West Lancashire Century Lodge No 2349 held its installation meeting at Cleveleys Masonic Hall, where a large gathering of members and visitors assembled to witness the installation of Dr Rob Sims into the chair of King Solomon. 30 visiting brethren joined the officers and members of the lodge, bringing the attendance to 41 and providing an excellent level of support for what proved to be a memorable evening.
The lodge was opened by the WM, Niall Coxey-Stoker, who conducted the regular business of the lodge efficiently before preparations began for the principal ceremony of the evening. During the course of the meeting, the brethren received various correspondence, approved the lodge accounts and unanimously proposed Mr Ryan Johnston as a candidate for initiation.
A particularly poignant moment occurred when Glen Jackson delivered a heartfelt eulogy to Bob Sims, father of the master elect. The tribute was received in respectful silence as the brethren stood to order in memory of a much-respected Freemason whose influence had touched many, both within the lodge and beyond.
The ceremony attracted the support of a distinguished Provincial deputation led by Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas, accompanied by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master Harry Cox, North Fylde Group Chairman Eddie Wilkinson supported by various acting Provincial grand officers. On entering the lodge, David was warmly welcomed by the WM and, following tradition, was offered the gavel of the lodge. After expressing his appreciation and offering a few well-chosen remarks, he returned the gavel and invited the lodge to continue with its proceedings.
For the installation ceremony itself, Glen Jackson occupied the chair of installing senior warden, Steve Willingham that of installing junior warden and Cameron Afzal the position of installing inner guard. Rob Sims was presented to the WM by Peter Willingham, a member of Asshaw Lodge No 6849 and a personal friend of the master elect.
Having assented to the Ancient Charges and Regulations of the Order and taken the necessary obligation, Rob was installed into the chair of King Solomon in a sincere and accomplished manner by the outgoing WM. The ceremony was conducted with confidence and dignity, reflecting the dedication and preparation invested by all involved.
Following the installation, the traditional sequence of working tools was delivered throughout the various degrees by Mark Stevenson, Matthew Ashworth and Tom Smalley, each making a valuable contribution to the ceremony.
The newly installed WM then appointed and invested his officers for the ensuing year, expressing his confidence in the team that would support him during his term of office. The addresses to the master, wardens, deacons and brethren of the lodge were delivered by Steve Willingham, Shaun Haynes, Glen Jackson and David Thomas respectively, each contributing to a fitting conclusion to the formal installation proceedings.
In responding to the ceremony, David conveyed the greetings and good wishes of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. David also congratulated the immediate past master, the director of ceremonies and all those brethren who had taken part in the evening’s work for the high standard achieved throughout the ceremony.
David was presented with details of the lodge’s charitable activities during the previous year, which amounted to £2,065 which benefited a range of local and Masonic causes, including Sign Hi Say Hi, the North Fylde Food Bank, Woodlands School, Cleveleys Masonic Hall and the West Lancashire Masonic Charity Fund.
The almoner’s report provided updates on several brethren and family members currently recovering from illness or medical procedures, whilst conveying their good wishes to the newly installed WM.
Before the close of the meeting, the brethren were informed that forthcoming meetings would include the raising ceremonies of Robbie Sims and Tom Smalley, together with the initiation of Ryan Johnston in December 2026, a programme that demonstrates a strong, healthy and growing lodge. Updates were also given regarding lodge social events and wider charitable initiatives within the North Fylde Group.
At the risings, greetings were received from grand officers, Provincial grand officers and the visiting brethren, all of whom congratulated the WM and those who had participated in the ceremony for the excellent standard of work demonstrated throughout the evening.
The meeting was closed in peace and harmony, after which the brethren retired to enjoy an excellent festive board. A fine meal of mushroom in Dijon sauce was followed by steak and Stilton pie, before being rounded off with lemon tart and clotted cream.
Rob Sims proposed the formal toasts and thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the evening, together with the many visitors whose presence had helped make the occasion so memorable.
In responding to the toast to the grand officers, David, a talented raconteur renowned for his humorous speeches and entertaining anecdotes, first thanked the WM for the toast and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he had received from the brethren of West Lancashire Century Lodge. He also thanked Shaun Haynes for the considerable work undertaken in preparation for the installation meeting. David went on to congratulate Shaun and Ian Fell on their forthcoming promotions at the special meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on 27 November 2026 and wished them every success in their new appointments.
David paid tribute to all those who had taken part in the ceremony and remarked particularly on the encouraging number of light blues involved in the evening’s proceedings and holding office within the lodge.
He also congratulated Niall Coxey-Stoker on a highly successful year in office and extended his best wishes to Rob for a happy, successful and enjoyable year in the chair of King Solomon.
Niall proposed the toast to the newly installed WM, after which Steve James delivered the Master’s Song in his customary style. A Chorley auction followed and was well supported, raising £237 for charitable causes.
As a token of appreciation, the brethren of West Lancashire Century Lodge presented David with gifts for both himself and his wife, Paula. David received an engraved glass tankard bearing the inscription ‘Grandad’, a particularly fitting tribute as he had recently become a grandfather, whilst flowers were presented for Paula.
Following the Tyler’s toast, delivered by Gordon Ivett, the formal proceedings of the evening came to a close. With the principal guests having retired, the brethren gathered in the bar for further refreshment and fellowship, bringing to an end a highly successful installation meeting marked by dignity, excellent ritual, warm companionship and strong support from across the Province of West Lancashire.
