Newton Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.1003
The Installation of V.W. Bro. Ian Douglas Nairn. PGJO. PAPGM
The Masonic Hall, Bryn, Ashton-in-Makerfield Monday 20th March 2023
 
A special meeting to look forward to tonight, set off early as usual climbed up the on ramp pushed my way into the traffic which never stops and eventually made it to the M62, as usual all travelling at a rapid pace, 50 mph then joined the shocking M6 complete with its huge Pot Holes one of which I didn’t manage to avoid as I was surrounded by three huge 40 footers and a solid line of traffic in the outside lane. Ah well the joys of driving, does anyone remember when we had great roads and it was the rest of Europe who’s roads all seemed to be falling to bits. Thank goodness we now have smart motorways to speed us on our way (Not). Made it to the Hall in good time, in fact I was the first there, I thought I must check my wheels to see where I had struck the 8inch deep Pot Hole, there it was a 3” scrape on the very edge of the rim, charming.
I brushed away a tear or two and made my way into the hall, found a seat close to the windows at the back and the first person to appear was our RW Bro. Peter Connolly PProvGM someone who is always very pleasant and interesting to have a conversation with, it seemed that he had taken three trains to get the meeting, now that’s dedication.  
Time passed quickly and soon it was time for the meeting to open on time at 6pm, several housekeeping items were dealt with before W.Bro. John David Rotheram PGSD representing our own PGM entered accompanied by several Grand Officers, he was welcomed by the acting W.M. W. Bro. Andy Hall, once due salutations had been given it was time for the main business of the evening the Installation of the W.M. for the ensuing year.  
A man liked and much respected by all VW Bro. Ian Douglas Nairn PGJO, PAPGM who said he thought it was perhaps time to have another go since the last time he was in the chair 1994, twenty nine years ago. An excellent Ceremony was performed by W.Bro. Ian Hall assisted by other officers of the lodge, likewise Ian presented the Warrant, the book of constitutions and By Laws. The Keystone and Charity Jewel were presented and explained by W.Bro. Derek Gaskell, the Working Tools followed presented and explained by W.Bro. Arthur Robinson GJD ProvGDC. Address to the W.M. given by W.Bro. Robert Hayes, Address to the Wardens by W.Bro. Arthur Robinson, Address to the Overseers was given by Bro. Lucas Kelly, Address to all present was delivered by our PGM’s representative W.Bro. John David Rotheram PGSD, who was then pleased to congratulate the newly Installed W.M. along with the greetings from the PGM, in response the W.M. was delighted to present two cheques one for the West Lanc’s Mark Charity and one for the Wigan Hospice, which amounted to the amazing Grand Total of £600.
As the meeting neared its end, W.Bro. John Pendlebury gave greetings on behalf of the visitors, and I’m sure we all appreciated the wonderful harmony played during the proceedings by Bro. Cooper and of course the hard work in organising the meeting by the Secretary W.Bro. Eric Payne PPrGJW and the Treasurer W.Bro. Lucas Kelly PAGDC.
All in all a great Installation Meeting, especially as it was for Ian not only a genuine first class Mark Mason but also a man who it is always a pleasure to be in his company. Everyone made their way to the dining room, and once the glasses were charged they took up their allotted seats, an excellent meal was served up by the friendly and attentive hall staff, the usual Toasts and Responses were given and well received. Just before saying their goodbyes a wonderful bouquet and a nice bottle of something nice was presented to the PGM’s Representative David by Ian the WM on behalf of all the members, he looked somewhat embarrassed and delighted at the same time.
Everyone now said their goodbyes and gave the genuine handshakes we share in the Magic of the Mark, before stepping out into the cold night air for their trips home to all parts of the Province, a great night was had by all and I’m sure everyone looked back on a very pleasant evening spent in good company and forward to their next Mark Meeting, as I always do.
As for me, you can guess, I made it back to the M6, which was CLOSED yet again, fiddled with the sat nav in my wife’s car till I found the map without motorways, then I remembered the special map that Ian had done for me a couple of weeks before, followed it and before I knew it I was on the East Lanc’s Rd heading home.
Some dates for your Diary:
The Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of West Lancashire at the
Winter Gardens, Spanish Hall, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU. Thursday 27th April, 2pm.
The Royal Ark Mariners Assembly, at the Savoy Hotel, Blackpool. Tuesday 19th September.
Here’s looking forward to my next meeting to see old friends and those I have yet to meet.
 
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher, PGJD. Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No. 1173