The old saying: ‘If you need something doing ask a busy man” was again proven to be true when the members of Lodge of Fidelity No 1256 installed Nigel Walker as their master for the third time. As is usual for this fine old lodge an excellent evening ensued, both in the lodge room and at the festive board.
The lodge was opened by the master John Wright, who promptly dispatched the administrative business and the treasurers report was brief and to the point. These duties being dealt with, the director of ceremonies David Eaves, retired to form the parade for the representative of Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison to enter the lodge. On this occasion the representative was Daniel Crossley, the Provincial Grand Senior Warden. He was supported by grand officers James Woods and Ian Ward, the South Fylde Group Chairman John Robbie Porter and other Provincial grand officers.
Having welcomed these distinguished guests into the lodge, the master proceeded to appoint his installing officers. Ian Ward assumed the installing senior warden position, Philip Watson assumed that of junior warden and Lewis Johns acted as installing inner guard. Philip Watson then presented the master elect, Nigel Walker, who recited his obligation in respect of his duties as master of the lodge. He was then installed into the chair in an excellent ceremony with the support and assistance of the other installed masters present.
A short break followed and on resumption the brethren saluted the new master in the three degrees and the working tools were expertly delivered by David Eaves, Geoff Fogden and Brian Chesworth. Nigel then appointed and installed his officers for the ensuing year and this was followed by the customary addresses. After Ian Ward had expertly handed over the post of senior warden to Geoff Fogden, the new incumbent, Philip Watson delivered the address to the WM in fine fashion. This was followed by a polished address to the wardens which was delivered by Richard Anderson. The ceremony was concluded by Daniel Crossley, with an excellent delivery of the address to the brethren of the lodge.
Daniel went on to convey the greetings of the Provincial Grand Master and congratulated Nigel on being installed into the chair for the third time. He also praised John Wright for the delightful manner in which he had conducted the whole ceremony. He also made mention of the amount of work that had been done by the lodge secretary, Chris Tittley, and the director of ceremonies, David Eaves and particularly congratulated Philip Watson on his address to the WM.
Before sitting down, Daniel was pleased to receive cheques totalling £1,300 for the following: West Lancs Masonic Charities £500, the almoner’s fund £200, North West Blood Bikes £200, Brian House £100, Fylde Sharks £100, Rosemere Cancer Foundation £100 and Cancer Research £100. He also announced that previous charity donations made during the year had totalled £785. In all, the lodge had donated the sum of £2,085 during a very trying period in its history, which was a very commendable achievement.
With the ceremony of installation completed the remainder of the lodge business was dealt with and the lodge was closed by the new WM. The brethren then retired to the banqueting suite for a hearty meal and the customary toasts. In response to the toast to the Provincial grand officers, Daniel Crossley thanked the grand officers and South Fylde Group Chairman John Robbie Porter for their support. He also expressed his thanks to Provincial Grand Steward Kevin Byrne for his attendance to lead the parade into the lodge.
Daniel went on to thank David Eaves, the lodge director of ceremonies for his hard work in choreographing the ceremonial side of the event. He also praised lodge secretary, Chris Tittley, for his work on the administration, adding that much information had been provided to him prior to the meeting. He also said: “Well done to the brethren who took part in the ceremony including Philip Watson who had completed several tasks during the ceremony.” Daniel also expressed his admiration for the brethren who had explained the working tools in such a fine manner. In all, it had been a really excellent ceremony of the highest calibre.
Daniel mentioned Nigel’s history of dedication to others, which included his army service, his work in the scouting movement, his talent as a musician, including the list of major events that Nigel had played at during his army career. Also mentioned was Nigel’s work in the North West Ambulance Service and that he was studying for an honour’s degree.
The key messages from the Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison covered in Daniel’s speech included membership strategy and the ‘Membership Pathway.’ The trend towards business and training via Zoom meetings. Membership of the Royal Arch. The MCF 2021 Festival results for which Daniel conveyed particular thanks from Tony Harrison to all lodge and group charity representatives for all their hard work. Daniel also mentioned the Masonic support for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. He concluded by wishing Nigel the best of health and success during his year in office.
John Wright proposed a very warm and generous toast to the WM, which was followed by the master’s song, ably performed by Harry Waggett, a guest of the lodge. The master then responded to the toast to his health by thanking many brothers who had assisted him and the lodge over the years. He also encouraged the members to look forward and to carry the lodge to a successful future. The evening’s proceedings were then ended in traditional style with the final toast proposed by the lodge tyler, Brian Chesworth, with his usual calm aplomb.