An impressive gathering of Freemasons assembled at Blackpool Masonic Hall for the installation of Hughie Nelson as WM of one of Blackpool’s oldest lodges, Great Marton Lodge No 3985, consecrated in 1919.
The installing master Paul Bennett swiftly dealt with the routine tasks of the afternoon, which included a ballot for four honorary members, before a knock on the lodge room door announced that Philip Gardner Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews requested admission. Philip was accompanied by Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group vice chairman David Edwards and group secretary Michael Tax. Philip was welcomed into the lodge by Paul and the ceremony of installation of Hughie Nelson began.
First task for Paul as the installing master was to place the installing officers in their respective places. Paul Cummings as installing senior warden, Umesh Dholakia as installing junior warden and Sir Peter Roscow KLB as installing inner guard. Hughie Nelson was installed as master of Great Marton Lodge by Paul Bennett and the officers of the lodge in a fine traditional manner. Matthew Barrow gave the explanation of the immediate past master’s jewel to Paul Bennett at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The third degree working tools were presented by Graham Forsdyke, the second degree tools by Anthony Hill and the first degree tools by Richard Gosling. Lodge elder Willie Barrow gave the address to the new master, the address to the wardens was given by Rod Barnes and Philip Gardner gave the address to the brethren of the lodge.
On completion of the installation ceremony, Hugh rose to present Philip with cheques for deserving causes, £1,150 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £350 to Together We Can Do It, a charity which helps disabled people participate in sport and exercise and £350 to Rosemere Cancer Foundation. Philip thanked Hughie and the members of the lodge for the generous donations.
Philip then gave greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and congratulated the installing master Paul Bennett and the officers of the lodge for a superb ceremony.
At the festive board, Philip Gardner thanked everyone for the warm welcome and the relaxed atmosphere of the installing master and lodge brethren when conducting the ceremony. In his reply to the toast to his health, Hughie Nelson thanked Philip for attending and hoped he would return at some future date. He also thanked Paul for the work he had completed in the ceremony, along with everyone who had taken part in the installation ceremony. The evening ended with everyone being proud of their work done and the part they had played.