Fleetwood Masonic Hall played host to a distinguished gathering when Broadwater Lodge No 9027 celebrated the installation of Phil Drake into the chair of King Solomon. On this occasion, the lodge was honoured with the presence of Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master, David Randerson, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, together with Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Duncan Smith, grand officers Keith Jackson, Andrew Wiltshire, John Turpin and the North Fylde Group Vice Chairman Tony Farrar, group secretary Mike Brown and Provincial Grand Steward Chris Hardingham.
The ceremony began with WM Stuart DeCore, who had returned to the chair after previously serving during the COVID lockdown. Stuart’s second tenure was marked by dedication and warmth, culminating in a successful year highlighted by a ladies’ evening with his wife, Deb.
Stuart opened the lodge with efficiency and grace, welcoming the brethren and swiftly progressing through the lodge business. Upon opening in the third degree, David Randerson was formally received and saluted. Stuart then returned the lodge to the second degree and invited Paul Smedley, Phil’s proposer into Freemasonry, to take the chair and conduct the installation. It was a fitting and symbolic gesture that added depth to the proceedings.
Walter Daubney took to the floor to present Phil, who delivered his obligation with confidence. The lodge was returned to the third degree and the master Masons were asked to vacate the room for a short time. Paul then opened a lodge of installed masters and proceeded to install Phil into the chair with all the dignity that the ceremony demanded.
In a demonstration of ritual excellence, the working tools were presented with clarity and reverence. Paul Goodfellow presented the third-degree tools, Thomas Lord presented the second-degree tools and the first-degree tools were presented by Luis Diaz. The address to the master was delivered by Walter Daubney, the address to the wardens was delivered by Duncan Smith and the address to the brethren was delivered by David Randerson.
At the completion of the installation, David again took to the floor to convey the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Due to the misplaced paper with the list of charity donations on it, David declared that the information would be deferred until the festive board.
Phil Drake’s year ahead promises to be both busy and rewarding, with a second degree and two third-degree ceremonies already planned. One of those third-degree ceremonies will be for his son, James Drake, who joined the lodge last year. James, a talented saxophonist and singer, has already made a strong impression among the local Masons and he was invested as inner guard during the installation meeting. The prospect of Phil one day installing his son into the chair of Broadwater Lodge is a vision that stirred emotion among the brethren.
At the end of a successful installation, the brethren proceeded to the dining room, where they were treated to a three-course festive board meal consisting of tomato soup, roast beef with all the trimmings and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
In response to the health of the grand officers, David Randerson extended his own congratulations to the new WM Phil Drake and praised the brethren who had delivered the working tools. David also thanked the secretary Steve Mitchell and the grand officers who had supported him. David continued to praise the installing master Paul Smedley, the director of ceremonies Walter Daubney and Stuart Decore.
Moving to a matter of unfinished business, David finally had in his possession the amounts the lodge had given to charity during the past year. The recipients were: West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £400, Fleetwood Masonic Hall, £300, Blackpool Victoria Hospital Blue Skies Appeal £200, Diabetic Research £200, The North West Blood Bikes £100, North West Air Ambulance Service £100, RNLI £100, Fleetwood Men’s Shed £100, Brian House and Trinity Hospice £150 each.
David passionately spoke about showcasing Freemasonry, being proud of being a Freemason and taking every opportunity to talk to our friends and colleagues about Freemasonry. David said that we should be proud of our work in the community, noting the good work that the members of the North Fylde Group do in marshalling events across the Fylde coast.
Looking to the future, David pointed to the light blues in the lodge and said that the lodge should support them to get involved, take jobs within the lodge, learn ritual and commit to what they do.
Finishing his response, David moved to the Royal Arch, a topic David is well versed in, having been an Assistant to the Provincial Grand Principals. Promoting the Royal Arch by having white table events, encouraging members within the lodge who are not in to join and those who have drifted away from the Royal Arch to re-join. David said that it is the natural completion of ancient Freemasonry and a key to your future in Masonry.
To complete an enjoyable evening, a raffle raised the magnificent amount of £350. John Darrell’s emotional delivery of the master’s song was undoubtedly a moment that will live with Phil for a long time. With an inevitable finality, Tom Egan brought the evening to a suitable close with the Tyler’s toast.
