On a bitterly cold evening, the members and visitors at Tithebarn Lodge No 8446 gathered to see Len Wiseman proclaimed as WM for another year. It was so cold that the heating at the Masonic Hall at Poulton-le-Fylde was having great difficulty making any impression on the temperature in the main lodge room with its very fine but very high Victorian ceiling.
One might have expected this to comfort the strong contingent of visitors from Scotland, but even they felt the mind-numbing chill. The honoured guests were the WM of Lodge Craigielea No 1218, David Dewhurst, along with the WM of Lodge Robert Burns No 440, John Nesbit. They were supported by Andy Thomson of Lodge Renfrew County Kilwinning No 370 and brethren; John Doyle, Stuart Parker and Alex Lamond of Lodge Craigielea. Also from Scotland was Derek Reckie, uncle of Melvyn Ashe, a member of Tithebarn Lodge.
Nonetheless, everyone adopted that never say die attitude when faced with vicissitudes existing in a British winter and the show went on. Len Wiseman opened the lodge in fine style and along with secretary Grahame Whattam, led the members through the standard items of business.
Then it was time for director of ceremonies, Shaun Keane, to retire and form a parade of dignitaries. On re-entering Shaun announced that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Duncan Smith demanded admission. On entering the lodge, Duncan was supported by grand officers Keith Jackson, Ian Ward and John Robbie Porter, South Fylde Group Chairman Ben Gorry, and acting Provincial Junior Grand Deacon John Bainbridge, along with other Provincial grand officers and group officers.
With the principal guests welcomed and seated salutations were afforded to Duncan Smith, who replied suitably. Salutations to the grand officers were responded to by Keith Jackson and Ben Gorry responded and the salutations to Provincial grand officers. This was followed by Keith Jackson proclaiming Len Wiseman as master of the lodge for his second stint on this occasion. In all, this will be his fourth year in the chair, having presided over the lodge in 2001, 2015 and 2023.
The ceremony continued with the perambulations of the master Masons, saluting and greeting the new master which were very ably led by Keith Jackson, with the entire approbation of all those present. The working tools were explained by Shaun Keane in the third degree. Those in the second degree were explained in the long version by Jacques Brown in a very polished manner and those in the first degree by Melvyn Ashe in an equally impressive way for a young brother.
During the appointment and investiture of officers, Vic Meddings and John Robbie Porter ably installed the new wardens, Stephen Bruce and Shaun Keane, while Geoff Fogden of Lodge of Fidelity No 1256 installed the new inner guard Melvyn Ashe with suitable aplomb.
Along with being appointed as junior warden, Shaun Keane was also appointed as almoner and as such, received the appropriate address from group almoner Graham Smith. The ceremony was brought to its conclusion by Keith Jackson delivering the address to the WM in his own inimitable style, Clive Gitsham gave that to the wardens and Duncan Smith addressed the brethren of the lodge.
At the end of the ceremony, Duncan rose again to bring the greetings and congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. In doing so, Duncan extended his own personal congratulations to those who had taken part in the ceremony, particularly Keith Jackson, adding that it was nice to see Keith on the floor again. He was then pleased to accept cheques and information of charitable donations made by the lodge during the year. The sum of £2741.50 was an outstanding sum of money and would be greatly appreciated by all the recipients, who were; £1,000 1st Garstang Scout Group, £500 West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £250 Red Marsh School at Thornton, £250 Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention, £250 North West Children’s Support Group, £300 Brian House, £191.50 Craiglee Lodge. Duncan thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
With the last business dispensed with and the lodge closed, the brethren made for their cars and drove over to the North Shore Golf Club where they were to enjoy an excellent festive board with a four-course meal. The object of this exercise was also to allow Poulton-le-Fylde members to view one of the alternative venues available when their own hall is closed down.
During the toasts, Duncan responded for the grand officers. During this he thanked the grand and acting Provincial grand officers for their support, he also discussed the Pro Grand Master’s strategy, Grand Lodge’s first meeting outside of London at Newport South Wales, the Royal Arch, the joint cabinet at Provincial Grand Lodge and the Membership Pathway. He also wished Len Wiseman and the members of the lodge good health to enjoy the coming year and advised that there would be 50 places reserved for light blues at the forthcoming Provincial Grand Lodge meeting.
This was followed by Ben Gorry who presented Len with a memento of a gavel stand, specially made by Clive Gitsham and an inscribed gavel donated by the lodge members.
Toasts were also proposed to the King, the Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Master and the WM, the latter by Keith Jackson. In his response, Len extolled the advantages of being retired and enjoying visiting more lodges. He thanked the brethren for his gifts and he also thanked the Scottish contingent for their support. He concluded his reply by congratulating Duncan on his marriage to Karen, then went on to propose toasts to Masonic charities and to absent brethren.
Shortly after this, a raffle was called with the assistance of John Robbie Porter. The raffle raised £257 with the main prize of a bottle of scotch being won by the WM, to the amused and amusing shouts of, ‘fiddle’ ringing around the dining room. The evening was then brought to a close by John Robbie who proposed the tyler’s toast.
