A warm, sunny, seaside evening was perfect for the final meeting of the South Fylde Group’s Lodge of Triumph No 1061 before the summer recess. WM of the lodge, Will Buchanan, delivered his third ceremony of raising since his installation in January, which was as flawless as the previous two and highly praised by all in attendance.
The third degree ceremony ritual was well executed by numerous light blue officers, including senior deacon Darren Collins, who, apart from his normal efficient SD duties, delivered a splendid explanation of the working tools. Inner guard Ben Nicholas and junior deacon Jordan Brown were both highly effective in their roles, along with SW and past master Alan Barlow. David Eastwood was the candidate being raised and he delighted the brethren with his perfect responses, demonstrating a very high level of preparation and confidence.
Congratulations to the WM, his officers and candidate continued right to the end of the festive board and were skilfully and passionately offered by Sir Peter Roscoe, IPM of Mereside Lodge No 6360 in his response to the toast to the visitors.
Jordan Brown is the JD of Lodge of Triumph and a representative of the light blues for the South Fylde Group. Jordan and WM Will Buchanan were thrilled to have been invited to join the many light blue brethren in attendance at Provincial Grand Lodge. Jordan Brown said: “The general message given to all new members of Freemasonry as they join the light blues, as stated by the Provincial Grand Master at PGL, is, ‘enjoy your Freemasonry’. I do believe that by creating an atmosphere where people want to join your troupe, and stay, is something that is needed within lodges in order to make them successful and sustainable. The people you bring in need to add to that positive atmosphere.
Across the Fylde Coast there are swathes of men increasing the number of light blue brethren within the three Fylde Coast groups. Some of them are making their names known already, with their contribution to a number of areas that make Freemasonry what it is, proving that atmosphere is being created. An excellent example of this is the community engagement commitment of our SD Darren (Daz) Collins. Some weeks ago, Daz joined fellow Freemason Shaun Keane and over 100 other fundraisers and slept out in the wind and rain for the Streetlife Big Sleepout in Blackpool, raising in excess of £500 for the Streetlife Shelter. The Lodge of Triumph is proud of all his efforts.
There are 16 brethren on the roster at Lodge of Triumph of various ranks and a number of the newer/younger brethren have started adding to ritual by taking the time to skilfully learn the working tools as well as taking their place on the floor. As a member of Lodge of Triumph and a representative of the light blues for the South Fylde Group, I am keen to show others what I have enjoyed since becoming a Freemason. I have been brought into Freemasonry by people who have gone out of their way to ensure I am comfortable and confident and I want to do the same for the new brethren.”.
Jordan added “If you are new to Freemasonry in the South Fylde Group, or you want to broaden your Masonic circle, please get in touch with any of the light blue contacts, myself included”.
Report and pictures by John Topping and Jordan Brown.