The lodge was promptly opened at 5:30pm by the acting WM Ron Elliott, due to the long-term sickness of the master of the lodge Colin Robinson. Following the confirmation of minutes and the election of officers, the lodge was raised to the third degree and director of ceremonies Steve Garland retired.
Sterve returned with the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies who announced that David Thomas Assistant Provincial Grand Master, who was accompanied by group chairman Graham Chambers and vice chairman Steven Dunn, along with grand and Provincial grand officers stood outside the lodge and David demanded admission. Following Ron’s warm welcome, the gavel was offered to David, but was on this occasion declined.
After salutations, Ron adjourned to the second degree and fellow crafts were readmitted. Alan Jones and Joe Cox then occupied the senior and junior wardens’ chairs, following which, Nigel Ainsworth was escorted by presenting officers Ian Mackinnon and Arnie Neale to the pedestal to give an audible, passionate and fluent rendition of his obligation. Following the installation Nigel, Ron continued the ceremony as acting immediate past master, with Colin Robinson to be installed as IPM by Nigel at a later date
The installation continued with perfect presentations of the third, second and first degree working tools by Peter O’Donnell, Paul Hanley and Don Fraser respectively. Officers were then invested with several being promoted towards the master’s chair. Paul Hanley became senior warden whilst Harry Huyton was invested as junior warden. The address to the wardens was delivered by Alan Jones. Simon Doherty was appointed inner guard. The address to the master was then given by the tyler Don Fraser in his own uniquely humorous and inimical style, which he himself remarked upon with some modesty as having been quite brilliant.
David Thomas then rose to give a memorable, heartfelt and meaningful address to the brethren of the lodge with perfect pace, emotion and gesture. Prior to David sitting, Nigel rose to present him with seven cheques to the value of £1,600, consisting of two cheques of £400 to Christies Hospital in Manchester and also Crosby Lodge’s Widows, three cheques for £200 for Elsies Story, WLFC and Litherland Masonic Hall and two cheques of £100 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Friends of the Tithebarn. David remarked on the large amount for the lodge to donate which will certainly be appreciated by the eventual recipients.
Following the first rising, alms were collected to the value of £161. The Provincial Director of Ceremonies then rose to form the regression of the Provincial Assistant Provincial Grand Master, grand and Provincial grand officers and guests, who were later joined for casual drinks prior to the festive board following the completion of lodge business.
The newly installed master, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, grand and Provincial grand officers then processed into the dining hall to loud applause. Grace was said by chaplain Roger Holt, followed by several hours of toasting, humour and cheer where friendships were made, acquaintances remade, information exchanged and conversation and laughter resounded throughout. In response to his toast, David gave thanks to his friends and companions, Peter Levick, Roy Pyne, Ian Gee and Brian Cunliffe.
David expressed his gratitude to Graham Chambers, who is to have a well-earned rest from his successful role as the group chairman for over the past seven years, whilst vice chairman Steven Dunn is to now take on the role. He also gave thanks to Gary Thornhill as group and lodge secretary for his enduring organisational skills. He also congratulated the installing master Ron Elliot for his heartfelt and well-rehearsed installation ceremony and hoped that he enjoys his well-deserved rest following two years as master and a further year as acting master.
There then followed the Master’s Song, led with entertaining skill by Don Fraser, with the customary chorus joined in by all and the traditional mutual toasting. In response Nigel thanked the brethren for their hard work rehearsing for the installation and he also thanked the brethren for accepting their offices and all representatives and guests for a well-attended festive board. He finally reported that the raffle had raised £207.
Honours were then given and Nigel had the pleasant duty of presenting gifts of flowers to David and Graham, and also a bottle of gin each for Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies David Boyes and his assistant Greg Pinnington. The evening drawing on, the tyler’s toast was then given by Don Fraser, following which all departed in good spirits, harmony and peace.
