Proud Preston
 
Saul Street in Preston was the setting for the installation meeting of The Preston Mark Lodge of Mark Masters No. 143.
David Robinson, Bill Thompson and David Radford
The evening actually started with a meeting of Progress RAM Lodge No. 898. After a short meeting the furniture was rearranged and regalia changed for the ensuing Mark installation meeting.
It was a pleasure to represent our PGM at the meeting especially as it meant I could cast a critical eye over my fellow special representative and lodge director of ceremonies David Robinson. I have to admit that, as could be expected, he passed muster and did an excellent job.
Bill Thompson was installed into the chair by outgoing WM David Radford in fine style. The work of David was a pleasure to witness and he can take great pride in his work.. A particularly keen observer was David’s father John who had a good view of proceedings from the chaplain’s seat.
Ross Kinder, Chris Butterfield and Glyn Jackson Davies,
standing Bob Norris, Stuart McGrath and Darren Norris.
The address to the WM was given by Gowan O’Hagan with lodge secretary Bob Norris presenting the working tools and Ross Kinder giving the keystone address.
 
Stuart McGrath was presented with his certificate from Grand Mark Lodge and also appointed as junior deacon.
I was delighted to be in the company of provincial grand senior warden Chris Butterfield who is the scribe of Progress RAM.
 
The lead up to the evening had not been without its problems but the lodge managed to cope well and produce a good and meaningful ceremony.
 
The atmosphere in the lodge room and afterwards at the meal was friendly, happy and a good advert for the degree.
 
With two candidates proposed on the evening Bill can look forward to being gainfully employed in the coming year.
 
Words and pictures by Dave Sear