Temperance Lodge of Mark Master Masons. No.774
Woolton Golf Club, Doe Park, Speke Rd, Liverpool. L25 7TZ
Installation Meeting. Tuesday 18th February 2025
 
Here we go another Mark Meeting to look forward to, set off early as usual, up the M60 ramp and surprise (not really) that’s where the traffic started all the way to the M62, once we eventually got to it traffic started moving at a reasonable speed all the way to junction 5 and then a short distance to Woolton Golf Club.
For a change it’s not a bad trip from Urmston, but unfortunately it appears to be the last meeting to be held there by Temperance Mark, and apparently several Craft Lodges and a Chapter. I didn’t really go into the reasons for them all moving, but from my own point of view from somebody on the outside it seems a shame, the building seems to be in good condition, plenty of space including an excellent dining room, but “hey ho” life goes on.
Took a few pictures outside, even though the sun was disappearing, but still the golf course looked in excellent condition, once inside the building I found it was as usual buzzing, lots of activity around the bar, along with the usual friendly chat from all around the Province. I set off for a mooch around the building, the Lodge room which is upstairs is very interesting, the door for entering is as usual to the left of the SW’s pedestal, but there is also a short flight of stairs going down to a small door to the right of the JW pedestal, now that is unusual, but it in no way detracts from the very pleasant Lodge room. Of note are the principal officer’s chairs which have beautiful carved heads on the arms and are really interesting.
The meeting commenced on time at 5.30 pm, several items of housekeeping were dealt with then it was time for the R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.R.A.C. PGM to enter accompanied by Grand and Acting Provincial Grand Officers, the W.M. welcomed Keith on behalf of everyone present and offered him the Gavel which he said on this occasion he would be pleased to accept for a short time so as to introduce the members of the team to everyone present.  
Once this was done the Gavel was handed back to the W.M. W. Bro. Robert L. James who then continued to open a Board of Installed Masters and proceeded with the help of Lodge Past Masters to Install Bro. Steven Cornwell into the chair of Adoniram, he then presented the Warrant of the Lodge, the Book of Constitutions and the Lodge Byelaws.  All in a First-Class Installation.  
The address to the W.M. was given by W.Bro. Derek Gaskell PPrGJW along with the Charity Jewel, the Working Tools were then presented and explained by Bro. Steven Williams. The address to the Wardens was given by Bro. David Atkinson, address to the Overseers was given by Bro. Mark Taylor and of course the lovely address to all which I always find very moving was given by our own R.W. Bro. Keith Alan Beardmore G.M.A.R.C. PGM.
Keith then gave his personal congratulations to the new W.M. who in return was pleased to present him with a cheque for £200 made out the West Lancs Mark Charity Fund, which he said would be well received and put to good use. A Mark Grand Lodge Certificate was presented and explained by Asst PGM W. Bro. Mike Pinckard PGStwd to Bro. James Evans. Now the PGM along with Grand and Acting Provincial Grand officers retired and on closing everyone returned for the usual pictures to be taken to mark the occasion, especially as this could be the last time Temperance will meet here.
On closing everyone made their way downstairs to the dining room which was laid out in fine style for the Festive Board, once glasses were charged an excellent meal was served by the very efficient and friendly staff.  The usual toasts and responses followed, all of which were well received, and of course a large raffle as is usual for Charity.
All too soon it was over, it was certainly a night to remember and I’m sure all the members of Temperance Lodge appreciated the visit of our PGM and his team which made it such a special evening. Everyone said their goodbyes and gave the genuine handshakes we all share as Mark Masons, then it was out into the very cold night air.
Fifty minutes later I was sat in my comfy chair with a small glass of Laphroaig, milling over the great evening shared in great company as always and looking forward to the next Mark meeting to meet old friends and those I have yet to meet.  Remember your only a stranger once.
Not a member of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree, just have a word with the Lodge Ambassador or your Secretary, they will point you in the right direction.
Note for your Diary: The next Provincial Grand Lodge Mark Meeting, Winter Gardens Blackpool 8th May 2025.
 
Words and pictures by W.Bro. Austin N Fletcher.  PGJD.    FSE  No.1173c