It was to be a special afternoon at Blackpool Masonic Hall, as Ian Fowler prepared to be installed into the chair of King Solomon in Blackpool Lodge No 1476 after patiently waiting for 42 years. The lodge was opened by the WM Lee Martin who expertly worked through the business of the day until it was time for the director of ceremonies to announce that Stuart Thornber, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, requested admission.
Stuart entered the lodge accompanied by grand officers David Randerson, Geoffrey Lee, Giles Berkley, Ian Robertson, Ted Rhodes and Keith Beardmore. They were supported by the Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, acting officers; Provincial Senior Grand Warden Michael Tax, Provincial Junior Grand Deacons John Bainbridge and Russell Forsyth, with Provincial Grand Steward Bob Marsden.
Once the formalities had been completed, the installing master Ray Lamb requested that the installing officers occupied their respective chairs. Lee Martin as installing senior warden, Keith Beardmore as installing junior warden and Gary Wainwright of Blackpool Lodge of Tranquillity No 6544 as installing inner guard. Ian Robertson had the honour of presenting the master elect, Ian Fowler, to the installing master. Ian was then installed as the master of the lodge by Ray Lamb and the officers of the lodge according to ancient custom.
The working tools were faultlessly presented to Ian by the junior members of the lodge; Darren Clarke presented the third degree tools, Andrew Bradshaw the second degree tools and Kyle King the first degree tools. The address to the WM was given by Ian Robertson, to the wardens by Brendon Fenton, to the deacons by Lee Martin, to the stewards by Bob Marsden and to the brethren of the lodge by Stuart Thornber.
Once Ian had appointed and invested the officers of the lodge, work continued and the installing master Ray Lamb announced that the ceremony of installation was complete. At this juncture, Stuart rose to bring greetings from the Provincial Grand Master, congratulating Ian on becoming master and to Ray on his work as the installing master. Ian thanked Stuart for his kind comments and presented him with a cheque for £600 for the benefit of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Stuart thanked Ian and the lodge for the kind and generous donation.
At the festive board, Stuart responded to the toast to the grand officers by thanking Blackpool Lodge for the kind invitation and the generous hospitality provided during the meeting and festive board. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was enjoyed by all. Stuart thanked Ray for his sterling work as installing master then afterwards as the director of ceremonies for the remainder of the proceedings. Stuart continued to thank the grand officers for accompanying him, along with the Blackpool Group Chairman and acting officers.
The grand officers joined with Stuart to convey their warmest congratulations to Ian on attaining the chair of King Solomon after 42 years and hoping he would have a happy, successful and rewarding year as master of Blackpool Lodge. The lodge currently has six entered apprentices, so there will be plenty of work for Ian to do during his year.
Lee Martin, in his toast to the master explained that Ian first joined Freemasonry 42 years ago in the United Services Lodge No 1341 whilst serving in the Royal Navy in Hong Kong. Lee went on to say that this fine Blackpool Lodge will soon celebrate 150 years of continuous working, towering above all other lodges in the group apart from Clifton Lodge No 703. The lodge is honoured to have chosen Ian to lead it during this special year.
Ian responded to the toast to his health by explaining the long and interesting journey to the role of master of Blackpool Lodge. He served in Hong Kong whilst in the Royal Navy and as he was always travelling, no opportunity arose to join another lodge. When he returned to the north-west, he joined his father’s lodge, Clifton Lodge. Leaving Clifton Lodge to join Blackpool Lodge as it was his late father-in-law’s lodge. The Bible that Blackpool Lodge uses was presented by his mother-in-law and Ian’s wife in memory of his late father-in-law. Ian became treasurer of the lodge due to the death of the existing treasurer and has remained in post ever since.
Ian thanked everyone for their support and he was looking forward to a year of ceremonies with an extensive programme of social functions planned for the forthcoming year. The evening ended with everyone agreeing that a successful and enjoyable day was had by everyone.
Story and pictures by Gordon Ivett, Blackpool Group Publicity Officer.