Leyland Mark Installation 9 January 2025
 
It was a dark and icy night (for it is in t’North that our scene lies) but that didn’t stop some forty Mark Masons descending on Chorley Masonic Hall for the installation meeting of Leyland Mark Lodge No 1002, the first night back for many brethren after a restful festive period.
 
The lodge was opened promptly by the Worshipful Master WBro Gordon Maclellan and the administrative business dispensed with. On a report at the door the Provincial Deputy DC Tony Farrar was admitted to announce the presence of WBro Giles Frederick Berkeley Deputy Provincial Grand Master, who entered the lodge accompanied by several distinguished brethren, including Assistant ProvGM Mike Pinckard, David Atkinson Provincial Grand Senior Warden, Past Grand Senior Warden RWBro Thomas Firth Jackson, and David Robinson the PGM’s Special Representative.
Eric Hart, David Atkinson ProvGSW, Giles Berkeley DepPGM, Roy Hayes WM, Gordon Maclellan
Mike Pinckard AsstPGM, David Robinson PGM’s Special Representative
Tony Farrar ProvDepGDC, Giles Berkeley, Roy Hayes, James Rashid ProvAGDC
After the gavel had been offered and sundry salutations rendered, WBro Gordon stood to thank the members most sincerely for their support during his year of office, and to present the Deputy PGM with two cheques for masonic and non-masonic charities totalling £1,400. He then proceeded to install his successor WBro Roy Hayes into the Chair of Adoniram with great aplomb, including an exceptional rendition of the address accompanying the Keystone collarette. The Working Tools were delivered in an exemplary manner by Bro David Parker one of the newest members of the lodge. The address to the new Worshipful Master was delivered by Mike Pinckard, and the address to the Wardens by David Atkinson. The Provincial Grand Senior Overseer WBro John Askew instructed the Overseers as to their duties. Finally, the Deputy PGM delivered the address to the Brethren in his own inimitable style, concluding an exceptional ceremony.
Members of Leyland Mark Lodge and distinguished guests
Bros. Nigel Monks and David Parker, new members of the lodge
who received their Grand Lodge certificates from Mike Pinckard
After the lodge had been closed the brethren retired for a delectable three course festive board, along with the traditional Chorley swindle which raised £200 for charity. In response to the toast to the health of the Grand Officers WBro Giles congratulated the new Worshipful Master and wished him a happy year in office. He also mentioned that recent recruitment efforts were starting to bear fruit, with 59 Advancements across the Province since the start of the season, plus many more waiting in the wings following several successful presentations to Craft masons by the Executive. In proposing the toast to the new Worshipful Master, WBro Gordon commented on Roy’s good humour and work ethic in joining the lodge and immediately getting on the ladder and progressing through the offices and confirming that the lodge was in most capable hands for the forthcoming year.
Giles congratulates the new Worshipful Master
After the Provincial Grand Tyler WBro Alan Eastham had proposed the Tyler’s toast the brethren ventured carefully home, the effects of the cold night warded off by the glow of friendship and good humour that always accompanies a Mark meeting.
 
Words and pictures John Askew