An excellent evening was enjoyed by all the brethren at the ceremony of installation of Bernard Ashley, who once again was installed in the chair of King Solomon at Antient Briton Lodge No1675 by John Fegan. John has previously been WM no less than eight times in several other lodges in his Masonic career.
The installation ceremony was held at the Liverpool Masonic Hall, Hope Street in the company of Rob Fitzsimmons, the representative of the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews with 43 brethren in attendance.
The lodge was opened in due form by the installing master John Fegan. The lodge director of ceremonies Roy Cowley then announced that Rob Fitzsimmons was outside the lodge and requested admittance. Rob was admitted and was accompanied by other grand officers; Roy Ashley and David Johnson, the Liverpool Group Chairman.
Bernard, having been presented as master elect was duly installed into the chair of King Solomon for the ensuing year by John. Roy Ashley assisted in the ceremony by taking the chair of the senior warden, George Rowe assisted by taking the chair of junior warden and Eric Palfreyman assisted as the inner guard for the purpose of the ceremony.
The address to the master was delivered by Roy Ashley. This was followed by the address to the lodge brethren by Rob Fitzsimmons. George Flinn gave the address to the wardens. The working tools at the Board of Installed Masters was delivered by John Whalley, the first and third degree working tools were delivered by Andrew Beddeson and the second degree working tools were delivered by Russell Mundy,
Rob then brought the personal greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews to the WM and a special mention to the installing master John for conducting an excellent ceremony and the brethren acting as principal officers.
Robb was pleased to accept the charitable donations made by the lodge during the year, which went to; West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity £100, Claire House £100, Food Bank Appeal £100, Antient Briton Widows £150 and Walton Trauma Centre £100. A fantastic amount of £1,000. Rob stated that it would be greatly appreciated by all the recipients and thanked the brethren of the lodge for their very generous donations.
After the lodge was closed, all the brethren then retired for a festive board in the main banqueting room, with the meal consisting of mushroom and tarragon cod mornay, gammon steak and chunky chips, followed by cheese and biscuits. The festive board consisted of many toasts, much laughter and excellent company.
In his response to his toast, Rob spoke about membership, retention and the West Lancashire charities, but most importantly, that of enjoying Freemasonry. He gave mention to the excellent work carried out by everyone taking part in the ceremony.
