Bispham with Norbreck Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 866
Friday 10th January 2025 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool
 
A double advancement meeting for the Lodge!
Two candidates were to be advanced: Bro. Carl Robert Spindler and Bro. Cameron Afzal. Both being proposed by WBro. Giles Berkley and seconded by Bro. Ian Watson and WBro. Peter Maxwell respectively.
The Lodge was opened by the WM, WBro. Gordon Ivett, with 26 members and visitors present, plus 2 candidates. A number of Officers were missing on the night and substitutes had to be parachuted in at the very last minute. WBro. John Brumfield as SW, WBro. Clive Gitsham as MO and WBro. Bob Bennett as SO. All happy to help out as usual.
The business of the meeting was rapidly worked through up to the advancements.
The WM requested that WBro. James Rashid occupied the chair for the purpose of the ceremony.
WBro. Rashid carried out the ceremony with his usual skill and alacrity, accompanied by the Officers of the Lodge and stand ins. WBro. Berkley explained the tools and carried out the last part of the ceremony after assisting WBro. Rashid in explaining the signs tokens and words to the candidates!
WBro. Maxwell and Bro. Watson acted as SD’s to take their candidates through the Advancement.
Bro. Spindler and Afzal were well and truly advanced into the Mark Degree.
A letter of welcome from the RWPGM was presented to the newly advanced brothers by WBro. Cross.
The Lodge business was completed and was closed by the WM. The Brethren adjourned to the bar and onto the festive board for an excellent meal accompanied by a great atmosphere and enjoyment!  A Craft Mason was present at the Festive board who will potentially join us in April after the Installation in February!
A Fylde Coast fiddle was organised by WBro. Bob Bennett and raised £165 for charity!
 
A great night was had by all!!!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross