It might be third time in the chair for Chris Wilson, but there was something different about White Hills Lodge No 5209 at their installation meeting. The comradery and togetherness of the lodge members was an infectious glow that filled the room and engaged their visitors and guests.
Having moved their meetings to the West Lancashire Provincial Office, White Hills Lodge brethren are back in Leyland, and they are determined to bring the lodge back to its former glory. White Hills Lodge was thrown out of sync in 2024 when they lost both their senior and junior wardens to work commitments taking them aboard.
Albeit a big blow to the lodge, every credit to its members, including its newer brethren who have been a fundamental part of the lodge’s success, and under the strong leadership of Chris are now in a great position to move forward together back in Leyland.
Representing the Provincial Grand Master was Mike Pinckard PProvSGW, who was accompanied by group chairman David Bishop and White Hill Lodge’s own member, secretary and acting Provincial Senior Grand Warden Mark Humphrey was also present.
The ceremony was delivered very well and the working tools from Neil Bramwell, Rob Millwood and Mike Hillyard were presented brilliantly and with good understanding. Mike Pinckard gave a gracious address to the brethren of White Hills Lodge and the address to the master and wardens was equally as good.
Before closing the lodge, Chris presented a cheque for £500 to Mike for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity and it was noted that the lodge had already donated a total of £2,861 throughout the year. These were a further £486 to WLFC, £150 to the Food Bank Appeal and £2,225 to Derian House, which was raised at the lodge’s charity night at Leyland Golf Club. Mike gave thanks to the brethren of White Hills Lodge for their very generous donations.
The festive board was a buffet style, with a starter of cold meats, cheese, bread, pies and pickle. Followed by an Indian style curry with naan bread and rice, this was finished off with homemade white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the festive board and the evening ended after the Master’s Song was sung by Kevin Langshaw, who delivers an impressive and different version of the song.