On a warm evening at the far reaches of our Eastern border the cream of the Province escorted W.Bro. G. Gary Parker A.Prov.G.M. to see Bro. Martin Dickens join our wonderful order.
The Lodge was opened in due form and W.Bro. Mark Holland Prov.G.D.C. got the escort team in order who entered the lodge with the usual pomp and swagger.
The gavel was offered by the W.M. W.Bro. Eric Hinchliffe (who did an excellent job as he was suffering from severe back pain) to Gary, which was politely and quickly returned.
Martin was balloted for and approved in open lodge and the ceremony of Advancement began. The candidate was expertly led around the lodge by the S.D. Bro. Ashley Cox and ably aided by the J.D. Bro. Andrew Rich. The ceremony went extremely well conducted by the W.M. All the officers involved did what we do best in Mark Masonry and delivered their rolls with aplomb but, with a hint of humour. I have to say though there was a hint of sweat on the brow of the S.D. when trying to prevent the J.W. inflicting the ancient punishment on the candidate! Special mention goes to W.Bro Charles Lindsay for the signs and secrets and W.Bro Ken Beaumont for the addition to the Apron and The Working Tools, I also thought Bro. Ashley Cox S.D. was excellent as I believe he had just recently been invested as S.D.
After the ceremony of Advancement was completed the candidate Martin was invested as Assistant Almoner of the lodge. Two Grand Lodge Certificates were then presented by Gary to Bros. Ashley Cox and Darren Johnson.
Settling down to the Festive Board the National Anthem was sung, and all the toasts were given, the usual speeches went very well, especially the one to the candidate. Gary thanked Mark for Looking after him. W.Bro. Edward Wilkinson’s response to the visitors’ toast was as they should be – short and entertaining.
After “Happy Have We Met” we trouped off into the warm evening night of Goole having had another night of Mark Masons fellowship which cannot be beaten anywhere.
With thanks to
W.Bro. Terry Sweet
P.Prov.G.Stwd.