Ballot for 12 joining members

Peter Schofield, WM of Wilderswood Lodge No 5932 was in the enviable position of overseeing a ballot for 12 joining members at a regular meeting of the lodge. As might be expected the result of the ballot proved resoundingly in favour. Peter said after the meeting there are another three joining members in prospect!

Turton Lodge, an East Lancashire lodge, used to meet at a hotel on the outskirts of Bolton and for a number of years had held its ladies’ evenings at Ridgmont House. With the closure of Turton Lodge, Ian Birch, who was WM at its closure, joined Wilderswood Lodge in April 2009.

In September this year, lodge member Charlie Boardman contacted Dave Harrison, secretary of Wilderswood, with the news that some of the former members of Turton Lodge would like to join Wilderswood. Things moved quickly and resulted in the unprecedented spectacle of a dozen new members joining the lodge together at the same meeting.

Assistant Provincial Grand Master Ray Martland said the evening was very enjoyable and special as he welcomed the 12 new members to West Lancashire. Group chairman John Robson congratulated Peter Schofield and his team on a unique ceremony and added his welcome to the new West Lancastrians on behalf of the Chorley Group.

Pictured left to right, are, back row: Paul Snape, Antony David, Geoff Jones, Charlie Boardman, Jim Bradley, Ray Martland, John Robson, Paul Mullineaux, Jim Whittam and Alan Byers. Front row: Don Vinten (Senior Warden), George Fildes, Pete Schofield (WM), Dennis Holt and Ian Birch (Junior Warden).

Members of Wilderswood Lodge No 5932