Wayne takes over at Anchorsholme Lodge

Wayne Beacher was installed as the new WM of Anchorsholme Lodge No 5854 in a well attended ceremony, described by APrGM Terry Hudson who officiated, as “splendid and delightful.”

Terry congratulates new WM Wayne and Cliff for a job well done.

Terry had for company a galaxy of Grand and acting Provincial Grand officers which included North Fylde Group Chairman Harry Cox. Harry, who is himself a member of Anchorsholme Lodge, later remarked in his response on behalf of his colleagues how proud he was that the day had gone so well.

One of the men who deservedly basked in the praises being lavished was immediate past and installing Master Cliff Boynton who very confidently saw to it that Wayne was well and truly installed in style in front of the 91 members and visitors who had attended to witness the ceremony held at Cleveleys Masonic hall.

Lodge DC Tony Hough, who himself received plaudits for the way in which he had rehearsed his team, presented Wayne to his predecessor. Cliff breezed into action as Frank Hayes took post as installing senior warden, Ron Newton acted as installing junior warden and Eddie Braithwaite stood in as the installing inner guard.

As the ceremony unfolded three of the lodge’s self-styled ‘Spice Boys’ (who all share the same office at work) faultlessly presented the working tools. Attracting commendation for the part they played in the proceedings was Terry Murtagh, who explained the third degree tools, Mike Moran for those of the second and Danny Walker for those of the first degree. Harry Cox gave the address to the wardens with Terry addressing the brethren.

Anchorsholme Lodge’s members and many visitors enjoy the installation festive board.

After Cliff, with a smile of satisfaction, (and some relief) announced: “WM that concludes the ceremony of your installation,” Terry rose to bring the greetings of the PrGM and to say that the he had expected nothing less than a super performance from such a fine lodge as Anchorsholme.

He went on to congratulate Wayne on his new role as WM, Cliff on his performance as well as the other officers who had taken part. He said he had particularly enjoyed the repartee which passed between incoming and outgoing treasurers Ron Newton and Brian Vaughan, with exotic holidays for treasurers being mentioned.

Terry thanked the lodge for its generous donations to good causes particularly a cheque for £1,000 for the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity. Other local charities such as Donna’s Dream House received £300, Brian House, £300 and the RNLI £300. He said too that the lodge had previously given Cleveleys Masonic hall a boost for work in progress of £1,540.

At the very convivial and sumptuous festive board which followed Terry spoke of the “wonderful ceremony in the lodge room” and how much he had enjoyed it. He went on to speak of the work of the WLFC, giving examples of how it helped both Masons and the local community, making emphasis that, “Our own charity has only us to rely on for support.” He said he was surprised to have been informed that many lodges in the Province never contributed towards WLFC.

The end of a happy evening as Wayne presents Terry with a floral bouquet to take home as DC Tony Hough looks on.

He spoke too about the progress which had been made generally in looking after Masonic halls across the Province and that Cleveleys was a prime example of best practice, due mainly to the efforts of hall chairman Tony Hough and his executive who were ahead of schedule in the improvements planned for Cleveleys. Terry also made mention of the highly successful proactive approach Anchorsholme had made in recruiting new members which would ultimately see the lodge in fine shape for the future.

In his first address to the lodge and its many visitors Wayne thanked Terry for his kind words and said how much he was looking forward to joining his brother Masters on the North Fylde circuit. He presented floral tributes to several members of the lodge for their hard work in making preparations for the installation and also asked Terry to take a bouquet home to thank Sonia for allowing him ‘out’ to attend Anchorsholme Lodge.