Fylde Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 296
 
Advancement meeting Thursday 22nd January 2026 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.
29 Brethren, plus the candidate for the evening were in attendance. The WM’s of Imperial Mark; WBro. Clive Gitsham, Wyre Mark: Bro. Jim Gregson and Cleveleys Mark; Bro. Keith Carter were also in attendance.
Also present was VWBro. Giles Berkley PGJO DepPGM and  WBro. Chris Walls the Provincial SW and WBro. Steve Walls, PGSD, Special Rep for the Liverpool area.
The WM, WBro. Dennis Askham opened the Lodge.
A sincere eulogy was given by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro. Keith Alan Beardmore GMRAC, for the Most Worshipful Brother John Herbert Prizeman, the Pro Grand Master who had passed to higher service earlier in the day.
The Brethren stood to order for a period of reflection for departed merit.
The WM worked through the business on the summons up to the Advancement ceremony, when he asked WBro. Craig Scott to occupy the chair.
WBro. Scott was delighted to accept and proceeded to advance Bro. Luke Bodenham into Mark Masonry with sincerity with the assistance of the Officers of the Lodge, with WBro. Roy Rhodes acting as a last minute stand in for the SD and WBro. Rick Clarke acting as JD.
Bro. Darren Clarke gave an explanation of the working tools in an excellent manner.

All the Officers who took part in the ceremony did so in superb style and the candidate thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

WBro. Tony Cross presented Bro. Bodenham with a letter of welcome into Mark Masonry from the RWPGM and a Provincial Mark tie.
The Lodge was closed and the Brethren retired to the bar and onto the festive board.
Lively discussion and a friendly atmosphere accompanied the meal!
A raffle was held organised by WBro. Peter Green, which raised £140 for the charities!
 
A good night was had by all!
 
Words and pictures by Tony Cross