The Winter Gardens in Blackpool, was once more the venue for the meeting of Provincial Grand lodge on what was possibly the hottest day of the year so far. More than 1,200 Masons from West Lancashire and other provinces, assembled to watch Provincial Grand Master Tony Harrison and his Provincial team open a very well-rehearsed meeting directed by Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies Keith Kemp and his team of assistants.
Pictured from left to right, are: John Donnelly, Patrick Kent and Ian Walton.
Once Provincial Grand Lodge had been opened, there then followed what for 378 recipients was the most important part of the ceremony, the appointment and promotion to their Provincial office.
Bill Culshaw, group chairman looked on in pride as Gladstone Group were fortunate to have no less than five acting officers invested and collared on the day. Patrick Kent of Imperial Sefton Lodge No 680 was re-appointed as PrDGReg. Ian Walton of Liverpool Mercantile Lodge No 4319, appointed as PrJGD. John Donnelly of Harmonic Lodge No 216 appointed as PrAGSuptWks. Finally, two Provincial Stewards were appointed, Mathew Casson of University Lodge of Liverpool No 4274 and Paul Storrar of St George’s Lodge of Harmony No 32.
Other members of Gladstone Group who received first appointments, past ranks were, Simon Jones of Cecil Lodge No 3274, appointed PPrSGD. Thomas Smith of Adelphi Lodge No 6819, appointed PPrJGD. Harry Binks of Compass Lodge No 7052, appointed PPrAGDC. Graham Dunn of King David Lodge No 7256, appointed PPrAGSwdB. There were two promotions for deserving Provincial grand officers, Charles Owen JP of Harmonic Lodge No 216 promoted to the rank of PPrGSwdB and James Eckersall of Compass Lodge No 7052 promoted to the rank of PPrGSuptWks.
A full and comprehensive report on the day’s proceedings can be viewed by clicking on the link below and visiting the web page;- http://www.westlancsfreemasons.org.uk/a-special-day-for-378-brethren-at-prgl/
Pictured from left to right, are: John Donnelly, Ian Walton and Patrick Kent.