The installation meeting of Lodge of Lights No 148, held at the Warrington Masonic Hall, was attended by over 36 Masons to see Clive Kinton installed into the chair of King Solomon, for the first time in the Province of West Lancashire. The principal guest was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Barry Jameson.
The lodge was opened by the installing master Raymond (Ray) Whitticombe and the normal administration duties undertaken in the usual form. The lodge was then opened to the third degree and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Barry Jameson was admitted in due ceremonial style and was accompanied by grand and Provincial grand officers, including Dennis Rudd, Chris Eyres and John Tyrer, (Warrington Group Vice Chairman).
Ray welcomed all present, saying it was a great honour and privilege to see such very distinguished brethren attending this special occasion, he continued by saying he hoped everyone would have a most enjoyable evening.
Barry thanked Ray and the brethren of the lodge for their very warm welcome and commented he was privileged and honoured to witness the installation. Ray, as a matter of procedure and as a mark of respect, offered Barry the gavel, which on this occasion he indicated that he was delighted to accept, and even more delighted to return it into Ray’s capable hands.
Ray asked Vic Charlesworth to assist him by occupying the senior warden’s chair, David Goddard to act as junior warden and David Tabron to continue as inner guard. All the brethren said they would be honoured to assist.
John Gregory and David Tabron presented Clive to the installing master, to receive at his hand the benefit of installation. Clive was then installed according to ancient custom into the chair of King Solomon, by Raymond assisted by Gwilym Jones. The ceremony was conducted with all due humility, sincerity and reverence.
The third degree working tools were explained by Andy Graham, second degree working tools were explained by Peter Moore and the first degree working tools were explained by David Jones. The address to the WM was very well delivered by Gwilym Jones. Lodge DC George Range delivered the address to the wardens and Barry Jameson delivered the address to the brethren of the lodge, which completed the installation ceremony.
Immediately following the installation Barry, on behalf of himself and the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, congratulated Clive on being installed again into the chair of such old, warm and friendly lodge, commenting that the ceremony was a pleasure to witness. He also praised all the officers for the smooth running of the ceremony and the members of lodge for their work, especially to the three ‘light blue’ brethren for their explanations of the working tools. He extended his good wishes to all present and hoped Clive and all his officers would have a good year and wished everyone the best of health to enjoy it to the full.
At this moment, Clive conducted his first duty which was to present the charity donations to Barry. Which were; Joshua Tree supporting families with child cancer £250, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice £250, Francis House Children’s Hospice £100, St Rocco’s Hospice £100, Padgate House Rehabilitation Centre £200, Children’s Adventure Farm Trust £200, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital £100, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Centre Warrington £100 and West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £1,500.
The total charity donations amounted to £2,800. Barry received the donations saying how pleased he was to receive such a magnificent sum of money, particularly from such a relatively small lodge. He praised all concerned saying it was a remarkable amount and thanked the lodge and brethren on behalf of the beneficiaries.
This concluded the installation ceremony and was followed by the festive board which was enjoyed by members and guests. In a separate room, 17 wives, partners and friends also enjoyed the same meal
Following the meal, a raffle was held which raised £146 and the collection plate provided a further £89.25. Just before the evening was drawn to a close by the tyler’s toast proposed by Eric Delamere, Clive presented Barry and John Tyrer with orchids in glass containers. Barry and John offered grateful thanks to the WM and brethren.
