In a packed lodge room at Blackpool Masonic Hall, the members of North Shore Lodge No 7916 and their guests awaited the arrival of two Assistant Provincial Grand Masters. Those being their own lodge member, Michael Tax and his colleague David Thomas, who was the principal guest for the evening.
With the early lodge business completed, it was time for Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, Greg Pinnington, to enter the lodge room and inform the WM Jordon Potter that Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Thomas demanded admission. Jordon was pleased to welcome this distinguished guest, who was supported by a strong contingent of grand officers and acting Provincial grand officers.
Foremost of the supporting team was Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax, followed by Past Assistant Provincial Grand Masters David Randerson and Duncan Smith, grand officers John Lee, David Edwards, Keith Jackson and Ryan Modlin. They were accompanied by Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly. acting Provincial grand officers attending were: Provincial Assistant Grand Sword Bearer Kevin Byrne, Provincial Grand Mentor Ray Lamb, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon Jonathan Davies, Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies Anthony Smith, Provincial Grand Standard Bearers Chris Keogh and Chris Thompson, Provincial Grand Stewards Stuart Flynn, Andrew Greenlees and Sir Peter Roscow.
Salutations were led by Greg Pinnington to Michael Tax and David Thomas, after which, Michael introduced David to the brethren as the principal guest, then further salutations were given to David Randerson and Duncan Smith.
With the formalities completed, WM Jordon invited Tony Lea to occupy the chair of King Solomon as installing master. Tony then invited Neil Higgins to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, Robert Marsden to occupy the chair of installing junior warden and Ormorod Green to occupy the position of installing inner guard. The master elect, Kevin Jones, was then presented for installation by Paul Potter and Tony proceeded with the opening address, he then invited master elect, Kevin, to approach the master’s pedestal and recite his obligation.
Tony Lea conducted the installation ceremony in fine style and once Kevin had been installed, the address to immediate past master Jordon was delivered by Mike Shakespeare. The working tools of an installed master were presented by Len Jolley, the working tools of the third degree were presented by Mike Shakespeare, the working tools of the second degree were delivered by Paul Potter and the working tools of the first degree were delivered by Tony Browne.
Michael Tax presented the Warrant of North Shore Lodge, Book of Constitutions and a copy of North Shore Lodge by-laws to Kevin. Michael also delivered the address to the master with the poise that seems to single out rulers of the Craft. He was followed by Len Jolley who delivered a polished address to the deacons. The address to the inner guard was delivered by Ormorod Green, then David Thomas delivered an excellent address to the brethren of the lodge.
Salutations to new WM Kevin Jones in each degree were led by Jordon Potter, who on the completion of the installation and with visible relief, advised the WM that the ceremony of installation was complete, which was the customary cue for the principal guest to convey greetings from Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews who had sent congratulations to the new WM and wished him good health for the coming year.
David then congratulated all those who had taken part in the delivery of a fine ceremony and praised the work of the director of ceremonies, Ray Ashton, for his guidance of the brethren throughout. These sentiments were echoed later by Mark Holloway on behalf of the Provincial grand officers. Before David sat down Jordon Potter presented him with a list of donations that the lodge has made to charities totalling £2,690. The charities were: Lytham Sea Cadets, Blackpool Sea Cadets, Blackpool Carers, 7th Blackpool Scout Group, 5th Blackpool Guides, Trinity Hospice, Myeloma UK, One Fylde, Lancashire Mind and Blue Skies Cardiac Centre. David thanked the lodge members for this amazing generosity
At the end of the ceremony the final items of lodge business were concluded and the lodge was closed in peace and harmony after Ian Fell, WM of New Sanctuary Lodge No 6604, had congratulated the lodge on a splendid installation ceremony on behalf of all of the guests. The brethren then retired to the bar and then to the banqueting suite for the festive board where they enjoyed a fine feast of chicken liver pate, followed by chicken supreme with seasonal vegetables and a sweet of sticky toffee pudding, completed by coffee and mints.
Responding to the toast to the grand officers, David Thomas delivered a hugely entertaining speech during which he congratulated Michael Tax on his appointment to Junior Grand Deacon of United Grand Lodge of England, also congratulating Ryan Modlin on completing his year as Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies of United Grand Lodge of England. He also thanked his fellow grand officers for their support and he completed those thanks with kind words for Greg Pinnington and the other acting Provincial grand officers.
David continued by thanking the Blackpool group executive, Stephen Jelly, Bob Marsden and John Darrell for the work they do and he also praised Neil Higgins, the new regional charity steward, on his appointment. David also thanked the lodge secretary, John Guest, for his hard work in arranging such an excellent meeting with over 60 attendees present. He added that all the brethren who had taken part in the ceremony had done a fine job and congratulated the new WM Kevin and wished him a wonderful year in office. David concluded with the parish notices in which he mentioned the Royal Arch, membership, Masonic halls and charity.
The evening ended on a very charitable note with £338 being raised from the raffle in which many members had donated prizes. The WM then presented David with flowers for his wife Paula and a bottle of Southern Comfort for himself as thanks for attending the meeting. The festive board concluded with Matthew Baldwin proposing the tyler’s toast in fine style.
