An unusual event took place at Cleveleys Masonic Hall where Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope No 6937 installed their master elect and the first role for the new WM was a ceremony of closing the lodge and surrendering the warrant of the lodge.
Principal guest was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax. Michael was supported on this occasion by Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Bryan Cambidge; Provincial Grand Charity Steward Andy McClements; Provincial Grand Steward Andrew Greenlees; Provincial Grand Tyler Adam Simpson and Assistant to the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Geoff Diggles. Michael was accompanied by the North Fylde Group Chairman Eddie Wilkinson, Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Harry Cox and Duncan Smith, along with grand officers Peter Greathead, Keith Jackson and John Robbie Porter with other distinguished brethren.
After salutations were afforded to the grand and Provincial grand officers, the installation of master elect, Peter Whiteside, began. A fine ceremony ensued with installing master Barry Simmonds being ably assisted by past masters Dave Holloway and John Chesters. As the lodge would not be opening again, all of the officers from the previous year were re-appointed with the exception of the assistant director of ceremonies office which had been Peter Whiteside’s role, so past master David Sangster was installed into this office.
On completion of the installation ceremony, WM Peter Whiteside offered the gavel to Michael Tax and on this occasion Michael accepted it. Having called for the tyler to be admitted, Michael delivered the opening of his farewell to the lodge address. He spoke of the occasion on 3 March 1950, when the founders of the Lodge of Good Hope No 6937 consecrated their lodge, and just five years later in March 1955 the founders of Norcliffe Lodge No 7371 consecrated their lodge, adding that they did so with hope, vision, and deep faith in the enduring values of brotherhood, charity and truth. He went on to mention the joining of the two lodges in 2023.
Michael continued by celebrating the moments of triumph, and lamenting the times of loss. Through all of these the brethren of both lodges witnessed generations come and go, all bound by the same fraternal cord, all sharing in the sacred trust passed down from the founders. The rituals, the laughter, the counsel around the festive board, these memories that will remain forever, etched in their hearts for years to come. Despite this, the spirit of Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope will not fade. The shared experiences, the lessons learned, and the friendships made will travel with the members wherever they may go.
Michael asked the secretary to confirm that the treasurer’s books had been duly audited and the accounts approved by the brethren, so that they can be handed to the group officials; the bank accounts held by the lodge will be closed following the dispersion of monies as agreed by the lodge members; and finally, that all dues and subscriptions owed to the lodge had been received and clearance certificates issued to the brethren whose dues have been fully paid. The secretary confirmed that all of these actions were in hand.
Michael then called on grand officer Peter Greathead to deliver a eulogy of the lodge. Peter gave a thoughtful and interesting history of the two lodges to the satisfaction of all, following which Michael returned the gavel of the lodge to the WM.
The next item of business was the almoner’s report, which was ably delivered by John Pitches. This was followed by the presentation of the tyler’s sword to the representative of Ansdel Lodge No 3607 for the future use of their tyler.
The lodge was then closed by the WM who then presented the warrant of the lodge to Michael Tax who promised to ensure that it would be safely delivered to the Grand Master.
Following the meeting, the members, along with their partners and guests, sat down to a fine meal at the festive board. This was followed by several members continuing to enjoy the evening in the lounge bar.
