Despite enforced last-minute changes the installation of Ian Broomfield into the chair of Vale of Skelmersdale Lodge No 8719 was an excellent affair. The master of the lodge, Clifford Boynton, could not attend due to illness and was therefore substituted by David Woods, the immediate past master and Philip Dickinson later took the chair to install the Master Elect.
The lodge was honoured by the presence of Colin Jenkins, Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, representing the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Mathews. He was supported by his fellow grand officer Malcolm Alexander and two acting Provincial Grand Stewards namely Keith Lindsay and Dave Paton and Ormskirk and Bootle Group Vice Chairman Steven Dunn.
David, on behalf of Clifford, thanked the brethren of the lodge for their support throughout the year. David then asked Kenneth Meath if he would assist the lodge and occupy the senior warden’s chair, while Graham Radford occupied the chair of junior warden and Mike Dutton was asked to continue in his role as inner guard for which he’d volunteered only five minutes before the meeting began.
Ian Broomfield recited his obligation perfectly, and the three younger brethren who presented the working tools; Ronald Dutton the third degree, Nicholas Turner the second degree and Lee Harkin the first Degree were perfect in their delivery. Fred Hargreaves presented the warrant and the address to the new master and Kenny Meath presented the address to the wardens. While stand in Mike presented the address to Nicolas Turner the new inner guard.
As is the custom at their Installations, the lodge crest was explained referencing the red rose for Lancashire, a miner’s lamp for the past industrial history, wavy lines representing the River Tawd and the links with the sea and Liverpool. This is topped with an oak tree representing strength and new life and the overall symbolical design of the crest serves to take the lodge from the past, through the present, and forward to the future.
After the ceremony, Colin Jenkins took the opportunity to bring sincere greetings from Mark Mathews and made a point of congratulating all the participants, especially the light blues who had presented the working tools.
At the festive board, Colin brought his own personal greetings and reminded the assembled brethren about the Provincial Ball and the Provincial Grand Lodge which would be taking place at the Blackpool Winter Gardens on 5 May. He thanked Steven and the acting officers for their attendance and support. He went on to emphasise the importance of looking after our new and younger brethren within the lodges and highlighted the light blue clubs which are now meeting on a regular basis. Colin went on to state that our order, as the oldest, largest, non-religious and non-political charitable organisation required our ongoing support of lodge events and the continued support of our Masonic halls lest we might return to meeting in pubs again!
