The Preston Lodge of Mark Masters. No. 143
Thursday 5th March at 6.30.p.m.
The Masonic Hall, Saul Street, Preston. PR1 2QU
 
Another  Mark Meeting to look forward to tonight, off we go early as usual but it made no difference to the famous M60 on ramp, 10 minutes to join the actual motorway, another 5 to get into lane 2, and at least 20 minutes to get past the High-Level Bridge over the ship canal. Ah well never mind it only took another and 50 minutes to arrive outside the Lodge Building. Crept down the side and managed to get on the small island in the left-hand corner of the hall, I’ve managed to get on there every time I have attended Preston, brilliant. Climbed out and rushed to get in as it was absolutely pouring down, whoo that wasn’t nice at all, once inside I shook the freezing rain off and started my usual mooch around, first door on the right is a large dining room in great condition and used for Ladies nights as well as Festive Boards, it also includes a fair sized stage area. At one end of the passage is a well-stocked bar and a cosy room for early arrivals to chill out with a welcome nip or coffee.
Upstairs is the main Lodge room, again in great condition, several side rooms are also to be found up there. On the landing there is a glass display case with some really interesting items on show, the way down the stairs if you look up there is a sketch showing the Temple of Ordeals with Masonic Signs from Finale 1, of Mozarts Magic Flute, which is very least Interesting.
Members were soon arriving, all in good spirits and looking forward to this special meeting to Celebrate 50 years of Mark Masonry by V.W. Bro. Glyn Jackson Davies P.G.S.O.
Silence was observed In Memoriam for the Pro Grand Master MW Bro. John Herbert Prizeman.
The meeting opened on time and following several housekeeping items had been dealt with the Lodge was honoured by the presence of R. W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. P.G.M.
Accompanied by Prov Grand Officers members of the Provincial Team and Grand Officers. He was welcomed by the W.M. Bro. D.M. Radford and offered the Gavel, however on this special occasion the Gavel was handed back so that the 50-year Celebration of V.W. Bro. Glyn Jackson Davies PGSO as a Mark Mason could continue. Some excellent  reminisonses  of his life and times not only as a member of the Mark but as Senior Member of several other Degrees.
Business then carried on with its usual items such as to elect a W.M., Treasurer and Tyler for the ensuing year. A collection was then taken for the Charities, any Notice of Motions or any Propositions and finally to Transact any other business, the Lodge being ended it was closed in Due Form. Before going downstairs for the Festive Board everyone returned to the Temple for the usual pictures to be taken to mark the occasion.
 
 
Once everyone had made their way downstairs and charged their glasses they took up their allotted places for the excellent meal which was served by the very efficient and friendly Hall staff. Following on from the meal the usual Toasts and Responses were given and all too soon it was over for another year at The Preston Mark Lodge, lots of smiles and the genuine handshakes we all share as we were saying our goodbyes, then it was out into the cold night air to head for home to all parts of the Province.  Here’s to our next merry meeting.
 
Not a member of the Royal Ark Mariners yet just ask your Secretary or RAM Ambassador to point you in the right direction.
The next Provincial Grand Mark Meeting will be on the 15th April at the Winter Gardens
The next Royal Ark Mariner Assembly will be held on Tuesday 15th Sept at Westhoughton.
Link to Tony's photo roll
Words and pictures by A.N.Fletcher. PGJD. FSE Mark  1173