Brethren and their guests assembled in the lodge room at Blackpool Masonic Hall to witness master elect John Chapman being installed in the chair of King Solomon at the installation meeting of Fraternal Lodge No 4531. WM Umesh Dholakia opened the lodge and dispensed with the general business of the day.
On a report, the director of ceremonies announced that grand officer Stuart Thornber, representing the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews requested admission. Stuart processed into the lodge room accompanied by Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly and grand officer John Porter. They were supported by acting Provincial grand officers David Sangster, Paul Cummings, Alan Barlow and Neil Higgins.
Umesh welcomed Stuart Thornber to Fraternal Lodge, hoping he and his colleagues would have an enjoyable day. Once salutations had been given to deserving brethren, the lodge was adjourned in the third degree and resumed in the second. Umesh invited Sir Peter Roscow to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, David Brumwell to occupy the chair of installing junior warden and Bob Bennett to occupy the position of installing inner guard.
John Chapman was presented to WM Umesh by Geoff Etheridge and after all those below the rank of an installed master had left the lodge room, a Board of Installed Masters was opened and John Chapman was installed in the chair of King Solomon according to ancient custom by Umesh Dholakia assisted by John Haines.
The third degree working tools were delivered by John Houghton, the second degree tools were delivered by Geoff Etheridge and the third degree tools were delivered by Dennis Mackay. The address to the new WM was given by Geoff Etheridge, the address to the wardens by Martin Haines and Stuart Thornber gave the address to the brethren of the lodge.
On completion of the installation ceremony, Stuart Thornber rose to bring greetings from the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, thanking everyone for the work done this afternoon. John Chapman had the immense pleasure of presenting Stuart with cheques to the value of £1,250 for deserving causes. Which included £200 to Brian House Children’s Hospice, £100 to Masonic charities, £300 to the Masonic Club Building Fund, £250 to Red Marsh School, £200 to Rosemere Cancer Foundation and £200 to Angel Elite Community Dance. Stuart thanked the brethren for their kind and generous donations.
After the business of the day had finished, 38 brethren retired to the dining room for a fine banquet and exceptional company where a raffle raised a further £204. The Master’s Song was performed by Aaron Long accompanied by Jim Coupe.
After a few drinks, wine takings and toasts, the brethren headed for home with the sentiments expressed at the head of the lodge summons fresh in their thoughts; ‘Brethren how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell in unity together’.