A Tyldesley Lodge No 2572 installation is always a grand affair, but in 2024, it was a doozy one. Ending a successful year as master of Tyldesley Lodge, Jonathan Battersby was in fine form to install their master elect David Peacock into the chair of King Solomon on what was a fantastic installation ceremony.
The lodge was opened, and the lodge’s special guests soon entered the lodge room to join in the ceremony. The representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, was the groups Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Lockett, who was accompanied by acting Provincial and grand officers. Tyldesley Lodge’s own member, group vice chairman and acting Provincial Junior Grand Warden Mike Silver was also present.
A splendid installation took place and David Peacock soon found himself placed in to the master’s chair and governing the lodge for the first time, David looked most comfortable and a natural master. Other members of the lodge did not disappoint either, with the working tools being presented splendidly by Andrew McVee, John Harrison and Martin Aldred. The addresses to the master, wardens and brethren were all equally great and a job well done for the lodge.
Before the lodge was closed and to head down for the festive board, David stood to greet Peter and presented him with a list of cheques from the lodge totalling an astounding £8,400 which is an amazing amount.
The breakdown of the cheques was as followed; Derian House (£500), WLFC (£250), MCF (£250), Christies (£500), Forget Me Not Charity (£500), Macmillan Nurses (£500), Brookfield Hall (£500), Tyldesley Band (£300), Union Arms Dementia Club (£1,100), St George’s Parish Church (£1,500), Lancashire Mining Museum (£1,000), Shakerley Community Centre (£1,000) and Astley Youth Band (£500). Peter gave thanks to the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
After the installation, everyone made their way downstairs for a fantastic festive board, as members and visitors have come to expect, from the brilliant catering and bar staff at Westhoughton’s Masonic Hall, Brookfield Hall.
Toasts and speeches were given, with Peter now offering his own best wishes and congratulations for a very successful year and installation meeting and to continue the great generosity of the lodge. A total of £322 was made during the raffle which will be donated at a future occasion.
Tyldesley lodge have been instrumental in raising funds and community spirit through events hosted by the Tyldesley Brand Brass, of which new master David is a member of, and if you would like to attend one of their events, please contact the lodge secretary Bryn Hart via bryn.hart@icloud.com.