The brethren and guests of Mereside Lodge No 6360 had the honour of witnessing the installation of Sir Peter Roscow KLB (Knight of the Order of Leopold in the Kingdom of Belgium) into the chair of King Solomon for the second time.
Due to the sudden illness of reigning master Ian Northwood, the role of installing master fell to past master Richard Gosling who expertly opened the lodge and dispensed with the general business of the afternoon, which included a ballot for a joining member and for Richard’s son, as a candidate for initiation.
In due course the lodge director of ceremonies, John Brumfield, retired and returned to announce that Stuart Thornber, representing Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, requested admission. Richard declared that he would be pleased to receive him.
Stuart processed into the lodge room accompanied by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters Harry Cox, David Randerson and Duncan Smith along with grand officers Ted Rhodes, John Turpin and John Robbie Porter. They were supported by Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group vice chairman Bob Marsden, acting Provincial grand officers: David Sangster, Paul Cummings Chris Hardingham and Neil Higgins.
Installing master Richard Gosling invited Martin Haines to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, Gordon Major to occupy the chair of installing junior warden and Colin Rodgers to occupy the position of installing inner guard.
Master elect Sir Peter Roscow KLB was presented to Richard by Jim Finnegan, Richard asked the requisite questions of Sir Peter who answered with alacrity.
A Board of Installed Masters was duly opened and Sir Richard reaffirmed his obligation and was installed in the chair of King Solomon in a fine ceremony by Richard assisted by the officers of Mereside Lodge.
The address to the new WM was delivered by John Bellhouse and the address to the brethren of the lodge was given by Stuart Thornber. On conclusion of the ceremony, Sir Peter presented cheques to the value of £2,700 to Stuart, which included £500 to Aiming Higher, £500 to Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, £500 to Men’s Shed, £1,100 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £50 to Masonic Golf Society and £50 to Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society. Stuart thanked the brethren of Mereside Lodge for the generous donations.
The brethren retired to the dining room for a fine festive board and pleasant company. The Master’s Song was performed by Harry Waggett accompanied by Jim Coupe. A festive board raffle raised the magnificent sum of £535 for deserving causes.