Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 296
 
Advancement meeting Thursday 26th March 2026 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
25 Brethren, including the RWPGM, plus the candidate for the evening were in attendance. The WM of Imperial Mark; WBro. Clive Gitsham was in attendance.
WBro. Paul Smedley, the recently announced Prov GJW designate and WBro. Bob Stafford Prov GSO designate where also in attendance.
The WM, WBro. Dennis Askham opened the Lodge at 18.30hrs with VWBro. John Forster acting as the Junior Overseer for the evening.
The WM worked through the business on the summons up to the Advancement ceremony when he asked WBro. Craig Scott to occupy the chair.
WBro. Scott was delighted to accept and proceeded to advance Bro. Simon Rhodes into Mark Masonry with sincerity and with the assistance of the Officers of the Lodge, with WBro. Roy Rhodes (candidates’ father) acting as SD and Bro. Luke Bodenham who had joined the Lodge in January acting as JD.
Bro. Darren Clarke gave an explanation of the working tools in an excellent manner.
WBro. Peter Green also took part in the last part of the ceremony.
All the Officers who took part in the ceremony did so in superb style and the candidate thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
WBro. Tony Cross presented Bro. Rhodes with a letter of welcome into Mark Masonry from the RWPGM and a Provincial Mark tie.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the bar and onto the festive board.
Lively discussion and a friendly atmosphere accompanied the meal!
A raffle was held at the festive board organised by WBro. Peter Green.
A good night was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross