Arthur John Brogden Lodge No 1715, which meets at the Grange Masonic Hall, was the setting for the installation of Paul Hardy. Paul is a past master of Norcliffe Lodge of Good Hope No 6937, part of the North Fylde Group and is a joining member of Arthur John Brogden lodge.
Unfortunately, WM Brian Ogden was suffering from ill health and was unable to be present. However, a highly experienced and capable installing master was found in the person of Chris Band who occupied the chair and opened the Lodge.
The principal guest, Philip Preston, was accompanied by grand officers David Grainger, Rowly Saunders, Allan Jones and vice chairman of the Furness and South Lakeland Group Chris Gray. The Acting Provincial officers were Steven Murray, Steven Ellershaw and Andrew Baxter. Upon entering the lodge, Philip said he had been looking forward to the installation for some time.
Paul was presented to Chris to receive at his hand the benefit of installation by Ian Curwen. As Paul had already taken the chair on a previous occasion, it was a shortened ceremony but Philip later commented it was a joy to watch Chris install Paul. The tools of an installed master were presented by John Wood.
John also later sang for his supper and gave a fine rendition of the Master’s Song at the festive board. The working tools were another highlight with Mark Hadwin presenting the third degree tools, Nigel Higginson presenting the long version of the second degree tools and Tim Horsfall, (a fairly recent addition to the membership at Grange and an avid visitor around the group) presenting the first degree tools.
Nigel Higginson was again busy when he gave the address to the new WM. Andrew Baxter carried out the address to the stewards and Philip Preston addressed the brethren of Arthur John Brogden Lodge. When the ceremony of installation was completed, Paul presented Philip with cheques totalling £1,350. This included £450 to the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £300 to Lily’s Costa Rica Conservation trip, £250 to St Mary’s Hospice, £150 each for the British Heart Foundation and Riding for the Disabled and £50 to the Grange Christmas Tree Appeal.
Following the ceremony the brethren retired for a three-course festive board, during which a raffle raised £380 for Masonic charities. Everyone present echoed the sentiments of both WM Paul and principal guest Phil, in sending heartfelt best wishes to Brian Ogden, the immediate past master of the lodge.
