It was a good turnout of members and guests for the installation of Ray McAuley into the chair of King Solomon of Arrowhead Lodge of Freedom No 8500 at Ashton Masonic Hall. Phil Gunning, Deputy Provincial Grand Master, was the principal guest for what was to be his last official engagement in the Wigan Group, as he is to step down at the 2024 Provincial Grand Lodge.
All the brethren wish Phil a happy and well-deserved retirement after many, many years of service to the Province and Freemasonry in general. Phil was accompanied by Assistant Provincial Grand Master Malcolm Bell, fellow grand officer Barry Dickinson Provincial Grand Communications Officer, John Selley Wigan Group Chairman and supported by acting Provincial grand officers John Reynolds Provincial Senior Grand Deacon, Kim Lyon and Ray Parr, both Provincial Grand Stewards. Directing proceedings was Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies Rob Fitzsimmons.
WM David Hatton conducted the initial business of the lodge, and before receiving the distinguished guests thanked the members for all the support, they had given him during his term of office. He had enjoyed a fantastic term and thanked everyone not only for their support in the lodge and after proceedings, but also on the social front. Paul then went on, with the assistance of lodge members, to install his successor.
Phil was treated to a delightful ceremony. David performed an excellent installation ceremony and Ray was put into the chair in fine style. The new WM is a light blue who has passed through all the offices to reach this elevated position. The team were ably led by director of ceremonies John Barnes and assistant Paul O’Brien. Other brethren of the lodge taking part included Rod North, who presented the new WM, Terry Dickinson as installing SW, Geoff Westhead as installing JW and George Calderbank remaining as IG.
Paul O’Brien, Steve Calderbank and master Mason Mathew Coles presented the working tools in the three degrees impeccably, and Denis Skett gave address to both deacons. Finally, Alan Rowley delivered the address to the new WM, Terry Dickinson to the wardens and Phil Gunning, for the last time in the Wigan Group, to the brethren of the lodge., Ray looked extremely comfortable in the chair as he appointed and invested his officers.
Once complete, it was Phil’s cue to rise and bring greetings on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, who he said, would have been greatly impressed with the quality of the afternoon’s work and brought congratulations to both the new and installing masters. Phil went on to give further congratulations to all those who had taken part. In particular he saw fit to single the installing master David Hatton for what he described as a remarkable ceremony, and the brethren responsible for delivering the working tools. Cheques for £500 each, (£1,500 in total), were presented to Phil on behalf of the lodge to be given to; The Brick, Wigan Hospice and Derian House. This, said Phil, was a remarkable donation to three very worthy causes, and thanked the lodge, on behalf of the eventual recipients, for their generosity.
A fine festive banquet followed in a wonderful atmosphere, with great food and wine. To see a short video clip of Phil’s entrance to Arrowhead Lodge of Freedom festive banquet at Bryn Masonic Hall, 
. Phil responded to the toast to the grand officers by thanking everyone for a very special ceremony and festive board which he had thoroughly enjoyed. He spoke of his imminent retirement and how he had really enjoyed his Freemasonry and urged everyone to make enjoyment of our wonderful institution a priority.
Phil also urged everyone to attend the upcoming Provincial Grand Lodge in Blackpool and reminded all that the Province was providing free testing for prostate cancer prior to the meeting, which all attendees were entitled. This was a subject really close to his heart, and he related his own story of his encounter with this dreadful condition.
Following a toast to the new WM, Paul O’Brien entertained everyone with the musical rendition of the Master’s Song, in his own inimitable style, accompanied by Frank Laird. Following much clinking of glasses and lively banter, Ray responded for the first time as leader of Arrowhead Lodge of Freedom. Ray stated that he was somewhat overwhelmed by the experience and it all hadn’t sunk in, but he was looking forward excitedly to his new role and would endeavour to do his best and uphold the fine traditions of the lodge.
And Phil Gunning, as an experienced and talented clay pigeon shooter, can reflect on his parting shot within the Wigan Group with pride and happy memories to take with him into retirement. Good luck Phil, we’ll miss you.
