Ashton Trinity Lodge No 8821 installation was all set to go in May when it had to be postponed at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Fortunately, the brethren were able to rearrange the installation for June as the last meeting before the summer recess, with principal guest Assistant Provincial Grand Master Malcolm Bell in attendance.
Master elect Tony Simms joined the lodge on 1 November 1996 and first took the chair in 2004. He has since been ADC and DC until 2022, and is currently the lodge contact for the Royal Arch and AMP Director.
Installing master John Thompson opened the lodge in fine style, then continued up into the second and third degrees, at which point Malcolm Bell and his retinue were admitted. With greetings given and gavel offered and returned, the master elect Tony Simms was presented by John Forster, who was his seconder into Freemasonry, a very nice touch.
The installation which followed was first class and to the obvious acclaim of all present. Once Tony was in the chair, having appointed his immediate past master, flawless renditions of the working tools were given as the brethren, who patiently waited outside having left for the inner workings, were re-admitted. Third degree tools were presented by Syd Cottle, the second degree tools by James Richards and the first degree tools by Kim Lyons.
With the warrant, Book of Constitutions and byelaws duly handed over, the officers for the ensuing year were all presented, appointed and invested, a fine body of men to ably assist Tony during his mastership. Addresses were then presented as follows, all in a word-perfect manner: The address to master was given by Arthur Robinson, the address to wardens was given by Alan Keary and the address to the brethren of the lodge was given by Malcolm Bell.
With the ceremony of installation being declared complete by the DC, Malcolm brought greetings from the ProvGM Mark Matthews and thanked all concerned who took part in the ceremony. Cheques were then presented by the WM Tony to Malcolm, to the following charities: West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £140, Ashton Masonic Properties Building Fund £350, Ashton Masonic Properties Development Fund£150, Business for Youth £250, Wigan & Leigh Hospice £350, Zoe’s Place £250, Love Leah £150, Cancer Research UK £220, North West Air Ambulance Charity £120.
The splendid grand total of £1,980 was accepted and thanks given on behalf of the eventual recipients. Following the conclusion of the regular lodge business, Malcolm and the grand and acting Provincial grand officers retired, closely followed by the rest of the members and guests.
Toasts were proposed to the WM and IPM at a Provincial bar before all present settled down to enjoy an exquisite festive board courtesy of Christine and Phil at Bryn Masonic Hall.
Following wine takings and toasts, the vocal talents of Paul O’Brien were well employed to perform the Master’s Song in his own inimitable fashion, with the chorus enthusiastically echoed by the whole room. Following the tyler’s toast, everyone retired home having witnessed an excellent installation and festive board.