The Roman Room at Liverpool Masonic Hall Hope Street was the venue for the installation of Alan Flavell into the chair of King Solomon of a most welcoming and joyful Old Masonians West Lancashire Lodge No 7702.
Before the lodge was opened, a very heartfelt and emotional remembrance took place, when all brethren gathered around the lodge room and a wreath was laid in the centre. Words of remembrance were given and the hymn ‘Abide with me fast falls the eventide’ was emotionally sung. Sincere thoughts for those that had fallen, and for those serving, was given by all including those members of the lodge who had served their country previously.
The ceremony and proceedings for the installation were under the control of the lodge director of ceremonies Andrew Ridal, who this year showed that he had full control of his wand for the celebration. His ADC, Cameron Molyneux did however at times feel that attempting to carry half the wand may have been beneficial.
24 brethren attended the installation and festive board. The WM Adam Eeles was then ceremonially admitted with his wardens and an opening ode was sung. After opening the lodge into the first degree and dealing with the minutes, Andrew retired and returned to announce the arrival of the representative.
Dave Johnson, the Liverpool Group Chairman and representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews accompanied by grand officer Robb Fitzsimmons were admitted, the lodge was opened into the second and third degree and salutations were given to grand and Provincial grand officers.
Adam then personally thanked his brethren of the lodge for what he described as being a humbling year he had had as the WM. The lodge resumed in the second degree and the WM was assisted for the purpose of the installation by David Massam, who took the seat of the senior warden, John Mace who took the seat of the junior warden and Andy Maxwell taking the chair of inner guard.
The WM elect, Alan Flavell, was presented to the WM, by David Massam and Andrew Ridal. Alan affirmed his obligations impeccably and the lodge was resumed in the third degree. There then followed a most sincere and joyful ceremony of installation, completed by Adam. The new installed WM Alan Flavell was proclaimed with much delight to master Masons, fellow craft and entered apprentices, by Andrew Ridal.
Excellent explanations of the working tools were then given by the following brethren: Keith Cole gave the explanation of the third degree working tools, Darren Persand gave the explanation of the second degree tools, and Greg Jennings gave the explanation of first degree tools.
Alan had great pleasure when installing his new officers for the ensuing year, to install his brother Jamie Flavell, as the senior warden. Andrew Ridal had great pleasure in giving the placement address to the senior warden for the forthcoming year. John Mace gave the placement address to the junior warden. Cameron Molyneux gave the address to the newly installed WM. Robb Fitzsimmons addressed the wardens, and Andrew the deacons. Ray Parr, Liverpool Group Publicity Officer, addressed the Stewards. Dave Johnson then addressed the brethren of Old Masonians West Lancashire Lodge.
The WM having been informed that the ceremony of his installation had been completed, saw Dave rising to bring the congratulations on behalf of Mark Matthews, wishing him a happy and successful year, having been well and truly installed, with a superb ceremony. Dave thanked Andrew, for what appeared to be a well drilled lodge, and thanked the three younger brethren for the way in which they had explained the working tools.
The newly installed master then presented lodge donations to Dave Johnson totalling £500. £100 each to the following charities; Prostate Cancer UK, Altcar Pods, Turn2us, Royal British Legion and Ormskirk Scout Group. Dave thanked Alan and the brethren of the lodge for their generous donations.
The lodge business was dealt with and a closing ode sung, before the new WM was ceremonially accompanied from the lodge room with his new wardens. Following the ceremony, the brethren retired for the festive board.
Dave Johnson gave the response to the toast to grand officers, thanking the senior warden for the toast, and said that he is looking forward to next year when he will be following ‘your kid’ into the chair. Dave brought his own congratulations to the lodge and WM, and thanked all for an excellent ceremony, including the light blues.
He then took the opportunity to talk about the up-and-coming visit to Grand Lodge for light blues in March 2026. Dave also thanked Robb for his extreme hard work, also saying how good it was to see him. Dave covered the three areas of membership, Craft, Royal Arch and community engagement. All three not really being a concern for Old Masonians West Lancashire Lodge, as their membership is excellent with another two candidates proposed, and the community work that the brethren do with cadets and scouts.
Dave thanked the brethren for the donation to the Altcar Pods and took the opportunity to update brethren on their use and purpose. Dave went through the numerous events that happened in 1960, with the most important being the foundation of this fabulous lodge, always full of smiles, laughter, whilst still maintaining dignity.
Adam Eeles proposed the toast to the newly installed master Alan, stating that he had plenty of support and experience with the lodge. He thanked Alan for his involvement in the scouts, and how he himself with Alan being a leader, it had greatly affected his life. A letter was read from the DC, who Adam thanked also for his support and the way he controlled and assisted the lodge.
Dave Massam then led the brethren in the song to the WM, before Alan stood to make the response to his toast. Alan thanked all those who had taken part in the ceremony and thanked his brother for bringing him into Freemasonry. He recalled that at his initiation he was told to have a speech ready, but on this occasion, he would speak from the heart.
A wonderful and joyous occasion was brought to an ending with the tyler’s toast. Several of the brethren then stayed for singing and celebration.