Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge No 3854 in the North Fylde Group has certainly been working hard to support the membership strategy. In April 2026, Will Hodge joined his father, past master David Hodge, in a fine ceremony of initiation. Immediately following the recess, the lodge has been busy practising for the initiation of a colleague of both Will and David’s, food technology teacher Sam Holmes.
With almost 30 brethren in attendance, including visiting officer and vice chairman of the North Fylde Group, John Topping, the lodge room at Cleveleys Masonic Hall was buzzing with eager anticipation as the meeting got underway with lodge veteran John Liversidge at the helm as WM. The normal lodge business was efficiently managed and well supported by secretary Peter Rumley and treasurer David Hodge. The ceremony of initiation for Sam Holmes commenced under the experienced management of director of ceremonies Mark Tomlinson, ably supported by assistant director of ceremonies David Wright.
A superb ceremony was undertaken with Jason Davidson skilfully undertaking his duties as junior deacon. Commendable performances of ritual were given by light blues Chris Noden at the north-east corner, Les Entwistle with the first degree working tools and Arthur Juni delivering the antient charge. The brethren were very impressed with a quite unusual and extremely interesting presentation of the white gloves delivered by assistant group mentor Danny Whalley, who later went on to present Sam Holmes with his welcome pack from the North Fylde Group. Throughout the ceremony it was a delight to hear the organ music of the very talented Leonard Jolley, which added that extra dimension to the evening.
The brethren were kept up to date with the health of the members and widows when almoner Roger Lloyd-Jones spoke of his home and hospital visits. The WM thanked Roger for his continued hard work.
John Topping brought greetings on behalf of himself, Eric Peat and all the Provincial officers present, congratulating all those involved with a superb ceremony of initiation and he wished Sam Holmes a long and happy membership of the lodge. John praised the work of the light blue lodge officers who delivered their respective ritual with such skill.
The festive board was a lively and interactive gathering. Chaplain Ian Taylor gave a blessing and later returned thanks in a most spiritual manner. The meal was a delightful two-course menu which was enjoyed by all.
David Hodge proposed the toast to Sam Holmes and spoke of Sam’s work as a food technology teacher and how, through his work as a teacher, he inspires young people to be the best they can be. Sam responded in great form and thanked everyone for their work in bringing him into the lodge and promised to give his best to the lodge and North Fylde Group.
The festive board was further enhanced by the presence of one gentleman to dine at the festive board. Ashley Evans is a working colleague of John Topping. John had no idea that Ash had made enquiries to join Freemasonry and had already progressed to this stage. Everyone wishes Ash good luck when he will be initiated at the October 2026 meeting of Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge.
Charity steward Mark Spragg conducted a raffle which raised in excess of £200. Lodge tyler Gordon Ivett was summoned by the sound of a double gavel given by the WM, to deliver the tyler’s toast, which he did with his usual commanding presence and powerful voice, which brought to a close a very successful and enjoyable evening for the brethren and visitors of Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge No 3854.
