Blackpool Lodge No 1476 is one of the oldest lodges on the Fylde coast, being the daughter lodge of Clifton Lodge No 703. The consecration took place at the Clifton Arms and Pier Hotel opposite Blackpool’s famous North Pier in 1874. The first master of the lodge was Ralph Landless, also known as Red Ralph on account of his red hair.
Blackpool Lodge took its name from the Borough of Blackpool and the founders of the lodge selected the old coat of arms of Blackpool as their crest and incorporated in the crest the town’s motto of ‘Progress’. Alderman Tom Bickerstaffe, whose brother, Alderman Sir John Bickerstaffe, was the founder of the Blackpool Tower Company, was initiated into Freemasonry and Blackpool Lodge during 1885 and was installed into the chair of King Solomon in 1891.
Fast forward to the present day to witness WM Darren Clemson install senior warden and master elect Andrew Bradshaw into the chair of King Solomon. Darren opened the lodge and dispensed with the general business of the afternoon and swiftly moved on to the highlight of the year. The installation of Andrew Bradshaw as master of Blackpool Lodge, the installation of a light blue Mason as master for the second time in a row.
With a knock on the temple door came an announcement that Past Assistant Provincial Grand Master David Randerson requested admission. David processed into the lodge room accompanied by grand officers Giles Berkley, Roger Perry and Keith Beardmore. Along with Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group vice chairman Bob Marsden and group secretary John Darrell. Supported by acting Provincial grand officers Provincial Grand Mentor Ray Lamb, Provincial Senior Grand Deacon David Sangster, Provincial Junior Grand Deacon Paul Cummings and Provincial Grand Steward Chris Hardingham.
Once the formalities had been completed, Darren invited Lee Martin to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, Chris Hill to occupy the chair of installing junior warden and Roy Rhodes to occupy the position of installing inner guard.
Peter Smith had the great honour of presenting Andrew Bradshaw to Darren Clemson for the purpose of installation. A Board of Installed Masters was duly opened and Andrew was installed into the chair of King Solomon by Darren in fine ancient tradition, as masters of Blackpool Lodge have been for over 150 years. Andrew’s first task as master was to present Darren with the jewel of immediate past master with an explanation of the jewel by Luke Bodenham.
The working tools of a master Mason were presented by Darron Clarke, the working tools of a fellow craft Freemason were presented by David Booth and the working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason were presented by David McFarlane, all three being light blue Masons.
Then came the appointment and investiture of the lodge officers. Lee Martin presented and explained the jewels of the senior warden, Chris Hill presented and explained the jewels of the junior warden. David Sangster gave the address to the deacons and Chris Hardingham gave the address to the stewards. The address to the master was given by Bob Marsden, the address to the wardens by John-Paul Lovie and the address to the brethren of the lodge by David Randerson.
That being the cue for the director of ceremonies Ray Lamb to declare the conclusion of the ceremony of installation. David Randerson then rose to convey the greetings of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, David continued by congratulate installing officer Darren Clemson on the way he installed his successor Andrew in such a fine manner. David also congratulated director of ceremonies Ray Lamb and all those brethren of the lodge who had taken part in the ceremony. Especially the light blue members of Blackpool Lodge.
Andrew had the great pleasure of presenting to David Randerson a list of donations made various charities during the previous year. Which included £500 to RNLI, £400 to Streetlife, £400 to Blackpool Masonic Hall building fund, £500 to Trinity Hospice on the Fylde, £750 to Prostate Cancer Research, £750 to Helping Hearts, £500 to Blood Bikes and £682 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. A magnificent grand total of £4482. David thanked Andrew and the brethren of Blackpool Lodge for raising such a fine amount for deserving causes. Andrew then returned to the summons and the remainder of items on the summons were completed and the lodge was closed.
Once everyone had retired from the lodge room, a few well-earned drinks were consumed at the bar before the brethren took their seats at the festive board, enjoying a fine meal of prawn cocktail starter, home-made meat and potato pie with mashed potato and seasonal vegetables and ‘tipsy’ trifle for dessert.
The usual wine takings were undertaken and the speeches commenced. David Randerson thanked the senior warden for the toast to the grand officers and for associating his name with it. Going on to say that it is a delight to have the company of so many grand officers. David also thanked group chairman Stephen Jelly for the invitation to represent the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews at Blackpool Lodge installation. David went on to talk about the upcoming Blackpool Group dinner, an event that all Masons can attend. David went on to say what a delight it was to see a light blue Mason installed as WM, informing Andrew that he has no doubt he will be a superb master of Blackpool Lodge as there is plenty of work being planned for the forthcoming year, but Andrew will have the continued support of everybody in the lodge. David proceeded to talk about Provincial Grand Lodge and the Provincial Ball at Bolton. Concluding with references to recruitment and retention and the need to recruit good men to be Freemasons, something Blackpool Lodge is very good at.
Darren Clemson rose to deliver the toast to new WM Andrew Bradshaw, informing the brethren that it has been a privilege to be master of Blackpool Lodge for the past year, but feeling safe in the knowledge that Andrew will continue to maintain Blackpool Lodge’s high standard. Darren went on to say that he and Andrew have been friends for many years, both enjoying holidays and nights out that definitely tested their stamina, but with plenty of laughter. Darren concluded his toast by wishing Andrew a successful, memorable and enjoyable year. Peter Bowden then sang the Master’s Song accompanied by lodge organist Grant Thornburrow.
Andrew responded to the toast to his health by thanking Darren for his kind sentiments, feeling grateful he didn’t elaborate on their holidays and nights out together. Andrew also thanked David Randerson for being at his installation meeting as David was also present at his initiation ceremony seven years ago. Andrew continued by thanking everyone for attending the installation meeting and making it such a wonderful day.
