Wednesday 12th of February 2025 and a fantastic turn out for a special night at Fearnley.
The main reason was to Advance yet another two candidates for Fearnley with W.Bro. Colin Knightly and Bro. Richard Paul Evans, the candidates. Interestingly it said on the summons ‘To hopefully receive one of the Provincial Rulers’. Details were not available at the time the summons was issued. But, perhaps no surprise, the Ruler present was none other than R.W.Bro. Alan Oldfield Deputy Provincial Grand Master. A fitting night for Alan’s final official visit before his retirement at the end of February. It is Alan’s own lodge and quite rightly things worked out for him to finish on a high at his home lodge.
W.Bro. Chris Oldfield was the acting Worshipful Master for the night having taken on the role with just two weeks’ notice. Unfortunately, W.Bro. Mark Kenyon, the Worshipful Master, was recovering from recent surgery. Whether Chris was press ganged or volunteered is unknown, what is known is that he did an absolutely first-class job in advancing Colin and Richard. You would think he had bought special glasses, so the text ran seamlessly in front of his eyes but no, it was simply dedication and hard work that saw him run and complete a great meeting. Congratulations to Chris and all at Fearnley.
Alan had an escort of officers from the West Yorkshire Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge No.2018 and was of course welcomed and offered the gavel by his brother Chris. Alan briefly took it, saying it would be the last time it was offered to him officially and that he had enjoyed eight super years as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and that it was rather fitting it be offered in his own Lodge.
A great Festive board with lots of fun and of course the famous Fearnley pie on offer.
Alan welcomed both Colin and Richard to Fearnley and to the order thanking them for joining Fearnley, presenting them both with a sesquicentenary token.
He also gave a brief history of Fearnley and how the Province was formed and that the first Provincial Grand Master for West Yorkshire was from Fearnley as was the Secretary, Wardens etc etc. Perhaps he said this would finally put to bed the claim from his very dear friends at Old York Lodge of M.M.M. T.I. that they were the Premier Lodge and that it was in Fact Fearnley who was the Superior Lodge in the Province.
A fun evening with many tributes given to a great man who has given over twenty years’ service in various senior roles in the Province. We look forward to seeing you around the Province where you will be made most welcome, even at Old York T.I.!
Welcome to our wonderful order now Bro’s. Colin Knightly and Richard Paul Evans now Mark Master Masons.
With thanks to
W.Bro. John M. Fitzpatrick
P. Prov. G. Stwd.