The brethren of Peace Lodge No 2269 installed John Cunliffe as master of the lodge, in what was a joyous and lively occasion at Brookfield Masonic Hall, Westhoughton. David Gomersall opened the lodge, welcoming the members and visitors before inviting Gary Smith to take the chair of King Solomon to conduct the installation ceremony.
Gary was all too keen to support his lodge, having only been asked a few days before the installation to install his good friend John as master. The ritual delivered throughout the ceremony was exemplary and infused with John’s comedy brilliance. Provincial Junior Grand Warden and group vice chairman Mike Silver was the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews and was very pleased to be present for the meeting. Mike was also accompanied by the group chairman David Bishop and other grand officers.
Following John’s installation, the working tools were delivered in fine form by Andrew Gomersall, Andrew Jones and Wayne Ash. The lodge secretary Brian Sharples then took to the floor to give the address to the master, John, having been the lodge treasurer before the evening, it was nice to witness the respect shown between them, and great to see Brian doing well following his ‘all clear’ last year after being diagnosed with cancer of the stomach and oesophagus.
Equally as great, the address to the wardens was given by Ian Moss and Mike Silver gave a word-perfect address to the brethren as the representative. Before closing the lodge, John presented Mike with an envelope of charity donations made from the lodge. Mike thanked the lodge for their generosity and for their great work.
At the festive board, the happiness continued with John welcoming lodge members, group visitors and his guests including Peter Owen PAProvGM from Cheshire. As always, the food at Brookfield Masonic Hall was superb and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal.
Toasts were given and Mike Silver gave his own thanks to John and the brethren of Peace Lodge for a great evening and wished them a prosperous year ahead. The raffle raised a magnificent £1,000 for the North Cornwall Riding for the Disabled, with John highlighting a Freemason’s generosity by donating £500 himself.
Before the evening ended, John’s guest, John Grainger, sang the Master’s Song, followed by some more harmony before everyone left having a brilliant evening.
