Brethren of Starkie Lodge No 1070 gathered for an evening of tradition and celebration as the popular Adam Bicknell was to be installed as master of the lodge. The evening was marked not only by the impressive ceremony but also by the lodge’s continuing its long and honourable tradition of charitable giving.
The meeting was formally opened by the outgoing master Craig Clifford, who conducted the business prior to the installation under the guidance of the lodges distinguished director of ceremonies John McGrady. Firstly, the lodge observed departed merit in honour of the much-respected James Grant with all keen to perform the fitting tribute to his service and dedication to the Craft so deservedly merited. A ballot was then conducted to admit Gary Turner as a joining member before David Briscoe then confidently read Antient Charge No. 6 (part 2), a significant moment in the evening that reminded the brethren of the timeless principles of Freemasonry.
The lodge was then successively opened in the second and third degrees before a distinguished delegation led by Robert Wright, accompanied by Michael Braham, Brian Griffiths and several Provincial grand officers, was admitted and received with appropriate salutations. Robert Wright responded to the salutations before introducing Michael Braham as the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. He too was greeted with due reverence and responded accordingly. Further salutations were then given to Provincial grand officers with John Karran responding on their behalf.
The lodge was then resumed in the second degree, and the master called upon Alan Taylor to take the senior warden’s chair, Peter Stones to take the junior warden’s chair and Alan Cornes to act as inner guard. John Calvert then presented Adam Bicknell as master elect, who was duly obligated by the WM. The lodge then returned to the third degree before those below the rank of installed Master retired, and a board of installed masters was formed. In a well-conducted and sincere ceremony, Craig Clifford installed Adam Bicknell into the chair of King Solomon, marking the start of his tenure as master of the lodge. The board of installed masters was then closed.
Newly installed as WM Adam first requested the admission of master Masons, at which point Ken Wilcox presented the working tools of a master Mason and the lodge was then closed in the third degree the long way. Fellow craft Freemasons were then admitted, and the working tools of a fellow craft were presented by one of the lodge’s fellow crafts. The lodge was subsequently closed in the second degree before entered apprentices were admitted, with Jamie Cooke presenting the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason. Craig Clifford then formally delivered the warrant of the lodge into the safe keeping of the new WM, along with a copy of the lodge by-laws and a Book of Constitutions.
Adam then proceeded to invest his officers before the various addresses were delivered. Eddie Thompson gave the address to the stewards, Michael Foster gave the address to the master, John Karran gave the address to the wardens and Michael Braham delivered the address to the brethren of the lodge. The installing master then declared the ceremony of installation concluded.
Michael Braham then extended the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master to the WM and the brethren. He also took the opportunity to commend Craig Clifford, the officers and the junior brethren on the excellence of the installation ceremony, particularly those who had presented the working tools. The meeting then moved on to an important part of the evening as the WM presented charitable donations on behalf of the lodge. A huge total of £1,270 was distributed to a range of Masonic and local charities. Southport Masonic Hall Foundation and West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity each received £250, while Ickle Pickles Children’s Charity, The Hall Foodbank, Birkdale Station Master Library, Arthritis Research and Parent 2000 were each awarded £100. A further £70 was given to Tithebarn RMBI, with an additional £200 donated to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity from the funeral collection of James Grant. Needless to say, these sums are impressive by any standards, and Michael Braham expressed his appreciation for the generosity of the lodge, noting that these donations would go a long way in supporting both Masonic and local causes. The immediate past master’s jewel was then presented to Craig Clifford by the WM before the almoner’s collection was taken, raising a further £144.
At the festive board following the meeting, the traditional toasts were observed, including those to the King, the Grand Master and Provincial Grand Lodge. Michael Braham responded on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master as his representative, expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome and his admiration for the evening’s ceremony. The WM then addressed the brethren, thanking them for their efforts in making the evening such a success. He extended his appreciation to all those who took part in the installation and congratulated everyone involved in ensuring a smooth and dignified ceremony.
A raffle was then held, raising further funds for charity, again demonstrating the lodge’s commitment to supporting good causes. Before the evening concluded, flowers were presented to the principal guests, Michael Braham and group Vice chairman Brian Griffiths, in recognition of their presence and contribution to the event. The night ended with the final toast of the evening, the tyler’s toast, which was delivered by Alan Taylor. The evening was a great success, marking the beginning of Adam Bicknell’s tenure as WM, a role he is sure to fulfil with dedication and pride.