Representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews at Clifton Lodge No 703 installation was Past Senior Grand Warden of the Province Daniel Crossley. In a strange quirk of fate, Blackpool Group Secretary Michael Tax was the representative officer during his own year as Provincial Senior Grand Warden when Daniel was proclaimed master of Lune Lodge No 4724 in 2012. Daniel is also a native of Blackpool, being educated at King Edward School before following a career in recruitment.
Daniel was supported by the Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, vice chairman David Edwards and secretary Michael Tax. They were accompanied by grand officers Ian Robertson, John Turpin and acting Provincial Grand Tyler Neil Higgins.
Clifton Lodge was opened by the WM Andy Inglis and the general business of the lodge was swiftly dealt with. Daniel Crossley and his entourage then entered the lodge and after being welcomed by Andy, Daniel thanked him, saying how he was looking forward to a most enjoyable afternoon. Andy Inglis, WM of Clifton Lodge, the oldest lodge in the town, was proclaimed master for a second year. In a traditional Clifton Lodge ceremony elegantly choreographed by the director of ceremonies Chris Walpole.
The third degree tools were delivered by Stewart Allcock-Williams, the second degree tools were delivered by Chris Walpole and the first degree tools were delivered by Michael Wilkinson. Roger Fish presented the master’s tools and the presentation of the Volume of the Sacred Law was sincerely presented by Bob Bennett.
Andy had the greatest pleasure of presenting cheques to the value of £2,100 to Daniel. The cheques, comprising of five cheques of £400, were to; Trinity Hospice on the Fylde, Blackpool Young Carers, Kindness Counts, Blackpool Polar Bears and Blackpool Masonic Hall, and £100 to Blackpool Victoria Blue Skies Appeal. Daniel thanked Andy and the members of the lodge for the impressive donations.
After the ceremony, the brethren retired to the dining room to enjoy a very convivial festive board. In his response to the toast to his health, Daniel thanked everyone for a wonderful ceremony and festive board. He congratulated Andy on being proclaimed master for a further year. He then informed the brethren that Andy is a very busy man outside of Freemasonry.
Andy runs his own bathroom company, likes swimming (which could be useful with burst pipes) and is a qualified diving instructor. Making full use of these skills in his role as Assistant District Commissioner of West Lancashire Adventure Scouts, Andy also manages the local scout camp at Mowbreck near Kirkham. His dedication to community work ensures the lodge is in safe hands for the next 12 months. Daniel concluded his response by wishing everyone good health and happiness for the ensuing year.
During the festive board, Roger Fish sang the Master’s Song with the brethren of Clifton Lodge joining in on the chorus, accompanied by a rather bemused George Holden on the piano.