Morecambe Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.716
The Masonic Hall, 5, Derby St, Morecambe
Installation Meeting 14th October 2024
 
Another meeting to look forward to, quite a journey today but I’m sure it will be well worth while as is usual. Off we go, plenty of time it’s only 3.30 p.m. up the M60 on ramp to join the usual crawling traffic over the high-level bridge and all the way to the M61, now we’re moving at least 50 and dodging all the continuous holes left from the wonderful Smart Motorway conversion. Arrived around 5pm paid up in the car park and walked the short distance to the hall, where I can only say that once inside it was buzzing, lots of smiling faces and happy chat. Great to see my long-standing friend Kieron Mullin from what seems a long time ago since we were both acting Prov Officers, another good friend made from being in this the special Mark Degree, Dougie Holgate was there.
Anyway off I went as usual mooching around to take a few interesting pictures, did my best but really I wasn’t feeling 100% more like 40 %, the Lodge (Temple) is really well appointed, lots of name boards adorn the walls showing the succession of continuous Masters of the Lodge, look up and you will see a wonderful ornate ceiling, then to cap it all off is a beautifully carved WM’s chair alongside the IPM’s chair.
The Lodge opened on time at 6pm, several housekeeping items were dealt with including a ballot for a joining member and following the Almoners report it was time to receive the Provincial Grand Master R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers into the meeting. The PGM was welcomed by the W.M. on behalf of all present and offered the gavel which on this occasion he said he would accept it for a short time so as to introduce the members of the team to everyone present.
Once this was done the W.M. Bro. Alan J Herron assisted by officers of the lodge did a fine job of installing Bro. Stephen Plevey into the chair of Adoniram. The Keystone Jewel was presented and explained by W.Bro. Ron Gibson, address to the W.M. was given by V.W. Bro. Geoffrey M. Bury Asst PGM, address to the Wardens was given by W.Bro. David Atkinson, address to the Overseers by W.Bro. Mark Taylor. The Working Tools of the Degree were presented and explained by Rt.W.Bro. Anthony Harrison PPrAsst GM. Following these the address to everyone present which I always enjoy was given by our PGM Keith, who then gave his personal congratulations to the newly Installed W.M. and the Installing Bro Stephen Plevey along with the DC  W. Bro. Keith Lamb and the other members who had taken part in the Ceremony.
Before retiring from the meeting The W.M. had much pleasure in presenting our PGM with a £250 cheque for the West Lancs Mark Charity, in reply Keith said it would be well received and put to good use of the needy. The PGM accompanied by Acting Prov Officers and Grand Officers now retired and on the meeting coming to an end everybody returned for the usual pictures to be taken to mark the occasion.
Everyone made their way to the dining room and charged their glasses before taking up their allotted seats for the Festive Board, an excellent meal was served up by the friendly and very efficient Hall Staff. The usual Toasts and responses followed and then all to soon it came to an end with everyone saying their goodbyes with the genuine handshakes of friendship we are used to in this the Happy and Friendly Degree. Time for  the long journey home and yes I must admit I was shattered, but sat down with a glass of Laphroaig and reflected on the happy events of the evening, here’s to the next one.
Don’t Forget Your Only A Stranger Once.
View Tony's Photo Roll here
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD