On Monday night, the PGM RWBro Alexander Sillars McLaren together with the Deputy WBro John Hartley Smith and both Assistant PGMs – WBros Anthony John Davies and Gerald Noel Howard Young, accompanied by a Provincial Deputation “crossed the border” into West Yorkshire Province territory to visit Uppermill in Saddleworth. It was there at Uppermill Masonic Hall they traveled to visit Union Lodge 171 who meet there under permanent Dispensation.
The occasion ? Not only to support the Provincial Grand Senior Warden of the year (also Lodge Senior Warden) WBro Roger Fielding, but also to witness the Installation of Bro Chris Cunliffe into the Chair of this fine old Lodge. The Lodge was opened in due form whilst the Deputation of 30 attempted to line up outside the door of the Lodge. Now anyone who’s been to Uppermill can probably imagine the scene in the small ante-room – Brethren lining up the stairs, down the stairs – cries of “mind me Banner!” and “watch where you’re putting that Sword!” rang out. Eventually the Provincial DC, WBro Simon Archer managed to get everyone in some sort of order and we made our entrance. (By the way Simon, many congratulations from all of us for your Craft promotion – Provincial DC in Mark AND Craft indeed !)
Following the usual greetings, the Lodge continued with the business of Installation with the PGM presenting the Master -Elect. The Installing Master, WBro Eric Howarth started the Ceremony with WBro Garth Green PGJD taking over for the second half. WBro Howarth subsequently returned to place the Bro Cunliffe in the Chair of Adoniram. As the various Officers were Appointed and Invested, there followed the usual addresses culminating in the address to the Brethren by the PGM.
One of the newly Installed WMs first duties was then to present several cheques to the PGM – £500 to the Mark 2021 Festival, £500 to the ELMBF and £150 towards the Provincial Meeting. An additional £150 was also donated by the Lodge to Oldham Mountain Rescue.
After the Lodge Members and Deputation were relieved of some funds by the Deacons (who collected surprisingly a total of £171 !), the PGM and his team made their exit to a round of applause from the Lodge.
Drinks and much banter followed downstairs and a total of 60 Brethren sat down to dine to a fine meal – starting of course with Uppermills renowned soup. The chatter was loud (there were a few Yorkies in), friendly and lively which the PGM later remarked on in his speech. He went on to mention the Festival and the fact that the Lodge was now the top in the Province for Festival donations and thanked the Lodge for their generosity and hospitality.
£290 was raised at the raffle and to close the evening and get in a bit of practice, the PGM walked away with a further £647 towards the MBF Provincial Team Sponsored walk in London on 6 May !