Adoniram Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.552
Brookfield Hall, Peel Street, Westhoughton. BL5 3SP
19th March 2025 11am
 
Early start today for what is always a great meeting at Westhoughton, cleared the on ramp to the M60 and for once the traffic kept moving albeit slowly all the way to the M61, speed picked up on this side of the road but must have counted at least 40 wagons queuing on the other side towards Manchester, whatever happened to freight being moved on the railways.
Arrived at junction 5 and within 15 minutes turned into the car park at the hall, once inside it was great to see lots of friends, and welcoming handshakes being offered. Once everyone had taken up seats in the temple the meeting opened on time with W.Bro. Andrew Dickson standing in for the W.M. W.Bro. Wreyford PGJD who’s wife had suffered a fall way down in Cornwall.
The minutes from the last meeting were confirmed, three new joining members were admitted and welcomed by all, then it was time for a Talk entitled “The Working Tools of an Operative Mason” which everyone was looking forward to. W.Bro. A.L. Baker  PrGJD who is a genuine retired Stone Mason had laid out a wonderful array of original Tools many of which are still used today. I have to say it was one of the most interesting talks I have been present at and kept everyone listening intently, at it’s conclusion W.Bro. Baker received loud acclaim from all present and was personally thanked by the W.M. for enlightening us in operative Masons work.
The next business was to elect a W.M. for the ensuing year, VW Bro. Geoffrey Michael Bury PGJO. Asst PGM. was put forward as such and was duly elected. No other nominations having been received W. Bro. S.L. Walls PGSD was proclaimed as Treasurer (of which he does a fine job) for the ensuing year, and VW Bro. M.J. Clarke PGJO, PAProv GM was elected once again as Charity Steward.
A collection took place for the Charities and in any other business it was announced that W.Bro. E.A. Johnson PGJD who has been a member for many years and has reached the outstanding age of 105, has been made an Honorary Member.

On closing everyone made their way down stairs to the dining room, lots of happy chat from all present and once glasses were charged everyone took up their allotted seats for the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served by the efficient and friendly Hall staff, the usual Toasts followed with several excellent responses.

All too soon another happy meeting was over with everyone exchanging the genuine handshakes we share as Mark Masons, Here’s to the next Magic Meeting.
Some Notes for your Diary:- 
Our PGM RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore GMRAC Celebrates 50 Years as a Freemason on the 8th April 2025.
The next Meeting of Provincial Grand Mark Lodge will take place on Thursday May 8th 2025 at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
The Annual Assembly of the Provincial Honourable and Ancient Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners will take place at Brookfield Hall, Westhoughton on Tuesday September 16th 2025.
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro.A.N.Fletcher. PGJD. FSE. 1173