On a beautiful and sunny day, the Province of West Lancashire marked VE day at St Anne’s Church in Blackpool. For this extra special occasion, Provincial, lodge and chapter banners were allowed to be paraded. This created a very colourful and rather spectacular procession, with two important purposes. Firstly, a celebration of VE day, there was also a solemn duty as those present remembered those who took part in the Second World War of 1939-1945.
Starkie Lodge No 1070 has a particularly distinguished history in Southport, having been consecrated in Fleetwood on 14 November 1865 with its mother lodge being Lodge of Concorde No 343. The VE Day also strikes a particular chord, as many of the lodge’s first members were soldiers and sergeant instructors from the Army School of Musketry at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood. Ian Jolly, Secretary of Starkie Lodge, had been given the honour of carrying the lodge banner at this year’s VE Day parade, a task he performed with the upmost dignity and solemnity.
The parade began with the banners forming a line of honour for the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews, who entered and took his seat. There then followed a splendid service lead by Rev Canon John Hall, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, remembering all those who suffered during the war. The Provincial Grand Master, after reading Micah 4.1-4, later lit a candle in memory of all those brothers who gave their lives during World War II.
Barry Thompson played the Last Post and Reveille, before the National Anthem was played and the blessing made. The banners then paraded out escorting the Provincial Grand Master, drawing a close to the service. Thanks are due to all at St Ann’s Church for allowing the use of their church and for the service and the amazing tea, coffee and cakes afterwards. Freemasons, and Starkie Lodge brethren, continue to honour the greatest generation and the sacrifices they have made. Never will they be forgotten.