Cleveleys Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1176
 
Advancement ceremony, that wasn’t, meeting Wednesday 15th January 2025 at the Masonic Hall, Cleveleys.
The WM, WBro. Russ Forsyth opened the Lodge with 27 Brethren present: members and a number of visitors. Bro. Carl Holt a recent advancee of Semper Fidelis Mark Lodge was in attendance to see the ceremony from a different vantage along with VWBro. Howard Emmett.
The WM explained that the candidate for the evening; WBro. Martin Poole, was unfortunately not well and couldn’t attend.
The Lodge was therefore to hold an enactment of the Advancement ceremony with Bro. Philip Drake, who had been Advanced in November 2024, acting as the candidate.
All the business up the “Advancement” was carried out in an efficient manner by the WM, including announcing that two members of the Lodge had received letters from the Provincial Office offering them first appointments: WBro. Bob Bennett - PrGSD and WBro. Arnold Flint - PPrGJD.
WBro. Cross noted that a number of other Brothers were present who had also received letters: WBro. Tom Egan - PrGJD, WBro. Roger Stansfield – PPrGJD  and later noted that WBro. Tony Thackrah was present, who had been reappointed as PrGReg. All were rightly congratulated and applauded!
The WM then asked WBro. Bob Stafford to carry out the first part of the ceremony and WBro. Alain Fairhurst to undertake the second part.
VWBro. Jimmy Rogers acted as SD for the ceremony, ably accompanied by WBro. Arnold Flint JD. The senior citizens members of the Lodge leading the way and showing how it should be done!
An excellent rendition of the ceremony was carried out with Bro. Drake hitting his cues and marks like an old pro!
The WM explained the working tools.
The WM thanked all those who took part in the ceremony and then pointed out that at the next meeting in March another advancement will be carried out; WBro. Andrew Greenlees, being the candidate.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the festive board for some sustenance, an excellent buffet, and lively conversation.
A seaside swindle raffle was organized by WBro. Bob Bennet (on his 78 year old legs) and raised £140!
An excellent night was had and thoroughly enjoyed by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross