Bispham with Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 866 |
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| Installation meeting on Friday 13th February 2026 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool. | |
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| VWBro. Geoffrey Michael Bury PGJO, Assistant Provincial Grand Master was in attendance. | |
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| 42 Brethren including 6 Grand Officers were present at the meeting. | |
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| The WM, Bro. Joe Colding opened the Lodge and worked through the summons for one last time, which included a Memoriam for MWBro. John Herbert Prizeman Pro Grand Master, who had recently passed away. The Brethren stood for a period of reflection for departed merit. | |
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| Bro. Josh Patterson, a former member of Imperial Mark Lodge, was balloted for and admitted as a joining member. | |
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| VWBro. Bury and the other Grand and acting Provincial Officers were admitted to the Lodge. The WM offered VWBro. Bury the gavel of the Lodge, which he duly accepted and expediently returned it! | |
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| WBro. James Rashid ProvAGDC, conducted extensive salutations. | |
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| The next business was the installation of WBro. Willaim Arthur Snell SW of the Lodge as WM. | |
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| WBro. Clive Gitsham acted as SW, WBro. Roger Stansfield as JW and WBro. Andy Stansfield acted as Inner Guard during the ceremony. | |
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| The Master elect was presented and subsequently installed in fine form by Bro. Joe Codling. | |
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| The addresses were given by: | |
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| VWBro. Bury congratulated the WM on behalf of the RWPGM and wished the Brethren well and hoped the Lodge has a successful and busy year. He congratulated all who took part in the ceremony. | |
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| VWBro. Bury accepted a cheque for £866 from the WM for the WLMCF. | |
| The WM proceeded with the remaining business on the summons, which included the presentation of 2 Grand Lodge Certificates, including one to Bro. Mark Stevens a recent advancement and WBro. Tony Cross, a not so recent advancement! The certificates were presented by VWBro. Berkley with his usual style and panache. | |
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| The Lodge was closed and the Brethren assembled in the bar for pre-dinner refreshments and onto the festive board. | |
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| Lively and sparkling conversation with a great atmosphere accompanied the meal. | |
| VWBro. Bury responded to the toast to his health and outlined the RWPGM’s hopes and wishes for the future on a number of topics including recruitment for the Mark and Royal Ark Mariners degree. | |
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| A raffle organized by WBro. Steve Smith ProvGSwdB, Bro. Martin Haines and Bro. Bill Richmond raised £195! | |
| An excellent night, organised by WBro. Gordon Ivett was had by all! | |
| Words and pictures by Tony Cross |
