The Lawrence Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.313
Installation Meeting. Thursday 20th November 2025
The Masonic Hall, Cunliffe Street, Chorley. 6pm
 
Here we go again a Mark Team Visit to look forward to, not too far to go tonight but we still have to climb the usual on ramp to join the famous M60, you may wonder why the road surface is in such a good condition, well it’s because so much of the traffic that uses it, is usually stood still. (sometimes for hours) On we went, joined the queue climbing  the high-level bridge over the ship canal, and that was it, suddenly we were doing 45 MPH yes 45 MPH. From here onwards we did ok and finally squeezed into the one space left on Cunliffe Street, which was brilliant.
Once inside I found that the hall was already buzzing, I was so pleased to see a special friend who I haven’t seen for ages W. Bro. John Bicknell PGJO. PAPGM, between you and I he helped me on my first ever trip to Grand Lodge in London, a kindness I will never forget.
Now I had best get back to tonight’s special Installation, the meeting opened on time and in good order, several housekeeping items were dealt with, then it was time for our Provincial Grand Master,
the RW. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore. G.M.R.A.C. to enter accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers to which he received loud acclaim from all present, He was presented to the WM by the DC W.Bro. Whittle, who in turn then offered the gavel, to which Keith said he would accept it on this special occasion for a short time so as to introduce the members of the Team, but that he would return it in good time for the Ceremony to continue.
W.Bro. Eric Kos did an excellent job of Installing Frank Hunt into the Chair of Adoniram before presenting and explaining the Working Tools, presenting the Warrant, Book of Constitutions and the Lodge By Laws. W.Bro. Don Hesketh PPrGJW presented and explained the Keystone Jewel to the W.M. Address to the W.M. was given by W.Bro. Norris PPrGJW, Address to the Wardens by W.Bro. Chris Walls PPrGJW, Address to the Overseers by W.Bro. Jorge Perez PPrGJW and of course my personal favourite the Address to all  was given by our PGM Keith. The new Overseers attention was then drawn to a new letter advising them of their duties to keep in touch with any Lodge members whose interest may seem to be waning for whatever reason and help them get their interest back to share our meetings.
Before closing a Grand Lodge Certificate was presented and explained by Asst PGM V.W. Bro. Giles Berkley to Ewan John Farquar.
Before retiring Keith congratulated the W.M. on an excellent Ceremony and wished him and all the members of the Lodge a Happy and Healthy year ahead, perhaps with a candidate or two, in reply the W.M. was pleased to present three cheques for Charity, £150 for WLMC, £150 for St Catherines Hospice, £150 St Lawrence and £100 to the Chorley and Leyland Food Bank.  Following the Team retiring from the meeting, a few more items were dealt with and that was it. The Lodge was closed in due form before everyone made their way to the dining room, charged their glasses and took up their allotted seats for the Festive Board.
A delicious meal was served by the friendly and very efficient Hall Staff, the usual Toasts and responses followed, unfortunately I had to leave early and missed the PGM’s much awaited joke, which I’m sure received much applause. I’m already looking forward to the next meeting, now I don’t have to guess that everybody said their genuine goodbyes with the unique handshake of friendship we all share.
Not a member of the colourful Royal Ark Mariner Degree yet, just ask your Representative or Secretary who will point you in the right direction.
Mark Well
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher. PGJD.