Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax was the principal guest at the installation meeting of Great Marton Lodge No 3985. Current WM Richard Gosling swiftly processed through the items on the summons before a knock on the temple door announced the return of director of ceremonies declaring that Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax demanded admission.
Michael processed into the lodge room accompanied by grand officer John Turpin, supported by Blackpool Group Chairman Stephen Jelly, group vice chairman Bob Marsden and group secretary John Darrell. Along with acting Provincial grand officers David Sangster, Paul Cummings, Alan Barlow, Adam Simpson and Neil Higgins.
Richard Gosling welcomed Michael to Great Marton Lodge offering him the gavel which Michael returned commenting that he is looking forward to an afternoon of enjoyment and ritual. Once salutations had been given the lodge was resumed in the second degree and Richard announced that the next item on the summons was to install master elect Colin Rodgers as master of Great Marton Lodge. Richard invited Ian Watson to occupy the chair of installing senior warden, Peter Maxwell to occupy the chair of installing junior warden and Ian Northwood to occupy the position of installing inner guard.
Matthew Barrow presented master elect Colin to the WM for the purpose of installation. In due course the lodge was opened in the third degree and a Board of Installed Masters was opened and Colin Rogers was installed in the chair of King Solomon. Colin invested Richard with his past master’s jewel, thanking him for everything he has done during his year as master.
The address to the WM was given by Matthew Barrow and the address to the wardens by Paul Bennett. Michael Tax gave the address to the brethren of the lodge. On completion of the installation ceremony, Michael rose to bring the greetings of Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews congratulating Colin on being installed in the chair of King Solomon also thanking Richard for all his hard work during the ceremony.
Colin had the great pleasure of presenting cheques to the value of £2,500. £630 to Trinity Hospice on the Fylde, £1,400 to West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity, £320 to Rosemere Cancer Foundation and £150 to I am Dylan. Michael thanked the brethren of the lodge for raising such a fine amount for deserving causes.
After the lodge had closed, 41 brethren dined at the festive board where a raffle raised a further £451 for the charities. Peter Baldwin sang the Master’s Song accompanied by John Wall.
