Senior warden David Hodge of Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge No 3854 was installed as the brand-new master of the lodge in a most enjoyable installation ceremony. Unfortunately, reigning master David Ollerenshaw was unable to attend due to illness.
Standing in for David, Alan Fairhurst opened the lodge and dispensed with the general business of the day, including welcoming Canon John Hall the Provincial Grand Chaplain, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, to the lodge. John was accompanied by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Harry Cox and Duncan Smith, group officers Tony Farrer, Jim Gregson, Mike Brown and the acting Provincial Grand Sword Bearer Martin Clements.
Jonathan Davies had the unique pleasure of occupying the chair of King Solomon for the actual inner workings, installing David as master of the lodge in a fine traditional manner. Lodge stalwart Eric Peat gave the address to the master, Gordon Major gave the address to the wardens and a word-perfect address to the brethren was given by Canon John Hall, whose personal enthusiasm matched that of the brethren.
The enjoyment and enthusiasm continued throughout the evening at the festive board where a fine meal was enjoyed by all and a raffle raised £340 for deserving causes. In his concise response to the toast to the grand officers, John thanked everyone for the warm welcome he had received. Congratulating David Hodge on becoming the brand-new master of the lodge and wishing David health and happiness for the forthcoming year. John proceeded on to thank Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge brethren for the support it has given to the food bank in Fleetwood.
John also commented that the standard of ritual throughout the ceremony was exemplary, but a special mention must be given to the three young men who have travelled from their home country of the Philippines to work in our community and to take a dedicated part in the installation ceremony by presenting the working tools. With Jose Castro presenting the first degree tools, Arthur Juni, the second degree tools and Constantino Pedrosa, the third degree tools.
Jonathan Davies proposed the toast to David Hodge, informing the brethren that it was a privilege to install him today into the chair of King Solomon and thanking him for his friendship. They had joined Freemasonry in the same year and had remained friends throughout the following years.
Roger Lloyd-Jones with his inimitable Welsh timbre sang the Master’s Song accompanied by Len Jolley who demonstrated his unique musical flourishes on the keyboard. David responded to Jonathan’s toast to his health by thanking Jonathan for his friendship and guidance over the years and he was looking forward to his year as master of Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge.
At the end of the evening, David presented John with a gift of liquid refreshment and a bouquet of flowers for John’s wife, Sandra. At the conclusion of the tyler’s toast, the brethren retired to the bar or to their travels home, happy to have enjoyed a wonderful installation meeting.