March winds and April showers, bring forth May flowers, as the saying goes, heralds the arrival of warm weather and sunshine. What better excuse to have than a trip to the seaside resort of Blackpool, not to bask in the warm weather, a seaside ice-cream and the golden sands, but to enjoy the spectacle and occasion of Provincial Grand Lodge, in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool in May.
A large contingent of Gladstone Group brethren travelled by train, car, coach and any other conveyance which would allow them to safely arrive at the Winter Gardens conference centre. There to be welcomed by the very friendly stewarding team arranged by the Mersey Valley Group.
Having completed the registration process and checked-in in good time, the brethren made their way to the many venues open within the Winter Garden, to enjoy a quick drink and a bite to eat before the main occasion began. Having been seated in their allotted spaces and said a quick hello to the many recognised faces, it was time for the main event to begin.
Provincial Grand Organist Stephen Derringer striking up a lively tune as the procession into Provincial Grand Lodge took place. Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, accompanied by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, assistants and followed by other Provincial Grand Masters and assistants of other Provinces, alongside the distinguished guests of other Masonic Orders processed in and took their places on the main stage.
It was pleasing to see so many light blue Masons also process into Provincial Grand Lodge, made up in part by the newly created Gladstone Group Light Blues. Once everyone was seated, Provincial Grand Lodge was called on and all watched the obligation of and investiture of a new Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Frank Umbers. Mark, having previously thanked Phillip Gunning for his services to Freemasonry investing him with a collarette and wishing him a happy retirement following his long service as Deputy Provincial Grand Master.
Following the obligation and investiture of two new Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, Stuart Boyd and David Thomas and other Provincial Grand Lodge business had been attended, the many brethren waited for the appointment and investiture of recipients of acting rank and first appointments. Listening intently for names which may be recognised as members of lodges and chapters of the Gladstone Group.
First up for the Gladstone Group was John Donnelly of Harmonic Lodge No 216, who received the acting rank of Provincial Junior Grand Deacon. Next was Anthony Collins of Lodge of Grace No 6418, swiftly followed by Michael Fox of Adelphi Lodge 6819, who both received acting rank of Provincial Grand Steward.
Recipients of first appointments were then called, James Ramsay, Past Provincial Deputy Grand Superintendent of Works, a member of Centurions of Merseyside Coronation Lodge No 2923. Followed by John Nigel Sage, Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon, a member of Compass Lodge No 7052 who has recently celebrated his golden jubilee, a perfect way to round off such a landmark achievement! Roy John Williams, also of Harmonic Lodge received the same appointment but unfortunately due to work commitments couldn’t attend. Receiving the appointment of Past Provincial Assistant Grand Superintendent of Works was James Iain Turnbull, member of Imperial Sefton Lodge No 680.
Following the address to the brethren by the Provincial Grand Master, the next stage in the proceedings was the appointment and investiture of recipients of promotion. In each case the resplendent colours of the Provincial Grand Stewards were on display, as they collected each recipient and brought them to the Provincial Grand Master.
One of the first called forward was Howard Lloyd, Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden of Athenaeum Lodge of Installed Masters No 9368, followed by Michael Hilton, Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden of Compass Lodge No 7052. Adam Byrne, Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon of Abercromby Lodge No 3699 was next to be called, followed by Robert Menzies of Lodge of Grace No 6418 who was appointed with the same honour.
Having completed the appointments and investiture, and concluded the business of Provincial Grand Lodge, having sung the National Anthem, Provincial Grand Lodge was called off and the distinguished guests, light blue Masons and the Provincial Grand Lodge team all processed out of Provincial Grand Lodge, accompanied by music played by the Provincial Grand Organist.
All those who were dining retired to the conference centre dining rooms, with well over 500 brethren in attendance, Gladstone Group Chairman Paul Storrar congratulated the recipients of acting rank, first appointments and promotions, who were sat at the tables allocated to the Gladstone Group. Having enjoyed a meal of a starter of melon or chicken liver pate, followed by slow cooked sirloin of beef or vegetarian aubergine and mushroom risotto, accompanied by a well-deserved glass of wine, the assembled brethren congratulated all those who had been appointed at Provincial Grand Lodge.
With Provincial Grand Lodge booked for next year already and this time to be held on a Friday, there is no better excuse than to enjoy the occasion and pageantry of Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackpool, and maybe even a trip to the seaside.
