Peter Schofield, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, was the honoured guest at the meeting of Borough Lodge No 3996, it being the installation of new WM David Makinson into the chair of King Solomon at Bryn Masonic Hall.
The lodge brethren were delighted to receive Peter, who had travelled from the far north of the Province to visit the Wigan Group and Borough Lodge in particular. Peter was well supported on his visit and was accompanied by grand officers including Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Ogden and a member of the lodge, Jeremy Ashton and Paul Hesketh, both PJGDs, and Ian Higham and Barry Dickinson both PAGDCs.
Also, in attendance were; acting Provincial grand officers Tony Jackson (ProvSGD), Mark Richardson (ProvAGDC) and Andy McClements and Phil Renney (both ProvGStwds), all accompanied by John Selley (Wigan Group Chairman).
The lodge was opened by the WM Richard Tebb who conducted the regular business before the Assistant Provincial Grand Master and the other distinguished guests were received into the lodge and welcomed. The usual honours and greetings being completed, Richard went ahead to install his successor. Richard is an accomplished ritualist and he conducted the ceremony with enthusiasm and dignity, in a manner later described by the principal guest as exemplary.
Richard was ably assisted by a number of brethren from the lodge. New WM David was presented by elder statesman of the lodge, Jim Jackson and David went on to recite his obligation word perfectly and was eventually placed in the chair. Michael Irving, Alan Shaw and Chris O’Donnell respectively, presented the working tools impeccably, David then went on to appoint and invest his officers.
Frank Laird, stepping out from behind the organ where he had enhanced the ceremony with his music, gave the address to both deacons, and visiting Provincial Grand Steward Andy McClements addressed the stewards. Peter Graham gave the address to the tyler, Arthur Brewer. Michael Greenhalgh delivered the address to the WM, Bryn Procter delivered the address to the wardens, and of course Peter himself delivered the address to the brethren of the lodge.
Peter brought the congratulations of the Provincial Grand Master, who, he said, would have enjoyed what was an excellent ceremony. He congratulated David on achieving the chair, and on the manner in which it was done, congratulating everyone who had taken part.
Peter was pleased to receive charitable donations in the sum of £200 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and £500 to Ashton Masonic Hall, £250 each to Maggie’s, Wigan and Leigh Hospice, the Stroke Society and Willowbrook Hospice, £100 each to the Brick, Queen’s Court Hospice and the Stroke Association, and £375 to Claire’s ADHD, making an incredible total of £2,375.
Borough Lodge being renowned for friendliness and enjoyment and a love of fine food and drink, what followed came as no surprise. In excess of 70 brethren sat down to a superb festive board that followed a superb ceremony, with cod mornay, coq au vin, crème brûlée and a nice selection of cheese, all washed down with fine wine, not to mention two kegs of real ale gifted by the members of the lodge. The atmosphere was lively and friendly, with Paul O’Brien singing the Master’s Song in his own inimitable style with musical accompaniment from Frank Laird.
The new WM, David, is a light blue Mason, and has served in each of the floor offices on his way to the chair. He is looking forward to a busy year as the lodge grows in number and there is no doubt that the lodge is in good hands moving onward and upward.