It was an exciting day for the members of Eccleston Lodge No 7754, especially for their master elect Rick Lockwood, who was very calm and collected ahead of his installation as master of his lodge. With over 40 brethren in attendance the room quickly filled up and the meeting began.
Eccleston Lodge’s installing master was Graham Fish, an experienced Freemason who delivered a perfect opening with his officers, even unphased by a mobile phone going off twice and proceeded to welcome Provincial Junior Grand Warden David Rigby, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews.
David was accompanied by group vice chairman David Bishop, Provincial Grand Membership Officer Neil Ward, acting Provincial Grand Steward Paul Wharton-Hardman and grand officer Eric Hart. With everyone present and seated the installation of Rick Lockwood began and was executed with brilliant ritual, with each involved member showing that a lot of time and effort had gone into evening’s event.
Following the installation of Rick into the chair of King Solomon, the working tools were given by new and experienced Masons. David Gill, the installing director of ceremonies, presented the third degree tools, with Tim Baldwin expertly delivering the second degree tools, completed by lodge secretary Ali Milner giving the first degree tools.
Bringing the installation to a close, the address to the master was done by Neil Ward, who, as a member of the lodge, had also presented Rick earlier as the master elect. The address to the wardens was word perfect by Andy Anderson who had taken over as director of ceremonies following the investiture of the new officers.
Before the installation came to a close, David Rigby, the principal guest, stood and presented the members of Eccleston Lodge with the address to the brethren. David did a fantastic job with his address and his fun and friendly personality came through and extended into the festive board to follow.
A cheque to charity for £3,693 was presented to David Rigby on behalf of the lodge and was gratefully received and shared with the group representative David Bishop. The lodge was then closed and everyone attending was invited to join the new master for a festive board.
The atmosphere at the festive board was lively and following a standing toast to the master and his acting officers everyone enjoyed a great meal and conversation. Toasts to the health of brethren were given and David Rigby gave his own toast from himself to Rick Lockwood and his members. Rick’s reply was one of thanks and exciting times ahead for the lodge.
The master’s song was given by Andy Anderson and following a lively raffle everyone went home happy and in good spirits following a most enjoyable installation.
Following the installation, it was announced that Rick and five of his members took part in November to raise money to support men’s health. With Mental health, suicide prevention and the fight against prostate and testicular cancer being supported. Check out their team profile – https://uk.movember.com/team/2454262