At the January meeting of Tyldesley Lodge No 2572, there was yet another initiation ceremony. This time it was the local undertaker John Harrison who made the first regular step in Freemasonry.
John, a cornet player with Flixton Band, was supported by many musical colleagues, including Assistant Provincial Grand Master Peter Lockett. Peter was offered the gavel of the lodge but returned it to Tyldesley Lodge’s WM, John Battersby, stating he was there to support the candidate.
John Battersby then invited Derek Bond to perform the initiation ceremony, which he conducted in his usual consummate manner. The charge after initiation was delivered by the candidate’s proposer David Peacock, who presented the lengthy ritual word perfect for his good friend. The working tools of an entered apprentice were delivered by Mike Silver.
The social board that followed the initiation was the usual enjoyable affair, with the toast to the candidate given by David Peacock. The evening closed with all the brethren forming a circle around the room to sing a rousing rendition of Happy to meet and Auld Lang Syne.