Leigh Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No. 1322
Leigh Masonic Hall, Ellesmere Street, Leigh, Lancs
Monday 20th January 2025
 
Here we go again the first Team Visit in 2025 and it really is something to look forward to, lots of friends to meet up with, it does the heart good to see the happy smiling faces and listening to stories complete with plenty of Christmas memories from all over the Province.
Dodged the M60 on ramp, I could see that traffic was already at a standstill, headed for Trafford Park, left over the Famous Barton Swing Bridge, (canal over the canal) no I wasn’t there when they built it, carried straight on through the very posh Worsley where they have Millionaires row, on to Boothstown to connect to the East Lancs Road, down to the Greyhound Pub, turn right 10 minutes and Bingo I was there. It’s a great hall but as with many locations parking, what parking, is a problem, had to jump an eight-inch kerb. When a lot of our halls were built, I think we used to arrive on horseback.! (not me personally)   
Well, it was pitch dark, freezing, misty and raining but once I got inside climbed the stairs, I was met by lots of smiling faces and welcoming handshakes. The meeting commenced on time at 6pm and following some items of housekeeping a knock on the door the Inner Guard announced the arrival of our GM the RW Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. he entered Lodge accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.
The WM W.Bro. Craig Sutton welcomed Keith to the proceedings of behalf of everyone present and offered him the Gavel which he said on this occasion he would accept so as to introduce members of the Team, but he would be careful not to hold to it for too long as he knew Craig was really looking forward to Installing Bro. William Robb into the Chair of Adoniram.
W.Bro. Arthur Robinson PGJD the Prov Grand Director of Ceremonies conducted due salutations to our PGM, his Deputy W. Bro. Giles Frederick Berkley and his Asst PGM W.Bro. Michael Jeremy Pinckard PGStwd.
Following due Salutations all below the rank of an Installed Master were requested to retire from the Lodge for a short period, a Board of Installed Masters was formed and Bro. Robb was duly placed into the Chair of Adoniram according to ancient custom by Installing Master Bro Craig Sutton at which point the Board was closed and all Mark Master Masons were re-admitted.
W.Bro. Gordon Glover PPrGJW proclaimed Bro William Robb Master of Leigh Lodge of Mark Masons No. 1322 on the register the Grand Lodge for the ensuing year.
Bro. Jason Hardman presented the Working Tools of the Degree to the W.M. in exceptional stile. The IPM was pleased to present the Warrant of the Lodge, the Book of Constitutions, Regulations and the By Laws of the Lodge. VW Bro. Ken Alker PGJO addressed the newly Installed Worshipful Master and called his attention to the duties of the Chair he now occupies.
Officers for the ensuing year were then appointed and invested, amongst these was the D.C.
W. Bro. Gordon Glover PPrGJW, who was presented on this occasion by the PrGDC W. Bro. Arthur Robinson PGJD saying that he had much pleasure presenting him for that appointment which he knew from past experience was a much overworked and underpaid office. (and he should know)
The Address to the Wardens was given by W. Bro. David T Atkinson ProvGSW.
The Address to the Overseers was given by W. Bro. Mark J Taylor ProvGJW.
The Address to all the Brethren was given as is usual by our own PGM RW Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C.
 
W.Bro. Arthur Robinson PGJD. PrGDC advised the W.M. that completed the Ceremony of Installation.
The PGM W.Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. rose to congratulate W.Bro. William Robb on taking the office of Master and thanked all the Brethren who had taken part in an excellent Installation Ceremony and in particular he congratulated the Installing  Master W.Bro. Craig Sutton on his excellent work.
In response the WM was pleased to present Keith with a cheque for the West Lancs Mark Charities to the value of £300.
W.Bro. Giles Berkley PGJD Deputy Provincial  GM was pleased to present two Grand Lodge Certificates to Bro. Edward Blagbrough and Bro. Mathew Jones.
A collection was taken next for Mark Masonic Charities.
It was now time for the PGM to retire from the meeting accompanied by Acting Grand and Provincial Grand Officers.
Following several other items including the usual risings and there being no further Mark Masonic Business the meeting was closed in due form at 7.55.PM.
Everyone made their way back to the Lodge room to mark the occasion with the usual photographs to be taken before going downstairs, charging their glasses and taking their allotted seats for the Festive Board. An excellent meal was served by the very efficient and pleasant Hall staff. The usual Toasts and responses followed, including a large raffle for the Charities, then sadly the evening was coming to an end with the genuine handshakes and goodbyes shared by Mark Masons, overcoats on before stepping out into the chilled night air.
If your ever feeling a bit down with life get yourself along to a Mark Meeting, it will lift your spirits, we have in my opinion the finest Executive of any Province in the country, it doesn’t matter who your sat with you can enjoy some splendid and interesting conversation.
All that’s left to say is, here’s looking forward to the next Merry Mark Meeting and a note for your Diary, Provincial Grand Mark Meeting, Thursday 8th May at the Winter Gardens, Spanish Hall, Blackpool, look forward to seeing you there if not before.
 
Words and pictures Austin N Fletcher. PGJD.