Clarence Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.447
Widnes Masonic Hall, Kingsway, Widnes
Installation Meeting. Monday 7th October 2024
Early set off as always to get to a Traditional Rugby League Town, Widnes Tigers, the on ramp for the M60 was pretty clear but that was it, traffic virtually stopped going over the Barton high level bridge and all the way to the M62 junction. Once on this wonderful “Smart Motorway” we kept moving even though slowly, the best lane to be in was the third but it is also the lane which is full of holes from when they had cones drilled into the tarmac when converting the hard shoulder as another open lane which is now under review as someone pointed out that it could be dangerous!!
Anyway, where was I, oh back to the trip and looking forward to a wonderful evening at a Mark Meeting, not many more hold ups and arrived outside the Hall at 4.15 pm, which gave me plenty of time to have a nosy round as usual. A nice touch was a tray of coffee/tea and biscuits which appeared, I really enjoyed them even though still suffering with Long Covid, I can’t taste, smell and have brain fog!!   It was much appreciated.
Made my way around the building as usual, several rooms for robing or business type meetings, a small Lodge Room, an excellent dining room and a very well-appointed main Lodge Room. (Temple). Before too long our Provincial D.C. W.Bro. Arthur Robinson called all the members of the Team who were present to gather for the usual practice session which is always carried out before these meetings and which goes to making the PGM’s visit a special occasion. He was assisted by the Assistant DC’s and once satisfied with the standard attained there is just time for everyone to relax before start time.
The meeting commenced on time at 6 p.m. and once several housekeeping items had been dealt with it was time for our PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. to enter accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, he was immediately welcomed by the W.M. on behalf of all present and offered the Gavel, he said that on this special occasion he would accept it for a short period so as to introduce the members of the Team to all the Lodge members.
Once this was done he handed the Gavel back and with a twinkle in his eye as he put it “because he knew the WM was really looking forward to carrying out the ceremony ahead” (not)
The Master Elect W.Bro. Stephen McNee was duly Installed into the Chair of Adoniram by W.Bro. John Gibbon PPrGSD assisted in fine style by members of the Lodge. The Keystone Jewel was presented and explained by W.Bro. Alan Lowe PPrGJW, address to the W.M. was given by W.Bro. Brian Boothroyd PPrGJW, address to the Wardens was given by W.Bro. David Atkinson, address to the Overseers was given by W.Bro. Mark Taylor and last but not least the address to all present was given by our PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore GMRAC, always a delight to hear.
Once all the officers for the ensuing year were installed and the working Tools of the degree presented and explained, there was a surprise when a Grand Mark Lodge Certificate appeared for presentation, it was of course passed to our PGM, who said (jokingly) that having done a considerable amount of work already he would pass it to one of the Asst PGM’s, V.W. Geoffrey Bury PGJO, in turn quick as a flash said he was sure that his fellow Asst PGM W.Bro. Michael J Pinckard PGStwd on this occasion would be delighted to present the Certificate, who did say that he wasn’t quite sure of the correct words needed, but of course he was kidding us all, he did a great job.  Following a collection for the Charities it was time for our PGM to retire from the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers, once the meeting was closed everybody made their way back to the Temple for the usual photographs to be taken to mark the occasion before making their way to the dining room and once glasses were charged took up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.  
An excellent meal was served up by the friendly and very efficient hall staff, following the meal the usual Toasts and responses were given, the PGM was Happy to present a Certificate to our Past PGM WBro. Peter Connolly for fifty years in Masonry.
There it was gone another great evening spent in the company of Mark Masons, in this the friendly, happy degree, the genuine handshakes of friendship were given then it was out into the cold night air, now the only question is, I wonder if the Motorway will still be open for a change, here’s looking forward to the next meeting, I believe it’s next week in Morecambe. Remember your only a stranger once and also if not already a member of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree just ask your lodge representative or call the Provincial Office who will be only be so happy to put you in the right direction to come and join us.
 
'The Magic of the Mark'
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro. Austin N Fletcher. PGJD
Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No.1173