s something you don’t see every day.  I must admit that I was finding it hard to keep up with everything that was taking place. The address to the new WMM was given by W.Bro. Martin Stokes, address to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. David D. Durling PrGSW, address to the Overseers was given by Brian Povey PrGJW and of course the address to all was given by our own PGM Keith. Once the meeting came to an end everyone assembled for the usual photo’s to be taken before making their way down to the dining room for some liquid refreshment and taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.
An excellent meal was served by the very pleasant and attentative Hall Staff whilst lots of friendly chat from all over the Province could be heard. I had to leave early as not feeling very well but I know the usual Toasts and responses took place. Now as to the trip home back to Urmston following the nightmare journey of two hours and twenty minutes to do the journey which had taken only twenty four minutes on the outward journey, I was saved by a brilliant map drawn up for me on a three inch piece of paper by my friend W. Bro. Ian Nairn P.Pr.Asst.PGM, it took me directly to the East Lanc’s Road, turn right at Worsley, got on the m60, breathed a sigh of relief and that was it home in only 30 minutes, I as usual got in my comfy chair and had a drop of Laphroaig for medical reasons and sent a silent message through the air to Ian for getting me home so quickly.
Here’s to my next merry meeting which happens to be on the first of March at Wilbraham Royal Ark Mariners No.523 in Widnes to see good friends and those I have yet to meet.
 
Notes For Your Diary.
Provincial Grand Mark Lodge, The Winter Gardens Church Street, Blackpool. Thurs 17th April 2023
Provincial Royal Ark Mariner Assembly, The Savoy Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool.
Tues 19th Sept 2023.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark Lodge. No.1173