Why are they Waiting?
 
On Monday the 15th December 2025, St Austin’s Lodge, meeting at Warrington held an Advancement Ceremony.
 
The candidate Dave Holmes, who is in double figures as a Craft Mason, was so impressed by the ceremony, he put pen to paper to say so and wrote to Eric Drinkwater, Special Rep and Senior Deacon of the Lodge to say so.
 
Sadly, we don't have photos of the occasion but Eric thought it appropriate to share the letter, you might want to show it to those have yet yet to make this most important step in Freemasonry, it might shorten their wait!
 
'Hi Eric,
I hope you are well.
 
On the way to visit my mother lodge recently, I was speaking with Bill Wainwright about the Mark Degree and he mentioned several ideas that could really help the lodge. It got me thinking about how I can properly support things going forward, and I said to Bill that I would be very happy to take up the role of Secretary once I have gone through the Master’s Chair.
 
I also wanted to say a genuine thank you - I was really impressed by the ceremony and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for leading me round and making me feel so welcome.
 
I’ve been asking myself why I waited so long to join such an enjoyable side degree to the Craft. I’d like to get involved in promoting Mark in the future too, because I’m sure plenty of others would find it just as enjoyable as I did.
 
Thanks again, and I look forward to the next meeting.
 
Sincerely & fraternally,
Dave Holmes'