First and Last at Wilbraham April 2026
 
Wilbraham Lodge 523 held a Proclamation meeting on Thursday 9th March 2026 in Widnes. The Worshipful Master, Bro Paul Smith, had been preparing to hand over the reins of the Lodge to a new WM but things changed with short notice and Paul readily jumped at the chance of a second term in office. Having thoroughly enjoyed the last year, he is now looking to another very enjoyable period leading this happy lodge.
DC (Brian) on the hunt
The Representative of the RW PGM on this occasion was W Bro Christopher Walls, Provincial Grand Senior Warden. He was accompanied by his father W Bro Stephen L Walls PGSD, who was probably undertaking one of the last of his supporting roles as Chris will step down as Provincial Grand Senior Warden on 15th April at the Provincial meeting in Blackpool.
Eric, Chris, Paul and Steve
VW Bro Eric Drinkwater PGSO, the RW PGM’s Special Representative was also, on hand to witness the Proclamation being delivered in fine form by the Director of Ceremonies, W Bro Brian Boothroyd PPrGSW.
 
There were one or two shocked appointments during the ceremony which only goes to show that your attendance at practises is always well worth the time.
Once formalities were over, the Brethren retired to a lively festive board where banter flew across the room, as did gravy and custard thanks to a very nervous, and new, young waitress! Ooopps!
Peter Kenny collecting dinner tokens
During the response to his health, Chris commented upon how much he had enjoyed his year in office and wished everybody well for the future. He also commented that, in his many years in Freemasonry, he had had little opportunity to visit Widnes Masonic Hall but during his tenure as PrGSW he had chosen as his FIRST outing alone, to visit Clarence Mark Lodge here in Widnes and for his LAST to visit Wilbraham Mark Lodge. A lovely way to start and finish his memorable year.
Some of the not so shy Brethren
The festive board was over too soon with many Brethren promising to catch up in Blackpool on 15th. See you there!!!
 
Words and pictures by Steve McNee